Le Pin au Haras or Le Haras du Pin? You’ve probably heard them both mentioned with reference to the eventing venue for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games but what is the difference and what do they mean?
It's very simple - Le Haras du Pin is the name of the National Stud on whose grounds the eventing phases of dressage and cross country will take place whereas Le Pin au Haras is the village where the Stud (Le Haras) is located
The flagship of the French National Stud system, Le Haras du Pin is one of the jewels in the crown of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games’ locations. Offering an insight into hundreds of years of French horse breeding history and nestled in 2,500 acres of lush Normandy countryside the ‘Versailles of horses’ is the venue for the eventing dressage and cross country days. This impressive 18th century Chateau with equally impressive stables and porches surrounding its courtyard, Le Cours Colbert, today the Stud is not only a breeding establishment but also a unique tourist destination and a training facility
During the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games there are some changes to the normal public access to the Stud and Chateau but if you are staying in the area, it would be worthwhile to schedule a visit outside of these times. Each Thursday the Stud usually holds a parade of horses through the Cours Colbert; in hand, mounted and drawing the many antique carriages maintained by the Stud, these horses demonstrate the history and pedigree of the Stud.
On the left hand side of the Cours Colbert looking towards the Chateau, the former stable wing has been converted into a modern ‘museographic’ housing a Discovery Trail about the horse and its place in Normandy. This two storey exhibition area integrated into the 18th century architecture uses modern technology in an old setting to take you on a tour through time and history while on the other side of the courtyard you can wander through the stable area and view some of the famous nameplates. If you’re lucky you might even meet some of the Stud’s stallions representing the four breeds that, having had their origins in the area, still remain prominent figures at Le Pin; these are the Percheron draught horse, the Thoroughbred imported from England by the gentry in its early days, the French Trotter and the French Saddle, more commonly known as the “Selle Français”.
The harness room is also worth a visit with saddlery and artefacts on show from various eras and parts of the world including a saddle provided by the King of Morocco while the carriage room houses some of the traditional carriages, many which are still used today.
Having checked out all the nooks and crannies and visited the Chateau, maybe even for lunch, it’s time to part with some of your euros in the Visitor Centre where there are plenty of lovely mementos to take home as presents
During the eventing competition, access will be limited at times to the Stud so make sure you plan your visit. It will be closed on Wednesday 26th after 2pm to make way for the eventing first horse inspection, the regular Thursday parade of horses will not take place on the 27th and access will be restricted on Saturday 29th during the cross country day. Last year’s test event showed what a magnificent venue this is for the trot up – let’s hope we get that lovely afternoon sun again warming the stonework of the old buildings and providing a perfect backdrop for the glistening horses.
Having walked out of the impressive gates leading into the Stud, follow the road to the left and within a few minutes you will be in the village of Le Pin au Haras. It’s usually a quiet and peaceful hamlet with a well presented town hall and church sitting side by side but in a few days time it will find itself the centre of the eventing world
