This week many of us have marvelled at Charlotte Dujardin's wonderful control of her horse Valegro in the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. But did you know that the event is being held at one of France's most visited sites, the National Stud at Le Pin (Haras National du Pin).
The 600 hectare estate was chosen by Louis XIV to improve the royal stables and was developed over the next few decades into what has been described as the Versailles of the Horse. Every equine aspect is catered for: breeding; smithy; saddlery; veterinary etc. The lush Normandy grazing was found to be much better than the poorer land around St Leger, where the original stud was sited.
Today the flagship of the National Stud is a major tourist attraction, with over 500000 visitors a year. As its website says "why not pay Le Pin a visit when you are in the area?" The donkeys have already put their names down for a holiday...
National Stud Le Pin
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