Normandy is green, anyone who has visited can tell you that. Our grass is long and lush and it makes ideal horse country.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, in deepest Normandy is to be found the Versailles of the horse world, the national stud farm called the Haras de Pin.
Built in the 18th century at the request of King Louis XIV, the Haras was designed to produce the best horses, then sent back to Versailles to the Royal Stables, or to be used for military officers.
At its height of production just before the French Revolution, the Haras housed almost 200 stallions of different races.
Today the Haras du Pin, is still regarded as a reference in French breeding and serves horse breeders throughout the country.
Visitors are welcome at the stables, and every Thursday there is a show in the beautiful 18th century courtyard.
Next year, Normandy will be home to the International World Equestrian Games, and the Haras du Pin will be the venue for the eventing competition. I certainly hope to get along and watch some of the best bits!
If ever you find yourself in the Middle of Deepest Normandy, and would like to see some local colour, then check out the Haras du Pin website You can visit the stables of course, and watch their show, but also get inside the château.
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