On 16 and 17 September 2026, the Longines-Deauville international equestrian centre, in the Calvados region, hosted the fifth edition of the Normandy Horse Meet'Up. This professional trade show, organised by Pole Hippolia, the Conseil des chevaux de Normandie and EquuRES, brings together the players of the equine industry every year around networking sessions, conferences and demonstrations.
A show with an international focus
For this edition, the organisers chose to step up the support offered to the professionals present and to widen the show's reach on an international scale. The stated goal: to make it easier for French and foreign industry players to work together, whether breeders, vets, trainers or equipment suppliers, according to information reported by Usine Nouvelle on 28 September 2026.
A packed scientific programme
The scientific side of the show featured 17 conferences, covering fundamental topics for the health and welfare of the horse. Among the themes addressed: the horse's back, reproduction, animal welfare and the effects of climate change on breeding and training practices. These conferences give the show a technical dimension, useful for professionals looking for up-to-date knowledge.
Demonstrations and practical workshops
Beyond the theoretical exchanges, the show put the emphasis on practice. More than 70 technical and themed demonstrations punctuated the two days, rounded out by six practical workshops. These highlights allowed for professional encounters and business exchanges between exhibitors and visitors.
Free admission that broadens the audience
New for this 2026 edition: admission became free for visitors, excluding the colloquium and the evening event. According to Newestern, this free entry allowed the public to discover 110 exhibitors as well as around sixty activities and demonstrations, a figure close to the one put forward by Usine Nouvelle. This pricing move no doubt helped broaden the audience, beyond the strict circle of the professionals who usually attend the show.
In its review published on 30 September 2026, the Federation des Conseils des Chevaux described the event as a "real success", underlining the positive momentum of this fifth edition for the equine industry in Normandy and beyond.
What the industry takes away
The Normandy Horse Meet'Up confirms its place among the leading professional gatherings for the French equine industry. The combination of a solid scientific programme, hands-on demonstrations and easier access for the general public outlines a format that could inspire other events in the sector in the years to come.
