ENGLISH TEXTS started! After touring every racecourse in the PACA region with him, he decided to turn his passion into a profession. With a journalism degree in hand, he has been living his passion for over twenty years now … and has no intention of stopping!
Serge Okey Introduced to racing at a young age, the Quinté represents the big Sunday event for him. He experienced the days of Tiercé betting slips, stakes in francs, considers Omar Sharif first and foremost a racing actor, saw Jos Verbeeck in a sulky, and supported Yves Saint-Martin while listening to Léon Zitrone’ s commentary. For this music fan, racing is the most beautiful symphony between the animal and man.
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They are owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, or thoroughbreds, and they’ ve made headlines this season. Each month, we’ ll give them a voice. In our upcoming editions, discover the stories behind our standout winners.
TRIBUTE NICOLAS BLONDEAU
His passing has shaken the entire racing and equestrian industry. Nicolas Blondeau passed away on January 22, 2026, in Saumur, follow- ing a cardiac arrest after dismounting from a horse. A renowned breaker-in and trainer, an accomplished rider and former gentleman-rider, a man of culture, he devoted his life to“ educating horses and breaking-in men,” giving rise to a universal method patiently developed over time, as well as to the Blondeau School, founded in 2005 with his wife Florence. This training center, unique of its kind, quickly became an international benchmark in ethological approaches, attracting a wide range of professionals and enthusiasts. We met Nicolas Blondeau last January 2025, on the occasion of a cover story dedicated to breakers-in and pre-trainers. Looking back.
“ THE VOICE PLAYS A FUNDAMENTAL ROLE”: THE LITTLE SECRETS OF THE FAMOUS BLONDEAU METHOD
BY SERGE OKEY
Centered on a“ relationship of trust” between humans and horses, the Blondeau method is widely used in breaking-in centers and remains the written reference in this field. An interview with its creator, Nicolas Blondeau.
GALORAMA. What are the main characteristics of horses?
Nicolas Blondeau. They are social animals whose organization is based on two fundamental types of relationships: hierarchy and affinity-based relationships. They are true negotiators in their interactions, capable of forming strong and lasting emotional bonds. The horse is a being of exceptional sensitivity, endowed with a structured intellect and a great capacity for adaptation.
G. Is a horse made to work?
N. B. The foundation of its relationship with humans lies in having something to accomplish. Breaking this working bond with horses would lead to their disappearance. They are capable of engaging in a cooperative relationship, of forging strong bonds with humans and with the profession they practice. Provided they understand what is expected of them and find motivation in doing so, work becomes a structuring element of their individuality.
G. What is the spirit of the Blondeau method, and what does it consist of?
N. B. It promotes a relationship of trust and cooperation between humans and horses, whatever the discipline. By analyzing the mental and physical aspects of each horse, it preserves their potential and ensures lasting learning. It consists in entering directly into the horse’ s education by addressing it as one would address a person. The goal is to lead the horse to fully participate in everything that is proposed to it. It is applicable to all horses, as it takes into
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