Country Dancing and Native American Teepees at a Chateau

We recently went to a horse show at the Chateau de Beaumesnil. Normandy has a long tradition of thoroughbred horse racing and elite horse competitions. Even beyond these competitions, many local farmers have horses, cows and donkeys on their land.  The girls were thrilled to see the horses and see the horse show except we are also experiencing a bit of a heat wave on this side of the Atlantic.  We had to be a little creative in cooling off as air conditioning is not common in many parts of France.

Strong and sturdy Percheron horses

I think the most amusing part of the show was what I would call the “American corner,” where they had country dancing with American flags and all and the Native American section where they had actual teepees, decorations, face painting and storytelling. Who would have thought that we would get a dose of American culture at a horse show in a chateau in Normandy? But then again, there was a moment when we were at a remote area in the Philippines earlier this summer where a mariachi-type band sang “Oppa Gangnam Style” and “Call Me Maybe” for us. I am telling you, the world is getting smaller, my friends!

Inspired by the horse show, girls before their riding lessons