Results Stud farm Le Pin-Au-Haras

NATIONAL PINE STUD

Stud farm
4.3/5
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Closed - Open to 13h30 Opening hours

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61310Le Pin-Au-Haras, France
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02.33.36.68.68
2024
Recommended
2024

A stud farm renowned for the quality of its pastures, with over three centuries of horse breeding at Le Pin-au-Haras.

Built under Louis XV on the orders of King Louis XIV, whose grand equerry chose the site, this "Versailles of the horse" is an exceptional site both for its buildings and its 1,100 hectares of land, and for the many equestrian, tourist and cultural activities on offer. The stud farm was built in two stages: in the 18th century, according to a plan by Robert de Cotte and Pierre le Mousseux, who continued the construction; and in the 19th century, according to a plan by Desessart. The large stables were built before 1717 to accommodate the 200 horses of the former Haras Royal de Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines, while the château was built between 1719 and 1724. It wasn’t until the early 19th century, based on Desessart’s 1807 plan, that construction of the buildings began. Initially dedicated to the production of horses for transport, agricultural work, military cavalry and the court of Versailles, the Haras Royal was devoted exclusively to breeding from 1784, before becoming the Imperial Stud for a few years. After the fall of the Empire in 1815, the stud became the National Stud again. Today, as the flagship of the national stud network and the École Nationale d’Équitation - Cadre Noir de Saumur, it is at the heart of the organization of world-renowned equestrian competitions: no fewer than 100 days of competition a year! Since 2023, the estate, managed by the Conseil Départemental de l’Orne, its sole owner, has been home to top-class training activities at the Ecuries du Bois and Jumenterie, a racecourse at the Bergerie, as well as research into horse production and the development of the Percheron breed, complemented by a cryobank of frozen horse semen. Over 1,000 people work on the estate all year round!

The entire stud farm is open to visitors: the château, the stables with their 200 horses, a collection of horse-drawn carriages dating back to the 19th century, the showrooms in the stables, and trails leading through the estate. In detail, you’ll first visit the courtyard of honour, then the château, which for many years housed the stud’s directors and was home to Emperor Napoleon III and the Empress, and whose rooms you can see. The château is furnished with 17th-century tapestries and other precious furnishings.

Visits can be made on your own with a map and at the pace of a signposted itinerary; with a guide (booking required); on bicycles (electric bikes for adults, mountain bikes for children); comfortably seated in a golfette; or by carriage pulled by two Norman draught horses (only available on show days). The guided tour begins in the courtyard of honour at 2 pm, the historic heart of the stud farm, with a presentation of the estate’s history. The tour continues in stable no. 1, which has retained its original stalls and has now been converted into a museum. From the terraces, you can admire the panoramic view over the Parc du Haut Bois, where the annual international horse show is held. The main saddlery showcases the finest leather harnesses once worn by the stud’s stallions. The horse-drawn carriage shed features some very fine collectors’ items, including the elegant closed Milord (of which only four exist in France), the light Phaéton with its seat for servants, the Dormeuse, a robust carriage for long journeys, and the Grand Break and Park Drag.

For lovers of horses and riding, you’ll find a rich programme of discoveries and initiations: for children up to 14 years old, the "pony baptisms" or "les p’tits pins"; for riders or future riders, a morning alongside a stud farm agent with the horses; for the creative, a 2-hour introduction to leatherwork in the saddlery; and, for all, the farriery and its authentic forge, and a meeting with the stud farm horses. Among them, you’ll meet the calm Percheron who turns white as he ages, the elegant Cob Normand, the agile Selle Français, a cross between an English Thoroughbred and a Norman mare, the 100 kg Miniature Horse, the ancient Shetland who crossed seas and oceans, and various breeds of ponies. All take part in the stud’s activities.

And when it comes to shows, you’ll be amazed by the great equestrian spectacle that takes place every season in the stud farm’s Manège, or by afternoon and matinee shows in front of the château. Don’t miss the "Jeudi du Pin", the must-see equestrian show every Thursday in high season. Percherons and Cobs from Normandy give a variety of demonstrations: dressage, acrobatics, jumping and pulling traditional carriages, all under the guidance of their red-clad companion. In December, the enchantment will be at its height with the second edition of the Christmas market and its show until the beginning of January.

For a gourmet break, you can sample local produce in an original way aboard a horse-drawn carriage (reservation required), or from the food trucks available during the competitions.

In conclusion, whether you’re a horse lover or a heritage enthusiast, the Haras du Pin is one of Orne’s top destinations.


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Members' reviews on NATIONAL PINE STUD

4.3/5
4 reviews
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Visited in september 2023
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Bof!
Les installations laissent voir la dimension et l'ambition de l'historique projet du Haras. Aujourd'hui, dans ce cadre qui reste extraordinaire, la visite libre a peu d'intérêt, dans une ambiance quelconque très loin de la grande qualité qu'on imaginait. Très peu de chevaux et un seul âne! Un musée ennuyeux et défraichi à l'étage. L'accès est libre à un bâtiment à l'abandon qui ressemble à un vieux squat! L'ensemble du site est ouvert au 4 vents , inutile de passer par la caisse pour payer une entrée trop chère.
Morojjbab
Visited in july 2021
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si vous aimez les chevaux...
Ce haras nous permet de voir des chevaux magnifiques dans leurs écuries lors de la visite libre, d'apprendre l'histoire des haras royaux puis nationaux. Renseignez-vous avant de venir pour assister à un spectacle qui est vraiment magnifique!
Lucaria
Visited in may 2018
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Le Haras est un lieu exceptionnel et notre visite guidée fut très intéressante, quant à l'historique du domaine, la découverte de la sellerie, des écuries, des calèches ... Peu de chevaux dans les écuries, mais le domaine est si vaste ...Dans le spectacle, la partie la plus émouvante est la "chorégraphie" finale, car l'artiste fait déplacer ses chevaux avec tant d'élégance et ceci sans les brider ni les tenir que c'est féérique ...
AlineBaba
Visited in october 2016
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Un lieu magnifique, incontournable pour les amateurs de chevaux. Lieu de repos du célèbre Furioso.

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