FH&C
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La Landelle |
La Landelle
Safety, fun and a passion for horses
Jean-Christophe and Nathalie Rouxel opened the doors of their riding centre, La Landelle, in the forest near Saumur in Maine et Loire in 1991.
They welcome all riders, from children and beginners to advanced riders. The centre specialises in riding out in small groups with safety being an important consideration. The rides are usually well away from roads and traffic on sandy tracks which is a wonderful way of seeing the forest and ideal for riding all year round.
Jean-Christophe and Nathalie have worked hard to create a well-run establishment with a real family atmosphere of fun and friendliness. They have about 25 horses and ponies who are carefully selected to ensure that their clients have horses that are reliable but fun to ride. Jean-Christophe is fully qualified as a guide to take out organised rides, speaks excellent English and is also a Reservist Officer in the French Navy. Nathalie is a qualified riding instructor, who is also studying Reiki and Magnetism techniques on horses.
All the horses are schooled then graded as to their suitability for beginners, intermediates or advanced riders. This grading is given by the Haras Nationaux, (the French National Stud Book) and is then marked on their passports. The horses are mainly Criollos which have been chosen because they are versatile both out on a ride and in the school. Like the ponies, they are perfectly happy to live out all year round. The climate in Maine et Loire is generally very mild although there are a few weeks of the year when it can get quite cold – and the department does occasionally get a good snowfall!
Activities include group or private lessons in the school, nocturnal rides, picnics – even Halloween parties. You can even do a half-day course in harne
ss repair!
La Landelle hosts the Landel' Trophy every year. This is a Ride & Run competition with two riders who take turns to run and ride one horse. Riders may also take their Galops (graded tests officially recognised by the FFE) at La Landelle in order to progress and learn.
Running a centre such as this needs plenty of imagination and enthusiasm and Jean-Christophe and Nathalie are constantly thinking up new ideas to improve the facilities and activities for their clients. They are open all year round and welcome all newcomers, both adults and children, as well as those who wish to join in with their own horses.
