ENGLISH TEXTS
KIDS
ARE PLAYING
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It ’ s a crucial stage in a racehorse ’ s life , laying the groundwork much like kindergarten awakens and prepares young children for school . Breaking-in and pre-training are relatively new professions , originally the preserve of trainers . Since the mid-1990s , they ’ ve gradually developed alongside the growing number of races , serving as an essential link between sales or breeding and the arrival on training tracks . The term “ pre-trainer ” includes the prefix “ pre ,” from the Latin prae , meaning “ before ,” to indicate preparation ahead of an event or action . The breaking-in and pre-training specialist plays this fundamental role of laying the foundations and preparing young horses with respect to their development so that they feel confident , physically ready and mentally calm before moving on to more intensive work . The work program is adapted in collaboration with trainers , who take over the reins of this delicate learning process . The goal of these developers is to help each horse reach its potential based on its abilities and gradually prepare them for upcoming competitions . However , the breaking-in and pre-training field is now at a turning point in its history . As a “ young ” profession compared to the long-standing tradition of training , it has grown , evolved and professionalized rapidly . Yet , it still operates in a statistical and administrative vacuum . Much like young horses striving for growth , the profession is now fighting to shift from its status as “ young ” player to an accredited one , aiming for professional recognition , legitimacy , and responsibilities . An immersion into the heart of the action .
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01 . FIRST STEPS IN DOUBLE PAREN- THOOD
“ ONE DAY , I ASKED ANDRÉ FABRE WHAT HE EXPECTED FROM ME , AND HE REPLIED : “ THAT THE HORSES HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES .” I THINK THAT ’ S A VERY GOOD SUMMARY OF WHAT WE SHOULD AIM TO ACHIEVE .”
Alban Chevalier du Fau , The Channel Consignment
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13 MINUTES WITH YOU
A new immersive format produced by Clélia Moncorgé for Karisma Consulting , bringing you 13 captivating minutes . This month , the video focuses on the synergy between trainers and pre-trainers as they work together on young horses .
The first stop is on the tracks of Chantilly , where NH trainer Mickael Seror - ranked among the top five trainers in 2024 by prizemoney - adapts his methods based on the pre-training each horse received . Whether or not the horses have experience jumping , Mickael Seror carefully tailors their training to prepare them for the upcoming season . “ It ’ s important to do things right from the start . Our job is to teach them how to give their maximum physical effort and enjoy it . Just like someone who loves running , the more they run , the more they want to run . It ’ s the same mindset .” The journey continues in the Anjou region , with a second immersion at Alban Chevalier du Fau ’ s private stables , dedicated to breaking-in , pre-training , breeding , rehabilitation of racehorses and sales prep . “ My mission is to have physically fit horses ready for intensive training , but most importantly , horses that are mentally well . Giving them self-confidence is a great summary of our job , ensuring they ’ re happy to work .”
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