ENGLISH TEXTS
just stop everything .” A true thoroughbred enthusiast , he has never strayed far from them , always admiring their courage , energy , and loyalty . Today , alongside his wife Anne - without whom he might never have gotten back in the saddle - he finds new thrills riding retired racehorses on exhilarating gallops along the beaches of Deauville . Mégane Martins gathered a few insights from this horseman , known for his unwavering determination .
� PAGE 120
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
By Mélodie Janvier
FRANÇOIS LAUCHARD
FROM RACES TO SCHOOL : THESE HORSES BECOME TEACHERS
For young , healthy racehorses that do not have the full potential for a racing career , one of the increasingly popular career transitions is becoming a “ schoolmaster ” horse at the training stables of AFASEC campuses . We spoke with François Lauchard , a technical trainer at the Calas-Cabriès campus , who explained this second life for racehorses .
Galorama . François , can you explain the process for a retired racehorse to join the training stables ?
François Lauchard . Not all horses have the ability to perform in competitions , whether due to health reasons or a lack of capacity . At that point , trainers may offer them to us . With the agreement of the horse ’ s owner ( s ), and if the horse has the right qualities to become a training horse , it joins our stables . The renewal of our cavalry happens throughout the year , provided we find suitable horses and have placements available for our outgoing horses . However , the best period to acquire horses is between October and November when trainers refine their stock to bring in new foals . There are two ways we go about this : first , we proactively contact different trainers to ask if they have horses available , and second , trainers may reach out to us directly to understand our needs . If a horse meets our criteria , we submit an acquisition request to the headquarters . If approved , we collect the horse ’ s identification booklet and ownership card and arrange a veterinary check-up .
G . What characteristics must a retired racehorse have to become a training horse ?
F . L . The horse must be healthy , have a good temperament , be sociable in the stable to ensure student safety , and not present significant difficulties when ridden .
G . Is there an adaptation period for these horses used to competition ?
F . L . Generally , they adjust quickly , though some may be unsettled by changes in environment , training methods , or the frequency and duration of outings . But overall , they adapt quite easily .
G . Can you describe a typical day for a horse in the training stable ?
F . L . In the morning , from 7:30 to 8:30 , we begin with stable maintenance . Then , the horses are worked either on the track or in the arena , depending on the classes present . We aim to have a variety of horses suited to both beginners and more advanced learners . Most horses are worked twice each morning to ensure all students get a chance to ride . Afternoons are dedicated to theoretical courses — topics include horse anatomy , in-hand presentations , and racing regulations — typically from 2:30 to 4:00 PM . The second part of the afternoon focuses on horse care , including grooming and applying bandages .
G . What happens to these horses after their time at the training stable ?
F . L . When horses show signs of fatigue due to age or years of service in the training stable , we collaborate with various associations that take them in and carefully rehome them while ensuring follow-up care . We primarily
194