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In 1960, Louis Chardon, a breeder of thoroughbred Arabians, set up the Habitarelle domain, France’s first riding-holiday center. We originate from his breeding. One of our ancestors served in Napoleon’s cavalry during the Egyptian campaign. The mares who brought us into the world have been tested, riding 20.000 Km before starting their breeding career. We grew up in herds and, from one year old on, we covered more than 1000 Km a year moving with our elders into the high country in the spring and coming back down again in the fall. If you are interested to know more about these special trips, just read «Le dernier voyage au-delà de la terre », published in «Imagine» n°12 (pdf file).
We have never been confined to a stable, nor have we ever walked on the sands of riding schools.
Shortly before the new millennium, we left our territory of origin and settled in the Samson valley, located in Namur's Condroz area.
The union between man and horse is «as old as the hills»: it started in the Neolithic. If you wish to get back to nature, to rediscover, for a short while, the deep bonds that unite you with open spaces, or simply break away from the intricacies of sedentary life, just come and ride with us ! Be receptive, live in the present moment, while rocking away in the saddle. You may recapture the feeling of the traveler of former times. When galloping with us, between sky and earth, you will probably be exhilirated by the speed and harmony.
Ispahan, Indou et Im’Raguen, Arabian horses
«On a path across the fields, there are two ways to ask an Arabian horse, who is close to his "master", to break into a gallop: the first way is to give impulse with your body, when you are in the saddle. The second way is to use your voice and to run in front of your horse, preferably on a downward slope.» Hugues Latteur
My passion for horseback riding started in September 1995 in the Verdon gorges in France during an initiation ride that left me fascinated: as I was plunged into a wild landscape, swung at the rythm of a friendly mount, I felt my unappeased child's dreams come up again. I had not been riding since I was 13.
The first time I made a ride on my own in the countryside, it was with Zelateur, a large English thoroughbred discharged from the gallop races. He was a bit tough during the riding lessons but turned out to be much more relaxed when we used to leave the riding stable to head for the fields.
Then I was lucky enough to meet one of the pioneers of horseback riding in France: Louis Chardon, a breeder of thoroughbred Arabians. This happened in November 1998 during a one week's transhumance in the Mont Ventoux area. «Le dernier voyage au-delà de la terre ». There I discovered the sensations that life in communion with nature can procure, in the company of horses with an exceptional disposition and of other nomads like me, in one week's time.
Two years later I brought back to Belgium three Arabian horses from Louis Chardon's breeding and I decided to launch an modest activity of horse riding in the Namur Condroz area.
It is never too late to fulfill a dream and to share it with others, having a great love of liberty and fascinated by those graceful, generous and fiery companions.
To conclude, a few last words : riding out in all weathers across the countryside with horses behaving in a very natural way, I started to think about the special times we are going through, about mankind 's place on earth, our common history with horses and about our future. If you are interested by thoughts and quotations not only about our relations with horses but also concerning burning topical ietms, maybe it's worth having a look at Compilation d'«éco-randonneur» (only in French).
