If you had to choose just one site to visit in order to unders-tand the close connection that exists between Normandy and its horses, it would have to be Le Pin National Stud Farm.
Built between 1715 and 1730 under orders from Louis XIV, this insti-tution, nicknamed “the Versailles of the equine world”, is a won-derful place for visitors to gain an understanding of the exceptional equine, historical and cultural he-ritage in the heart of a busy do-main.You can take a guided tour of the Stud Farm and explore a discove-ry trail which will provide answers to any questions you might have. Art exhibitions and film pro-jections, odes to a passion for horses, are also organised here.Why not take a ride on an electric bicycle to explore the domain or let the horses lead you on a carriage ride?
Do not miss the trip to the blacksmiths’ school where you can see the forge and discover a thousand-year old profession. The saddlery school, which has produced thousands of the best saddle-making artisans who work for the top leatherwork houses in France will also open its doors to you for an inspirational demonstration of leatherwork.
The Stud Farm also hosts re-sident artists who, alongside the workers at Le Pin, present riding displays as well as freestyle shows. On Le Pin Thursdays, you will be able to watch a wide range of displays across a num-ber of disciplines. Freestyle dis-plays, dressage, acrobatics and show jumping make this show a nicely rounded presentation of the equestrian arts. A presentation of driving teams in the courtyard concludes the displays in elegant fashion. Saddling up in such an exceptional setting is an unforgettable experience for child-ren, who are sure to find a mount to suit their size.
Going on a horse ride around such an exceptional site is a wonderful experience, both for children, who will have no pro-blem finding an appropriately sized pony, and adults who will have the opportunity to ride one of the Percheron horses that are typical of the Stud Farm, in the show arena? Take a ride on one tonne of pure gentleness!
The agents of the stud farm can go even further and help you ex-perience their day-to-day acti-vities by welcoming you into the stables before the gates open to the public and giving you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at this exceptional site. Set your alarm very early in the morning to help grooming the horses and, once the stables have been swept, you can take part in the horse training ses-sion. You can choose what you want to do according to your wi-shes and your experience: horse driving, groundwork exercises or riding in the arena. The kind of programme that will encourage young riders or bring childhood dreams back to life.
Aside from this exceptional heritage, Le Pin National Stud Farm hosts major equestrian events throughout the year. It notably has a legendary cross-country course that was the scene of the three-day event as part of the World Equestrian Ga-mes in 2014. Amateur and professional show jumping competitions, three-day events, breeding, side-saddle riding, endurance, or horse teams: more than 100 days of competition ensure that there is a highly diverse schedule. You can head to the different areas of the domain if you want to watch these events, which are open to the public, and find out more about all of these disciplines. Among all of these dates, there are certain must-see events providing a marvellous spectacle.
Aside from this exceptional heritage, Le Pin National Stud Farm hosts major equestrian events throughout the year. It notably has a legendary cross-country course that was the scene of the three-day event as part of the World Equestrian Games in 2014.
Amateur and professional show jumping competitions, three-day eventing, breeding, side-saddle riding, endurance, or horse teams: more than 100 days of competition ensure that there is a packed and highly diverse schedule. You can head to the different areas of the domain if you want to watch these events, which are open to the public, and find out more about all of these disciplines. Among all of these dates, there are certain must-see events providing a marvellous spectacle.
A little detour to La Bergerie Racecourse will delight fans of bucolic settings. Is it the period architecture, the original stands that were a shooting location for the film Coco Before Chanel or the peace and quiet of the clearing? There is something timeless in the atmosphere of this wonderful racetrack nestled in a hollow in the woods. Although you can wander around the site all year round, race days bring with them a particular atmosphere, bringing the stables back to life. A real gem
Photo credit : Agence Dollar
Ils soutiennent le Conseil des Chevaux de Normandie
