SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Sidelines Caps
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, November 30 2015 / Published in Weekly Feature

Horsing Around in France’s Loire Valley

By Sydney Masters Durieux

While visiting the Loire Valley, you can take a castle-to-castle ride and perhaps visit the Montsoreau castle, which looks stunning at night.

While visiting the Loire Valley, you can take a castle-to-castle ride and perhaps visit the Montsoreau castle, which looks stunning at night.

The World Equestrian Games in Normandy, the European Championships in Chantilly, the Nation’s Cup in LaBaule and the Gucci Masters in Paris: There’s no shortage of top-notch international competitions on the calendar in France each year.

But visitors don’t need to stick to a schedule to find equestrian offerings in France. In fact, the Loire Valley highlights the horse in one way, shape or form year-round. Whether you want to see royal stables or a jousting tournament, trek from castle to castle on horseback or try your hand at the awe-inspiring, wild game of pony ball, it can be done in the valee des rois (valley of the kings).

The River Loire (la Loire) is the country’s longest, most impressive river, running from Sancerre to the sea. Vineyards and fruit orchards cloak its banks, from which the Cher, Indre, Loir and other rivers flow. Fortresses and castles built from luminous pierre stone reflect in its waters and evoke the brilliance of a bygone era, bringing the history of the region to life.

 Loire Valley Activities
Of course, food and wine is first on most people’s agendas, but activities abound in la Loire. You can literally follow in the footsteps (or hoof prints) of the region’s most beloved heroine, Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc), survey the chateau-studded landscape from a hot-air balloon, stroll through forests filled with wild mushrooms and animals, explore subterranean troglodyte dwellings or take a relaxing tour on a river boat. The area plays host to countless events, from world-class jazz festivals and medieval fetes to high-caliber equestrian competitions.

There’s no place like the Loire Valley when it comes to castles, including Chateau Rivau.

There’s no place like the Loire Valley when it comes to castles, including Chateau Rivau.

There’s no place like the Loire Valley when it comes to castles. Each offers something special, from fabulous flying machines invented by Leonardo da Vinci at Chateau du Clos Luce, to centuries-old graffiti carved by imprisoned Knights Templar in Chateau du Chinon, and a 1.5-ton cage that held a Cardinal — who had fallen out of favor for 11 years — in the donjon at Chateau de Loches. You can enjoy breathtaking son et lumiere (sound and light) shows at Chateau de Chononceau, dress in period costume and paddle around the moat at Chateau d’Ilette, or de-stress with a yoga class on the grounds of Chateau de Candes in Candes St. Martin.

If you’d like to create a horse-inspired itinerary, the first stop on the agenda is Chateau de Chambord, the Loire Valley’s largest, most impressive castle. The handiwork of three kings — François I (ruled 1515-47), Henri II (ruled 1547-59) and Louis XIV (ruled 1643-1715) — it was originally built as a hunting lodge and dedicated to la chasse (the hunt). There are 440 rooms, a 56-meter-high grand staircase and over 400 salamanders (the sign of the King) of a particularly fierce-looking disposition on the stone-sculpted, coffered ceiling.

Visitors will feel like they’ve been transported back in time as gallant riders — dressed in period attire — trot by or school their high-stepping mounts on the grounds in front of the castle. For a real show, head to the castle’s stables for a fun, colorful 45-minute Spectacle d’Art Equestre performance, with “dancing” horses, trick riding and demonstrations of old-style equitation in all its splendor.

Visitors enjoy jousting in the Loire Valley.

Visitors enjoy jousting in the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Cheverney
Not far away is Chateau de Cheverney, which may seem vaguely familiar to some as it was the inspiration for the Marlinspike Hall in the comic-strip Tintin. The castle sits on 2,000 hectares, and one can explore the forest and lake by electric car or boat. The outbuildings include an 18th century Orangerie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was hidden during World War II. As was the custom among nobility of past centuries, the owner of Cheverney, viscount de Sigalas, hunts stags (not foxes) with his pack of hounds that live at the castle. There are 90 dogs, most a cross between English fox terriers and French poitevins, which range in age from 7 months to 7 years. During the off-season, the hounds, which are much larger than American and English hunting hounds, placidly lounge about the enormous kennels and outdoor enclosure spaces, but they’re a full-on working pack from September through March. Visitors can see them departing into the Foret de Cheverney every Tuesday or Saturday to hunt deer.

There are impressive stables to be found throughout the Loire Valley, as every working castle needed them for travel, work and pleasure. The barn at Chateau D’Usse, the inspiration for the fable “Sleeping Beauty,” is worth a peek as it houses horse carriages and even a wooden dog cart from different eras. Chateau de Montpoupon’s stables include large box stalls and tack rooms filled with an array of saddles and bridles polished to perfection. At Chateau du Riveau, where Joan of Arc stopped to change horses before attacking and defeating the British in Orleans, guests can take a tour of the historic stables or enjoy outdoor activities like real-life knights-in-armor jousting matches.

