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[blank]Normandy is green, anyone who has visited can tell you that. Our grass is long and lush and it makes ideal horse country.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, in deepest Normandy is to be found the Versailles of the horse world, the national stud farm called the Haras de Pin.[blank]
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[blank]Built in the 18th century at the request of King Louis XIV, the Haras was designed to produce the best horses, then sent back to Versailles to the Royal Stables, or to be used for military officers.[blank]
[blank]At its height of production just before the French Revolution, the Haras housed almost 200 stallions of different races.[blank]
[blank]Today the Haras du Pin, is still regarded as a reference in French breeding and serves horse breeders throughout the country.[blank]
[blank]Visitors are welcome at the stables, and every Thursday there is a show in the beautiful 18th century courtyard.[blank]
[blank]Next year, Normandy will be home to the International World Equestrian Games, and the Haras du Pin will be the venue for the eventing competition. I certainly hope to get along and watch some of the best bits![blank]
[blank]If ever you find yourself in the Middle of Deepest Normandy, and would like to see some local colour, then check out the Haras du Pin website You can visit the stables of course, and watch their show, but also get inside the château.[blank]
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12 comments
My town, Lexington, KY hosted the International Equestrian Games two years ago. It was a lot of fun entertaining the world here. Too bad that my husband and I didn't know about this place when we bicycled through Normandy last year.
Beautiful place and wonderful horses ! 🙂
Oh that sounds amazing! If we ever get to France, I would love to see that!
Nancy
Lucky horses to live here!
Oh, la, la! The Roi Soleil had such exquisite taste! And smart!? The man was brilliant! (I'm a fan; can you tell?) I've always thought the king's management of his nobles was positively genius.
Beautiful horse in a beautiful setting. Thanks!
What a venue. What an amazing place to visit.
My ears perk up when I see and hear horses, my favorite animal. These horses would be such a delight to see. I would have new horses to paint of which I adore to do. Thank you Sharon for sharing this.
Quel superbe endroit ! Ma fille qui pratique l'équitation adorerait s'y rendre, un peu loin pour nous qui vivons au Vietnam.
Je vous découvre et vous lis tous les jours avec beaucoup de plaisir, vos petits reportages sont bien conçus et très intéressants et parlent merveilleusement bien de notre beau pays.
Vos deux animaux de compagnie complices et coquins cadrent bien dans le décor.
Merci pour ces beaux partages.
Nathalie
Bonjour,
Ces derniers jours, je cours… je suis très occupée et j'ai manqué plusieurs de vos publications !
Je me suis rattrapée aujourd'hui en passant un excellent moment avec vos billets.
Vos photos sont merveilleuses… Je suis séduite par cette Normandie que vous décrivez si magnifiquement bien. J'ai la chance de m'y rendre très souvent en faisant un crochet lorsque je vais visiter mes enfants en Bretagne dans le Finistère Nord.
gros bisous à vous
It is an amazing place to visit. How i wish i could go there.
Thanks for sharing this. I was lucky enough to visit the stud farm when I was just a girl. Wonderful experience that spurred my passion for horses. Love the old post cards. Such treasures.
Dear Sir/Madam
WE ARE IN TRADE OF EXPORTING OF HORSE SADDLES AND ACCESSERIES(tack-Horse Saddle, Horse Leather / non Leather Halter, Stirrups, Bridles, Reins, Bits, Harnesses, Martingales, BreastPlates, Lead Rope, Saddle Bags.) OF HORSE USE WE GET GOODS MANUFACTURED OF TOP INTERNATIONAL QUALITY OR AS PER CUSTOMER DEMANDS OR TAILOR MADE REQUIREMENTS. WE ARE IN NEW DELHI, INDIA.
E-MAIL – horsetackindia@gmail.com
SKYPE – rajesh.sharma640
MOBILE – +919811201332, +919999955816
IF YOU HAVE ANY ORDER OR NEED ANY ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT US
THANK YOU
WITH REGARDS
RAJESH SHARMA