L ’Ecole de Saumur in France
I have always been passionate about horses and when I first heard about L’Ecole de Saumur, I felt I had to find out as much about it as I possibly could. I had read a short article about this tremendous place and had the good fortune of meeting a horseman who had actually been trained at this particular school. Le Cadre Noir is the peak of perfection in horsemanship and to be accepted into this school is a very great honour indeed.
As we know the French introduce such style into everything they do and when you glimpse the uniforms of Le Cadre Noire, you cannot help but be impressed. The first time I ever saw one of the ‘cavaliers’ I was truly taken by the sight and it left a wonderful impression in my mind.
France is so full of fairytale castles and the Chateau de la Loire is the home to L’Ecole de Saumur. It stands out as one of the most beautiful I have ever seen because it is truly spectacular and set in the most perfectly kept grounds that are designed to enhance everything to do with horses.
L’Ecole de Saumur
Deep in the Loire, a region of France which is known for its’ lush countryside, L’Ecole de Saumur is worth visiting not just for its splendour but also for the marvellous equestrian events which are held here throughout the year. The immaculate presentations and the magnificent horses are for me a pure joy to behold. There is nothing like this anywhere else on earth.
The history behind this marvellous institution is one which is as much a fairytale as the castle itself. It is no wonder that L’Ecole de Saumur is known as “La plus belle Ecole du Monde” which translated means the most beautiful school in the world.
If you ever have the opportunity of visiting this wonderful place and witness the amazing feats that rider and horse achieve together, then you are in for one of the best exhibitions of horsemanship you will ever witness. The pure power of the horse and the partnership of rider and mount is something that is to be not only admired but wondered at too.
Le Cadre Noir
The strict code of the Cadre Noire has to be respected as being one of the oldest traditions in a country where these are considered to more than just important, they are a way of life. I had the privilege of seeing one such exhibition and I went cold at the splendour of the occasion, I had shivers down my spine as I watched the tremendous feats of both rider and horse. The silence in the audience was almost tangible as the display took place.
Of all the wondrous things we discover in this fascinating country, L’Ecole de Saumur for me ranks as one of the most splendid. France is steeped in history and this superb location is a step back in time to when man and beast were truly united as one.