Horses in Normandy

Present since the Bronze Age, horse breeding developed with the establishment of the Haras du Pin stud farm.

Normandy boasts a number of renowned racecourses, in particular the one in Deauville, where events take place regularly, including international ones such as the 2014 World Equestrian Games.A few clues suggest the presence of domesticated horses in the region as early as the Neolithic period.

[1]: 30 During the July Monarchy, amid "equestrian Anglomania", the crossing of Norman horses with half-breeds and thoroughbreds was advocated.

[1]: 40  Under the Second French Empire, the Orne department was considered the "stud farm of France", supplying a very large number of animals.

Calvados also boasts 92 riding schools, 8 racecourses, 17 equestrian tourism centers, and an establishment dedicated to horse auctions in Deauville, Arqana.

[3] On the contrary, the Seine-Maritime region has developed the touristic aspect of the equestrian sector, with numerous rural and forest trails covering more than 1,000 kilometers for riders.

[3] The first of France's national stud farms, established by Colbert on the orders of Louis XIV, the Haras du Pin is located in the present-day department of Orne.