Immerse yourself in the biggest French events around the world of western competition!

L’Authentic’s fête cette année son 23e anniversaire au ranch Randals bison. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

This Thursday, July 18, the 23rd edition of the Authentic Cowboys began in Lanuéjols, in the Gard, the biggest French western riding event for sorting livestock on horseback.

Welcome to the Wild West of Gard! Imagine a scene straight out of a cowboy movie: intrepid riders, galloping horses, and a breathtaking setting on the edge of the Cévennes natural park. This is what the 23rd edition of Authentics Cowboys offers, the largest cattle-sorting western riding event in France, which is being held at the Randals bison ranch in Lanuéjols from July 18 to 21.

Ranch sorting requires great concentration. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

A high-level equestrian competition

In the heat of July, the adventure began this Thursday morning with the ranch cutting test. The principle ? Prevent a cow from returning to the herd, solely through the skill of the horse, trained to anticipate and direct the movements of the cattle. Among the riders present at the start, Nathan Balembois tried his hand at the discipline, under the watchful eye of his father Laurent, manager of the Randals bison ranch. On the track, advice flies: “Don't turn your back on the cow”, or again “higher on your mount”. Satisfied with his horse, Nathan's performance was above all a foretaste of the ranch sorting, the flagship competition of the event where, with his brother Théo, they represent the colors of the Balembois family.

Then came the moment that everyone was waiting for. At around 2 p.m., theranch sorting electrified the audience gathered around the various "pen"(“enclosure” in English). This time, the riders work in pairs and must transfer ten numbered cows from one enclosure to another as quickly as possible. The teams, coming from all over Europe, followed one another with palpable tension. The prize is the tidy sum of 10,000 euros.

Nathan Balembois must prevent the cow from returning to its herd. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Show guaranteed this Sunday

But the Authentics Cowboys is not just a high-level equestrian competition. It’s also a real celebration, where young and old can marvel at the prowess of the riders. As tradition dictates, this Saturday, July 20 in the evening, the ranch will light up for a big evening with, on the menu, grilled bison with flambadou. Enough to delight the 500 guests who join the banquet each year.

Since its creation twenty-three years ago, the Authentics Cowboys have attracted enthusiasts from all over the world. France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands are represented, proof of the international scale of the event. Each year, around a thousand people come to watch the different events and embark on the fascinating world of western riding. For the most curious, the finals scheduled for this Sunday promise a high-flying spectacle, where the skill and complicity between riders and horses will be in the spotlight. To your mounts!

Competitions organized at the Randals bison ranch in Lanuéjols until Sunday July 21. Free entry to the public. Contact: 04 67 82 73 74.