ENGLISH TEXTS
According to the latest key figures from the ECUS ( IFCE ’ s equine observatory ), released on January 31 , within a French equine population of 1,005 million animals and 26,700 specialized businesses , 6,488 thoroughbreds were born in 2023 ( a 5 % decrease ): 5,412 thoroughbreds and 1,076 AQPS ( Autre Que Pur-Sang or non-thoroughbred racehorses ). Meanwhile , 8,992 trotters were registered last year , alongside 16,595 newborn horses and ponies for sport and leisure . Based on these figures — and assuming that racehorses are typically broken-in between 12 and 18 months of age - we can estimate that 5,141 thoroughbreds ( let ’ s round this number to 5,000 ) will pass through the hands of breaking-in and pre-training specialists in 2025 . Similarly , 8,542 trotters ( rounded to 8,500 ) are expected to undergo the same preparation . The only directly related statistic available is found in the “ Labor Market “ section . Of the 228 job offers in the breeding sector , 60 are specifically for riders specializing in breaking-in and pre-training . This is by far the most promising sector , with 94 % of these positions leading to permanent contracts ( CDI ).
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FRANCE GALOP AND LE TROT
By Serge Okey
Discussions about the role of pre-trainers in collaboration with French major racing organizations France Galop and Le Trot .
The profession of breaking-in and pre-training specialists seeks recognition — Where does the issue stand ?
France Galop : The principle of recognizing breaking-in and pre-training has been a topic of discussion for several years . So far , no consensus has been reached on the principles or methods of recognition due to the complexity of implementation . One promising avenue would involve referencing breaking-in and pre-training actors in the decree of May 5 , 1997 , which governs the organization of horse racing , in the same way as owners , trainers and jockeys are referenced . This option would acknowledge the profession in an official government text , harmonize its social and fiscal regulations and ensure the integrity of those practicing the profession through oversight by the SCCJ ( Service Central des Courses et Jeux ). However , this option requires a jointagreement between the trotting and galloping sectors and the approval of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture before any modification can be made to the 1997 decree . This decree follows a specific formal process , as it requires the approval of the Conseil d ’ État ( Council of State ).
In Trotting , “ Most breaking-in and pre-training specialists are already trainers ” The situation is quite different in trotting . “ We have fewer structures compared to the galloping sector ,” comments Stéphane Meunier , president of the union for trotting trainers , drivers , and jockeys ( SEDJ ). “ In our case , most breaker and pre-trainer are already trainers , meaning that during this period , the horses are included in the regular training rosters .” Renowned trainers such as Sébastien Guarato , Thierry Duvaldestin or Jean-Michel Bazire regularly rely on fellow breakers . In south of France , for example , trainers like Yannick- Alain Briand or Romuald Mourice send all their horses to Normandy for breaking-in . Depending on the arrangement , horses return to their trainers either just broken-in or already pre-trained . Between a sale and qualification , the process typically takes around eight months . Breaking-in itself lasts about a month and is similar to the process used in galloping . Pre-training , however , is more closely aligned with the techniques used in National-Hunt training . “ It ’ s very different from galloping , which is a natural gait . Trotting requires a lot of mechanical work , which can take six months before the horses are ready for qualification .” Much like preparation for sales , this activity is “ emerging .” “ But the issue of formal recognition isn ’ t really a pressing concern for us ,” Meunier adds . “ We say : why not ? But we ’ ve already integrated this activity as an annex in our collective bargaining agreements .”
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