FH&C
'So you want to work with horses in France?'
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Here's an update from Jeanne and as you can see, working in France is not getting any easier! Working in the equestrian industry in France Considering that the UK and France are both in the EU. the requirements for working with horses vary considerably, particularly over qualifications. Having struggled for 2 ½ years trying to obtain the equivalent to my British Horse Society certificates, I was finally successful in 2007, and since that time, I have helped three others do the same, and even had the BHS pass people on to me, as dealing with the French Equestrian Federation is extremely difficult. Of the three who now have the required “carte professionnelle” it is interesting that not one of them has yet achieved what they set out to do, namely to work for themselves and have sufficient clients to make it profitable. The problems they have faced along the way, are the unimaginable bureaucracy, high taxation and sometimes outright hostility from local people [such as putting a bird scare right at the side of the track where horses had to pass] Even the auto entrepreneur scheme [designed to help small businesses get started] has its drawbacks, in so far as it is not possible to offset expenses against earnings, which is why one lady in this business was warned not to use this system. Instead she pays her accountant 2,000euros per annum – which just about equates to the TVA she gets back, and she has yet to make any profit! |
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We are running a series of articles to try to dispell the myths and misunderstandings that surround the equestrian industry in France. It is usually believed that it is possible to buy a property in France and to start an equestrian business. Read on as the facts are very often far removed from peoples plans. |
Working with horsesIf you’re planning to make your living with horses in France then think carefully before you go ahead. Research what you are eligable to do. There are serious consequences for even 'done in ignorance' work projects. Social contributions (the equivalent to National Insurance) are payable to the MSA (Mutualité Sociale Agricole) who look after the agricultural industry. If you only plan to breed and not become a large 'Haras' or 'Elevage' on a commercial scale and only breed couple of horses a year, it may be prudent to not register, as you will be required to pay social charges regardless of how much or how little you earn. If you have a property with land, you will still have to pay a small annual charge to the MSA based on how much land and how many agricultural buildings you own. Seek correct advice in advance for your circumstances. Qualifications transferred to FranceIf you hold equestrian qualifications in the UK, then these can sometimes be transferred to the French equivalent. this in itself is not entirely straighforward. Even International qualifications that are recognised worldwide are not accepted in the same way in france. There is work in progress at the moment to try to overcome some of these problems and issues to create clarity and ease of effecting comparison and transfer. The table below shows the recognised French Qualifications. |
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'The doorway for the Industry of the Horse'
A site with valuable information on training, exams, work etc within the equestrian industry in France
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Anyone with BHS qualifications and sufficient experience could be forgiven for thinking that setting up an equestrian business in France would be straightforward, given the fact that we are all members of the European Community, and in theory governed by the same rules and regulations. However, this is not the case! From my own experience, and those whom I now advise. the route to success can be long and frustrating, although this depends very much on the level of qualification needed, and the British qualifications (if any) already held. The first step, in order to avoid what could be a highly expensive disaster, is to ascertain if your qualifications will permit you to do what you have in mind here. It is worth looking at the British Horse Society website, under 'Education' then 'International Equestrian Qualifications.' Although the Society, to their credit, brought about the International Exam Matrix, plus the International Passport, agreed by the participating countries, France has somewhat “bent the rules”, and I can cite two examples whereby the English and French equivalents are NOT equivalent! For example, the BHSAI (Assistant Instructor) and its so-called counterpart the BAPAAT [animateur, technician] does not give the holder the right to teach, nor run a trekking centre, in their own right. France can be notorious for changing the rules, [or adding to them] and although the BHS try hard to keep up to date, because they themselves are not informed by the French authorities, they are often at a loss as to know how to advise the general public. I cannot emphasize, therefore, strongly enough, how vital it is, that before purchasing a property, land, or any other expensive encumbrances, that one takes a long hard look at what is necessary and the time-scale involved [ in the way of obtaining qualifications] enabling you at least to get started!
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Can you compete in France?It is not possible to compete in Affiliated Competitions in France unless you hold qualifications to proove your ability. You either need to hold your Galop 7 qualification or you need to ask the BHS to provide you with proof that you have competed in affiliated competitions in the UK. If you hold equestrian qualifications, these can help to prove that you ride to a certain standard and the FFE will discuss each case individually with you. To be granted your Galop 7, you should sit a practical and theory test in French, but once you join a centre equestre or club you may find that most riding clubs will watch you ride and then send away for your licence, granting you the appropriate exam if they believe you are competent to the standard discussed. Licences There are different types of licence available. - The ‘licence pratiquant’ is the minimum licence required by anyone attending a riding club, and the ‘licence competition’ must be held by anyone wanting to compete. There are five different competition licence levels available, Am3, Am4 and Am5 aimed at amateur riders and levels Pro1 and Pro2 aimed at the professionals. Cost The licence pratiquant is the cheapest at 25€ for children and 36€ for adults, and the licences get progressively more expensive with the most expensive at 460€ for those wanting to compete in Pro1. Generally, amateurs compete in club events or in Amateur 3 or 4 events. The centre equestre obtaining the licence for you may charge you an additional administrtion fee.
There are many pony club type competitions. PONAM events are only open to papered ponies and are of a more competitive standard than club level competitions. Many people researching the move hear of the licence and regfistration system and give up at the first hurdle. Accepting that 'the happy hacker' is the life forever after. this does not have to be the case. If you have an unpapered horse or pony, you can still compete to a reasonable level at club events. If you wish to reach great things however with a talented unpapered pony, you will have to prove its previous international acclaim. Unpapered ponies (not horses) can pass a series of tests ‘OI’ (origine inconnu – unknown origins) and, if they gain enough points during the season and does well at the championships and the registration fee is paid, then the pony can be allowed to compete in PONAM events. This is neither an easy, straightforward nor guaranteed process though. It is easier to buy a registered pony in France and for you to join an approved Centre Equeste as soon as possible. it not only will help you learn the rules and proceedure but it will also integrate you and help with french contacts. |