The Jerez Horse Fair

Our trip to Jerez coincided with the annual Feria del Caballo, a major annual spectacle that takes place in May (May 5-13, 2018), when thousands gather in the 13-acre Parque González Hontoria to see the finest horses in Andalusia. Decked out with elaborate bridles and headpieces festooned with colorful pompoms, the horses parade along carefully arranged avenues. Their riders are immaculately dressed in matching outfits and the flat-topped hats characteristic of the region; they sit with perfect posture, one hand on the reins, the other placed nonchalantly on a hip, exhibiting an elegant hauteur. I have never seen such beautiful animals, all perfectly shaped and muscled. The avenues of the fair are lined with casetas, booths for light or full meals, many of them sponsored by sherry houses.