ENGLISH TEXTS
to make riding a pleasant experience . Then , we let them relax for 4-5 days in the arena and have them checked by the dentist . Afterward , they return to the track , and we gradually build their cardio .
G . That ’ s when pre-training begins , right ?
A . d . C . Exactly . Initially , it ’ s all about building a base , with very little galloping . A young horse needs to learn to move its shoulders forward to elevate its withers and extend its stride . We let them find their rhythm with relaxed , steady galloping strides — not fast . Then we increase the cardio by galloping 4,500 meters in a relaxed rhythm , ensuring they don ’ t run out of breath . Speed comes later . The horse must learn to accelerate while staying balanced and breathing properly . We also teach them to switch leads and take “ breathers .“ Finally , we transition to 400-meter sprints , keeping them focused and ready for the next step .
G . Do you attend the races ? A . d . C . No , I prefer to stay behind the scenes . My domain is more about the sales . But I know my place , I never take a cut .
G . How do you view your profession ?
A . d . C . Unfortunately , we ’ re invisible to the authorities . We ’ re not considered key players in racing , even though we deliver horses ready to go . We can ’ t remain a “ new profession “ forever — it ’ s been 30 years !
G . Do you work with Arabian horses too ?
A . d . C . Yes , they ’ re like princesses ! ( laughs ) They ’ re incredibly affectionate and cuddly but also a bit dramatic , like “ divas .“ I have quite a few that are sent to Dubai and Qatar . This year ,
Sheikh Mansour entrusted me with twelve for the first time .
“ THEY ALREADY EXUDE CONFIDENCE AND GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF HAVING LIVED ANOTHER LIFE . THEY UNDERSTAND FASTER . IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THEY ARE THE ONES TEACHING YOU THINGS …”
Audrey de Clerck .
“ WE GIVE THEM MAXIMUM CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES BY MAKING THEM BELIEVE THEY ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL , THE STRONGEST .”
Audrey de Clerck .
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By Mégane Martins
ÉCURIE PRÉVOST-BARATTE
“ I prefer talking about education rather than breaking-in , because this term highlights the importance of creating a bond with young horses so they develop in the right direction . Each stage must be understood before it ’ s validated . There ’ s no such thing as being behind with horses .” Philip Prévost-Baratte has been a key figure in breaking-in and pre-training since establishing his business in 2005 . Laying the foundation for a successful racing career takes time , observation and precision , but the progress made is substantial . Communication with owners has become one of his competitive advantages . “ What I wanted was to have horses that were in excellent working condition and to provide them with the best infrastructure for optimal development . Delivering a strong , mentally sound horse is what matters most .”
“ WHAT MATTERS IS DELIVERING A HORSE THAT IS STRONG AND MENTALLY SERENE .”
Philip Prévost-Baratte
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ÉCURIES DIANE
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By Mégane Martins
This year , Ecurie Diane celebrates 25 years dedicated to breaking-in and pre-training young athletes and sets among the pioneers in the field . “ We adapt to each horse according to its needs , at every level — whether it ’ s nutrition , mental well-being , training , or veterinary care protocols . We try to provide a tailored approach for each individual . We , as humans , adapt around them to move in the right direction and achieve our goal of preparing them for training .” This long-term well-being philosophy , which founder Diane Lybeck has always championed , applies not only to the horses but also to the staff and the environment . The stable has notably been awarded the EquuRes label .
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