ENGLISH TEXTS
account each individual’ s personality at every stage.
G. What are the different stages of breaking-in according to your method?
N. B. The Blondeau method unfolds over 20 progressive stages, allowing the young horse to integrate each new situation with confidence. Among these essential stages are: the first handling inside the stall, loading and unloading from a trailer, the first mounting carried out in the stall, and the first ridden steps outside the stall.
G. What must absolutely be done— and never done— with a horse?
N. B. First of all, make the horse confident. One should not try to push the horse from behind to obtain movement, but rather apply the Bauchérist principle, which consists of asking for forward movement by using the whip on the forehand. The only real difficulty the horse must overcome is fear of humans or of what they may ask. The aim is to become its point of reference as early as possible. It is also essential not to sedate a horse, as a drowsy horse cannot learn anything.
G. You break in flatracing, trotting, and sport horses: what are the differences in approach?
N. B. None.
G. On average, how many people do you train?
N. B. Between one-day in-house training sessions and one-year apprentice- ship programs, 230 people per year.
G. What does the CHEVALÉDUC research program involve, and where does it stand?
N. B. Led by Jocelyne Porcher( INRAE) in partnership with the Normandy region, it explored the following question:“ Is the breaking-in of a young horse a form of vocational training?” The Blondeau School was selected as the observation site. The study focused on a panel of 100 young horses, both male and female, interacting with men and women, allowing for the collection of rich statistical data. The results highlighted the fundamental role of the voice in the horse’ s emotional support during the profound transformation that occurs during breaking-in. This program has led to numerous scientific publications.
OWNER
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THE“ FAVOLO” SPIRIT OF AN OWNER
BY ILARIA MILOZZI BOTTI
Thomas Chiolo is a young owner who authentically embodies a new generation of enthusiasts.
From Sales to the Favolo Dream A recent member of the France Galop“ family,” Thomas’ s journey is already rich in lessons, passion and determination. Like many others, it all began for him during days spent at the racecourse alongside his father. But while his father was more fascinated by the technical aspects and betting, Thomas fell head over heels in love with the horse and the sport itself.“ I wanted to start from the basics,” he explains.“ After a very first experience with a horse already in training and of modest value, I decided in 2023 to take part in the Deauville Breeze Up Sales, determined to find a colt to follow from his very first steps on the track. I didn’ t want an early type, but a story to build over time. That’ s how I found Favolo.” He recalls:“ We went to Deauville with my father. I had first watched a few canters online and selected some bloodlines before walking through the barns. We were almost about to leave, discouraged by the overly high prices of the horses on our list, when I spotted this magnificent grey in a small box at the entrance to ARQANA. We followed him into the ring, determined to bring him home. Bids, bids, bids … and in the end, he became mine! My father then exclaimed,‘ It’ s fabulous!’ That’ s how Favolo was born, the very first true horse in my colours and, in a way, the symbol of my journey.” Thomas beams as he evokes this touch of Italian heritage:“ My mother is from Puglia and my father from Sicily. I grew up with the idea that beautiful things are built as a family, with patience and love.”“ Even before choosing
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