ENGLISH TEXTS
guinguette-style atmosphere . “ We host dinner concerts with an eclectic lineup , from jazz and rock to French chanson . There ’ s also a local farmers ’ market , workshops , private events … L ’ Écurie is open five days a week in summer and two in winter . It ’ s become a local hotspot , and we now have two fulltime employees managing the place .” Born into a family of trainers and having spent his entire career in racing , Antoine knew no other profession . “ I loved my job and the passionate people I met , but the pressure of competition became overwhelming . I had been thinking about changing paths for a long time . If I hadn ’ t faced financial struggles , I might never have had the courage to take the leap .” Four years later , he has no regrets . “ Everything I was missing in racing , I ’ ve found here . I ’ m calmer , happier . As a trainer , I barely had time for friendships . Now , I meet so many people — locals , tourists , hikers exploring Mont-Saint-Michel . I ’ ve had incredible and enriching encounters .” A surprising and joyful career transition — one Antoine Lamotte d ’ Argy could never have imagined when he first set foot in the racing world .
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
� PAGE 116
By Véronique Verva for Karisma Consulting .
EPONA : “ WORKING WITH HORSES , AND NOW FOR HORSES ”
This is the virtuous circle offered by Epona , an adapted company that has been part of AFASEC since its creation in 1985 . Based in Chantilly , Epona has established itself as a cornerstone of the equestrian industry . On one hand , it welcomes , supports , educates , trains and helps professionally reintegrate people with disabilities and / or those undergoing career transitions , whether they come from the industry or not . On the other hand , it creates value for racing professionals through three key areas of expertise : saddlery and tailoring , green space maintenance , and service provision . Véronique Verva ( Karisma Consulting ) explored Epona and its key players alongside Guillaume Jacobee . More broadly , AFASEC ’ s mission is to support race stable employees throughout their professional careers . It is a non-profit organization governed by the French law of 1901 and operates under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economy and Finance . It is also mandated by France
Galop and the SECF ( Société d ’ Encouragement du Cheval Français ). The adult training programs offered by AFASEC aim to enhance the skills of current employees and can also serve as part of career progression or retraining pathways through POEC ( Operational Preparation for Collective Employment ) or CAP Adultes , such as training in live animal transportation .
� PAGE 117
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
By Mégane Martins
SUPPORT
THOROUGHBREDS : A COMBINATION OF INTELLIGENCE AND SENSITIVITY
The retraining of racehorses has always existed . Looking back through history , numerous examples of former racehorses finding new purposes can be cited . During wartime , some were requisitioned to equip soldiers heading to the front . In the 1960s , it was not uncommon to see eventing riders excelling on retired thoroughbreds . The thoroughbred has also played a crucial role in the development of the “ Selle Français ” breed , serving as an “ improver ” of the
192