Prairy "Des Flocons"

Let's explore this region together on horseback and by carriage. This year, the EquiRencontre will be held in Ittre, Walloon Brabant, attracting participants from all Walloon provinces, Flanders, and neighbouring countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany. Some will arrive on horseback after several days of travel, while others will transport their mounts by lorry or van to explore the region before joining the event.
A network of routes adapted for riders to reach the EquiRencontre venue
Exploring Walloon Brabant on horseback also means immersing yourself in a rich heritage. Castles, isolated chapels, old farms and landscapes shaped by centuries of agriculture punctuate the journey.
With its numerous country roads, forest paths and agricultural roads, Walloon Brabant offers a network of routes particularly suitable for trail riding. Several marked circuits already exist, but the trail-riding spirit is to discover lesser-known paths that connect picturesque villages to protected natural areas. The relief of Walloon Brabant is characterized by alternating gentle hills, winding valleys and open agricultural plateaus. For riders coming from the Flemish plains, the transition to the valleys of the Dyle and Lasne will offer more hilly terrain, sometimes requiring careful management of the horses' pace. Those arriving from the Ardennes will have to adapt to a more open cultivated landscape, where hedges and sunken lanes recall the bocages (farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees) of yesteryear.
The ruins of Villers-la-Ville Abbey offer a striking setting for a cultural break, whilst the Lion's Mound of Waterloo reminds us of the region's historical importance. Don't miss La Hulpe Castle, surrounded by its magnificent gardens and the vast Solvay estate, ideal for a bucolic stop. The Hottomont tumulus site, a relic of Gallo-Roman times, intrigues with its mystery and offers a superb panorama of the surrounding countryside. Finally, the charming village of Melin, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, beckons you to make an authentic stopover, between white stone buildings and rolling landscapes.
The Canal in Ittre, This historic canal connects Brussels to Charleroi and offers beautiful landscapes along its banks. Thanks to the towpath, which is perfect for a peaceful ride, you can follow the canal on horseback and enjoy the tranquillity of the water. As the kilometres go by, the goal is also to reach a meeting place with other trail-riding enthusiasts. The province boasts a number of equestrian relay points and informal gathering spots. They are often located near rural inns, equestrian farms or lodges adapted for horses and their riders.
A territory shaped by history, a heritage to explore but above all to preserve!
Participants from abroad will thus be able to discover the lands that saw the greatest armies of Europe clash in 1815. The Napoleonic campaign profoundly marked the region, notably through the development of new strategic roads, the reorganization of farmland to support the war effort and the destruction of some villages during the battles. Today, these events have left visible traces in the landscape, such as the vast clearings resulting from former battle zones and the establishment of paths that have become major arteries of Walloon Brabant. These remnants offer a fascinating dive into history along with the pleasant tranquillity of today’s paths. This historical and natural richness enhances the appeal of trail riding and underscores the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations. By connecting riders and drivers and promoting the discovery of the territory, trail riding/driving in Walloon Brabant becomes much more than a simple leisure activity.

"Thanks to you, riders and drivers, an initiative to enhance rural paths and develop environmentally friendly equestrian tourism can help preserve these precious spaces."