Clément has invited us to view his newly opened yard in Longue-Jumelles, Maine et Loire Dept. 49.     clement.jpg

 Cléments family have owned the premises for many years but have rented it out in the past. Riding and horses have been a passion for Clément since childhood but instead of taking on the stables at an early age, which would have been a very easy option, Clément took the sensible decision to train and to gain valuable experience with other professionals first. Twenty four year old Clément started riding at six years at a local riding school. He knew immediately that he would make his profession with horses. Whilst studying Economics at University, Clément also competed in 'Juniors' and 'Jeunes Cavaliers' (Young Riders) in France with good success. On finishing his studies and deciding to truly learn his sport he worked for nearly 4 years for Jean Renaud ADDE and Berenice Villoing's as a rider and groom at their yards near Paris. A decision to be admired, when many in his shoes would perhaps have preferred to stay with their home comforts and short cut their way to competing.

Having just finished a further two years riding for France's leading event rider, Nicolas Touzaint, Clément has competed in eventing and worked his way through the ranks to advanced level, successfully finishing 9th at the CCI 3* at Saumur during the 2008 season. A testament to his hard work and dedication indeed. Clément is approachable, down to earth  and very keen to welcome people to his club. He took on the yard at the Croix D'Athee on October 1st 2008, finally feeling that he had learned enough to build on good foundations and go forward with. He is very fortunate in that Nicolas Touzaint is close by and his friend and mentor and is on hand to provide support and technical contribution to his work.This fact Clément is very appreciative of, he realises how fortunate he is to have this remarkable help and guidance. Maybe Clément who is very humble, is not aware that Nicolas would not give his endorsement unless he felt that Clément very much deserved such aid. Using his now vast experience, Clément treats every horse he rides individuallyand very much believes in quiet, soft training and never over does their schooling. "A happy, content horse is eager to work with you" Clément says "their education and sound foundations when young are so important to their future performance".

The yard itself has excellent facilities which Clément has been endlessly working on. Every second that he is not working with his horses he is improving the centre. When we arrived it was immaculate and you could see the attention to detail and the pride that Clémemnt had in his place and his horses. It was an absolutely freezing day and yet Clément was immaculately attired and ushered us into his new club house for warm drinks and respite by the radiator. Clément does not speak fluent English but he makes up for that in trying to, he is very keen to welcome English speaking clients and their horses. In fact his English is probably better than many peoples French skills.


The yard consists of 19 loose boxes which are more than large enough for full size horses, two large floodlit sand riding schools, one will be for jumping and the other dressage and flat work schooling. A well laid out 700m sand gallop track (piste) and an excellent covered horse walker. All the paddocks are arranged with safety of the horses in mind and are well fenced. The yard is surrounded by huge forests and tracks (chemins) so fittening and exercising is easy and on the doorstep. While we were visiting he had just returned from collecting piles of fir trees to plant around the yard. His plans are to constantly increase the facilities and maintain everything in excellent order. This was very apparent looking at the harrowed schools and immaculate beds. With the little 'club house' newly built to encourage friendly social gathering and to be a warm welcoming assett he is certainly thinking along the right lines to create a welcoming professional yard.

    

Clément explained that he would ideally like to have horses to train and clients with their horses kept on livery, (pension) that wanted to ride but also feel they were in a good yard to seek advice and work towards improving. He is happy to take not just competition clients but also very keen to encourage leisure and hobby riders. He loves teaching and is hoping that people would like to attend for 'clinics' (estages) and rallies either individually or in groups. Training the horses and the riders and offering wonderful facilities and horse management is high on his list of objectives.

The Livery of horses was often quite different to that which we had been used to in the UK. We were therefore keen to establish what Cléments methods of horse care were. It was a relief to hear that he followed a routine that was safe and correct and tailored to each horse individually. The prices seem remarkable given that full livery starts in the region of 350€ per month, which is all feed, bedding and mucking out done. Turn out daily weather permitting and use of the horse walker each morning. Additional livery can also include daily schooling and riding of your horse and if required lessons for the rider too. The cost of maximum full livery is still only in the region of 450€ per month and the peace of mind that the horse is expertly cared for in your absence. Clement is keen to stress that each horse and owner is an individual and he realises the need to tailor each livery to the requirements of each individual case. Full access is encouraged to the owners, he fully appreciates that many owners may work and so he is entirely happy for owners to take advantage of the floodlight arenas in the darker evenings.

 With such wonderful facilities, location and Cléments very conscientious, professional work ethic and friendly attitude we are sure it will be an ongoing success. We look forward to watching his 2009 season in eventing and wish his new venture every success.