The more than one hundred years old Goose Neck Festival, written about it at the beginning of the XIXth century, is always an expected event in Arfeuilles ! It may seem barbaric in the 21st century, but it should be seen as a true Fête Patronale and a performance for the riders and their mounts
The day before the traditional torch-lit retreat followed by fireworks kicked off the festivities; in the early afternoon driving demonstrations showed the dexterity of the crews interspersed with the Bard Band and the strolling musicians.
At 5pm in the main street in front of the church of the Xiè l'Ecurie des Bergers, located in Lapalisse, with some of its riders who were officiating a little earlier, mounted their magnificent draught horses for the long-awaited performance. The Percherons, Comtois among others, brought their power so that the riders, with their trained swords, could slice the necks of the 5 geese hanging upside down in turn
There are several difficulties to succeed in this exercise, starting with leading his horse to the gallop, giving the sabre blow on an animal with his blow reinforced with paper and wire
The large audience, under the sun, with the brass band to greet each performance could applaud at each passage.
The day ended with the Potée Dancing and the free ball.