For 17th century action, head to Richelieu during the town’s annual Renaissance Fair, where the streets are filled with sword fighting and blacksmiths.

For 17th century action, head to Richelieu during the town’s annual Renaissance Fair, where the streets are filled with sword fighting and blacksmiths.

For some 17th century action, head to Richelieu during the town’s annual Renaissance Fair, where the streets are filled with sword fighting and blacksmiths can be found forging horseshoes and weapons. Dandy, decked-out riders perform swashbuckling moves from horseback, including shooting while hanging off the side and standing to fire at a full gallop.

The Capital of the Horse
No trip to La Loire would be complete without heading to The Capital of the Horse — Saumur. The fortified Chateau de Saumur houses the Musee du Cheval (Horse Museum), which recounts the history of riding from antiquity to the 20th century. Equestrians are sure to be impressed (or perhaps appalled) by some of the tack on display, which includes ancient saddles, plated nosebands and armor, handcrafted stirrups, and a variety of ancient bits from simple snaffles to massive pieces of hardware that could stop a truck in its tracks!

American rider and actress Alex Ladove (and former Sidelines cover girl) joins Arnaud Lievre at Butet Sellier.

American rider and actress Alex Ladove (and former Sidelines cover girl) joins Arnaud Lievre at Butet Sellier.

Just out of town, you can get your shopping fix by stopping at one of the many tack shops en route. While you’re at it, you can swing by and get measured for a custom saddle at France’s famed Butet Sellier, the official saddle makers for the elite cavalry unit Cadre Noir, and the Ecole National d’Equitation located just up the road. The prestigious equestrian school accepts no more than 200 students per year who hope to leave as qualified instructors after 10 months of intensive training. Not long ago, America’s “King of Equitation,” George Morris, was presented with their highest honor: the Golden Spurs.

Owners, trainers and barn managers alike will appreciate the overwhelming size of the school venue, which includes 50 stables, 15 outdoor arenas, 50 km (31 miles) of sand gallops and 400 horses cared for by 70 grooms. Taking care of so many mounts on a daily basis would be overwhelming for most, even at the biggest show barns in the United States. Technology helps with overhead pipes automatically dropping feed and water into each horse box four times a day. The stalls, bedded with straw, are done the old-fashioned way, but the waste is removed via an underground conveyor belt that dumps 10 tons daily onto the manure mountain, which is then recycled by the surrounding mushroom farms.

Visitors to France have the opportunity to enjoy the Cadre Noir — where the riders dress in black cap and jacket.

Visitors to France have the opportunity to enjoy the Cadre Noir — where the riders dress in black cap and jacket.

Cadre Noir
You can watch the Cadre Noir — dressed in black cap and jacket, gold spurs and three golden wings on the whip — put their horses through their paces daily or enjoy a scheduled performance held in Europe’s largest indoor arena. This is far from your average horse show; the horses do airs above ground and other acrobatic feats such as the 45-degree hind-kick of the croupade, the tightly tucked front legs of the courbette and the demanding, four legged leap of the capriole.

Of course, if you want to saddle up while visiting the Loire Valley, there are options. You can sign up for a multi-day, castle-to-castle ride or stay at a gite, chambre d’hote, or hotel chateau that offers pleasure riding, polo or intensive programs. There are also numerous club hippiques, which offer trail rides and outings as well as lessons for all ages and levels. They may not speak English, but as we all know, “horse” is an international language!

About the writer: Sydney Masters Durieux, an avid equestrian and veteran competitor, is a freelance publicist and writer who grew up riding and showing at Stillmeadow Farm in Stonington, Connecticut. She graduated New York University and decided to combine her love of horses with her passion for public relations. During her career, Sydney has represented many world-class show jumping veterans, up and coming equestrian talents, leading trainers and stables as well as internationally recognized horse shows. Sydney lives with her husband, web designer Arnaud Durieux, and their West Highland White Terrier “Angus” between their home in the Loire Valley in France and their apartment in New York City.

Photos by Sydney Masters Durieux

Double D Trailers Info

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: cadre noir, capital of the horse, chateau de cheverney, destination, france, loire valley, saumur, vacation

What you can read next

Jake Nodar’s #Blessed Life: Horse Training and Entertaining
Georgina Bloomberg Is Back!
Alanna Flax-Clark: From Health Crisis To International Competition – Horses became the life-changer that liberated the rider from the confines of a wheelchair

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
Jessica West always rode any horse that was availa Jessica West always rode any horse that was available to her throughout her Junior career, so she knew she had an advantage when she decided she wanted to ride on an NCAA team in college. Now a senior at @@auburnu and majoring in psychology, Jessica has enjoyed everything about the equestrian team and is ready to move on to her next adventure. 

