Victorian costumed participants brought 1881 into focus during three days of events at Audley End House and Gardens.

Side-saddle riders and cavalrymen leapt and galloped across the grounds for the Victorian Gymkhana Games, cheered on by the crowd at the Riverside Arena.

The Victorian Cavalry showed off an impressive range of skills and tactics.

And birds of prey soared through the air above the Picnic Lawn before landing on the gloved hand of a falconer.

Participants learned more about the horses in the Stable Yard, saw how military horses were made ready in full military kit, and chatted to the groom, saddler and wheelwright.

Later this month on September 25-26, Audley End House and Gardens is hosting an Apple Festival.

There are over 150 apple varieties in their kitchen garden. There will be tours, demonstrations and live music.


In pictures: The 2021 Victorian Horses at Audley End event

Saffron Walden Reporter: Victorian Cavalry displayed skills and tactics within the Victorian Horses show at Audley End House and GardensVictorian Cavalry displayed skills and tactics within the Victorian Horses show at Audley End House and Gardens (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: A side saddle rider tackles a jump as part of the Victorian Gymkhana Games at Audley End House and GardensA side saddle rider tackles a jump as part of the Victorian Gymkhana Games at Audley End House and Gardens (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Side saddle riding for the Victorian Gymkhana Games at Audley EndSide saddle riding for the Victorian Gymkhana Games at Audley End (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Skills and tactics by the Victorian Cavalry at Audley End House and GardensSkills and tactics by the Victorian Cavalry at Audley End House and Gardens (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Falconry on the Picnic Lawn at Audley End House and GardensFalconry on the Picnic Lawn at Audley End House and Gardens (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: An owl on the Picnic Lawn at Audley End House and GardensAn owl on the Picnic Lawn at Audley End House and Gardens (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: A bird of prey display at the Victorian Horses at Audley End eventA bird of prey display at the Victorian Horses at Audley End event (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Victorian Cavalry display their skills at the Riverside Arena at the Audley End House and Gardens eventVictorian Cavalry display their skills at the Riverside Arena at the Audley End House and Gardens event (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Meeting one of the horses at the Victorian Horses at Audley End eventMeeting one of the horses at the Victorian Horses at Audley End event (Image: Saffron Photo 2021)