Every year, the noble Haflinger horses (affectionately called ‘blondes’ because of their golden mane) gather at the Meran racecourse. At around 10 a.m., there’s the traditional participants’ parade from the town centre to the racecourse, featuring horses and riders in festive costumes. In the afternoon, the horses compete in various races and age categories over a distance of 1,600 metres. The individual entries, musical and dance group performances, and ‘goaßlschnellers’ (whip cracking experts) all create a colourful supporting programme. At 17.45 the exciting final will take place and the fastest Haflinger in the region will be chosen. Tip: Norbert Rier (singer in the Kastelruther Spatzen folk music band) is an enthusiastic horse fan and Haflinger owner and regularly attends this event.