Read more about Jessica at the link in our bio!

#ncea #ncaa #equestrian #collegiateequestrian #huntseatequitation #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #collegelife #showjumper #hunterhorse #horseshow #sidelinesmagazine
In the unique and challenging sport of combined dr In the unique and challenging sport of combined driving, Jacob Arnold has proven himself to be a bona fide star. It’s been said that success develops from a recipe based on hard work, perseverance, learning and sacrifice, paired with a love of what one is doing. Since the time he was a boy, Jacob has had the right combination of all of those ingredients, which have culminated in a meteoric rise to stardom.

Beginning his career as a Junior, Jacob earned the coveted @usequestrian Junior Equestrian of the Year award in 2011. Since then, he has taken the combined driving world by storm, competing successfully in four @fei_global World Championships. He also won the USEF Advanced Pair Horse National Championship in 2020 and 2021, among other victories—all before the age of 28, in a sport that has historically been dominated by older drivers. Last September, he placed 12th—the highest of any American driver—at the 2021 FEI Driving World Championship for Pairs in a field of over 100 top-level drivers.

Read more about @jacobarnoldcombineddriving at the link in our bio!

@alex.banks.photography #combineddriving #drivendressage #dressage #driving #carriage #horsedriving #equestrianstyle #equestrianlife #horselover #drivinghorse #carriagehorse #showhorse #sidelinesmagazine
@rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser has claimed the f @rolex Testimonee Daniel Deusser has claimed the first equestrian Major of 2022, winning the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters. In doing so he also claimed an additional bonus for non-consecutive Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping wins, following his victory at CHIO Aachen last year. The German champion’s outstanding performance riding his trusted partner Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z once again makes him the live contender for the coveted Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Catch up on all the action and watch the free highlights video on the Sidelines Show World blog (link in bio!)

#showjumping #rolex #grandslam #rolexgrandslam #showjumper #dutch #netherlands #dutchwarmbloods #equestrianlife #hunterhorse #hunterjumper #equestrianstyle #showhorses #showjumpersofinstagram #jumpinghorse #grandprixjumer #grandprixhorse #sidelinesmagazine
Dog and Horse friendly 3 bedroom 2 bath on 1.25 ac Dog and Horse friendly 3 bedroom 2 bath on 1.25 acres in Jupiter Farms, Florida.

Jupiter Farms is an equestrian community with a trail system and a sand riding arena at the park. Charming home features vaulted ceilings, custom trim, custom lighting in master bedroom that changes color with a remote. Granite countertops in kitchen and laundry room. New 2022 stackable washer/dryer. Privacy fenced backyard with beautiful tall pines for shade, many palm trees also on property.

Secure fenced  25’ x 25’ pen with wood fencing , for a horse, dogs or a garden.  Wonderful property in desirable Jupiter Farms. 45 minutes to Wellington, 25 minutes to Jupiter Dog Beach. Perfect oasis for dog and horse lovers, close to everything in South Florida. MLS# 10778333, Agents welcome.

$655,000
Contact 561-246-9317
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Tara Stone | eXp Realty
    Equestrian & Luxury Properties 908.209.9277/ Tara.Stone@exprealty.com www.TheStoneTeamNJ.com

    [Read more]

  • JUMPS WEST - HORSE SPORTS EQUIPMENT
    Featuring Aluminum Jumps and Jump Packages. Also Poly, Wood Jumps and Jump Rails.Dressage Equipment, Trail Class, Water Jumps & Stall Kickpads 866-389-0018 E: sales@jumpswest.com www.jumpswest.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022
  • Better Business with Malvern Bank: Michael Meller’s Secrets to Success
  • Third Annual Painted Ponies Art Walk takes over Southern Pines, NC!

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Jung Ends as He Began — On Top — at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™
  • ROLEX TESTIMONEE DANIEL DEUSSER WINS ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT 2022 DUTCH MASTERS
  • STABLE VIEW IN AIKEN POSTPONING ‘A’ RATED $400,000 H/J CHALLENGE SERIES DUE TO RESTRICTIVE MILEAGE RULE

Category

Recent Posts

  • Blessed Are the Grooms

    By George Williams “Behind every successful man...
  • Caitlin Boyle: From Horse Family to Horse Professional

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller  ...
  • July 2022 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Bill Rube: Giving Many a Reason To Smile

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • An Industry In Need of Your Talent

    By Rob Jacobs   Like most Junior riders, w...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!