Champion Endurance Breeding: Prioritizing Welfare Over Performance
In the competitive arena of endurance riding, the balance between performance and welfare presents a significant challenge. Haras de la Majorie, a renowned French breeding stable, has set a remarkable example by prioritizing the well-being of their horses above all else. Founded over 20 years ago by Christian and Pascale Manoha in Saint-Alban-d'Ay, the stable continues to thrive under the management of their daughters, Clémentine and Camille Manoha.
Philosophy and Practices
The guiding principle at Haras de la Majorie is that horse ownership comes with a significant responsibility for the animals' health and happiness. This philosophy permeates every aspect of their operations. Initially, the stable experimented with crossbreeding Arabians with Thoroughbreds to meet market demands for larger horses. However, it soon became apparent that purebred Arabians were more robust and better aligned with their welfare-centric approach.
Commitment to Equine Welfare
One of the standout features of Haras de la Majorie is their commitment to equine welfare, even at the expense of commercial opportunities. The Manoha family prioritizes the well-being of their horses, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve competitive success without compromising on ethical standards.
Successful Horses and Their Training
Haras de la Majorie boasts several champion horses, with Darco la Majorie being a prime example. This Arabian gelding, under the guidance of Hh Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, clinched the individual gold at the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb, setting high-performance benchmarks in various competitions. Darco's success is a testament to the stable's consistent breeding quality and meticulous training methods.
Transforming Typical Horses into Champions
Everest la Majorie, a half-brother to Darco, is expected to follow in his footsteps, reinforcing the stable's reputation for producing champion endurance horses. Camille Manoha credits their collaboration with rider Jean Philip Frances, highlighting the importance of a well-coordinated team effort in endurance riding. Their partnership demonstrates how meticulous training and attention to detail can transform typical horses into champions.
Holistic Care Practices
The equine care practices at Haras de la Majorie are designed to ensure the physical and mental well-being of their horses. The stable provides ample pasture space, allowing the horses to graze and move freely, which is crucial for their physical and mental health. Proper veterinary care, including regular dental and hoof maintenance, is also a strict part of their regimen.
Gradual Introduction to Competitions
Younger horses at Haras de la Majorie are given the time to grow and socialize appropriately before being gradually introduced into competitive events. This strategy prioritizes their long-term health and performance, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the demands of competitive endurance riding.
Ethical Training Approach
Haras de la Majorie's training approach is characterized by patience and a deep understanding of the horses' needs. Horses are typically broken in at five years old, with stamina being introduced gradually to avoid rushing the process. This method underscores the importance of the bond between rider and horse, which is critical in endurance riding where responsiveness to the horse's needs is paramount.
Building Strong Bonds
By starting early and progressing slowly, the stable ensures that their horses are well-prepared for the unique challenges of endurance competitions. This ethical training approach not only enhances performance but also fosters a strong bond between the rider and the horse, which is crucial for success in the sport.
Equine Welfare in Competitive Sports
The emphasis on welfare at Haras de la Majorie highlights a broader issue in competitive equestrian sports: the need to balance performance with the health and well-being of the horses. Research has shown that factors such as the age and sex of the horse, the experience of the rider, and the distance of the competition can significantly impact the risk of eliminations due to lameness or metabolic issues.
Key Findings
In endurance riding, where horses are pushed to their limits over long distances, the risk of injury or metabolic problems is particularly high. Studies indicate that male riders are associated with an increased risk of metabolic issues during races, and that older horses and those competing in larger fields are more likely to be eliminated due to lameness. These findings underscore the importance of careful management and attention to detail in training and competition.
Future Directions
The success of Haras de la Majorie serves as a model for other breeding stables and endurance riding teams. Future research could delve deeper into several key areas:
- Equine Welfare in Competitive Sports: Investigating how stables balance the health and performance of horses, and identifying best practices that prioritize welfare.
- Training Methods in Endurance Riding: A detailed examination of training approaches, especially for preparing horses for long-distance events, could provide valuable insights into optimizing performance while maintaining welfare.
- Impact of Crossbreeding in Endurance Horses: Assessing the pros and cons of crossbreeding could help breeders make informed decisions.
- Holistic Equine Care Practices: Exploring outdoor living, pasture management, and other welfare practices for horses could contribute to better living conditions for competitive horses.
- Career of Jean Philip Frances: Studying the influence and methodologies of notable trainers could offer practical advice for replicating the success of Haras de la Majorie.
Conclusion
Haras de la Majorie's commitment to equine welfare is a beacon of hope in the competitive world of endurance riding. By prioritizing the health and happiness of their horses, the Manoha family has not only achieved remarkable success but also set a high standard for ethical training and breeding practices. As the equestrian community continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Haras de la Majorie will remain invaluable, ensuring that the welfare of horses remains at the forefront of competitive endeavors.
For more information, visit the Fédération Équestre Internationale.