The Black Frame
A true institution in the equestrian world, recognized for its excellence and its influence on international equestrian culture, the Cadre Noir attracts many enthusiasts and curious people every year, eager to discover its shows and its rich heritage. Let's discover together the fascinating history of this prestigious riding school and explore the possibilities of visits and events offered to horse riding enthusiasts.
A rich and glorious history
The history of the Cadre Noir begins in the 19th century, after the Napoleonic Wars, which decimated the French cavalry. In 1815, a "school of Horse Troops" was created in Saumur to train officers and non-commissioned officers capable of training horses for military use.
In the 20th century, with the mechanization of the cavalry and the emergence of equestrian sports, the Cadre Noir turned towards sport while continuing its high school demonstrations.
In the 1970s, faced with the growth of recreational and sport riding, France created a school to organize the teaching of riding. In 1972, the National Riding School was founded, relying on the squires of the Cadre Noir who became its teachers, thus marking the transition from military to civilian status.
In 2010, the National Riding School (ENE) merged with the National Stud Farms to form the French Institute of Horses and Riding (IFCE), placed under the supervision of the Ministries of Sports and Agriculture.
The IFCE Saumur site in figures
Today, the Saumur site is:
- 300 horses belonging to the IFCE
- more than 350 horses welcomed each year in the stables
- nearly 200 IFCE agents and around 300 trainees each year
- 100,000 visitors per year
- 290 ha divided between the Terrefort site (130 ha) on which all the buildings and infrastructure are located and the Verrie site used for certain international competitions, races and training of trainees.
- 4 large stables capable of housing nearly 500 horses
- 7 rides and 14 Olympic-sized careers
- nearly 20 km of developed trails and several hundred natural obstacles
- a veterinary clinic
- a farriery
- an amphitheatre
- a resource-rich and welcoming media library
The art of dressage: a tradition of excellence
Today, the Cadre Noir is above all famous for its expertise in the art of dressage, particularly in high school figures. The riders, rigorously selected, are trained in the most advanced techniques and perpetuate the traditional school jumping movements such as courbettes, caprioles and croupades. These demonstrations of mastery and harmony between the rider and his horse are at the heart of the galas and shows organized several times a year in Saumur.
Visits and discoveries
All year round, the Cadre Noir opens its doors to the public, offering a unique opportunity to discover the backstage of this prestigious school. Several types of visits are offered, ranging from classic guided tours to privileged visits, allowing access to places usually closed to the public. Visitors can admire the facilities, the stables and attend training sessions, delving into the daily life of the riders and their horses.
Galas and shows
Every year, the Cadre Noir organizes equestrian galas and shows, unmissable events for enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Many tourists choose Saumur as their destination first and foremost for the Cadre Noir galas! These events feature the most beautiful dressage figures, accompanied by music and lighting effects, creating an incomparable visual and sound experience.
International influence and recognition
The Cadre Noir of Saumur is not only a national school; its influence extends well beyond the borders of France. Internationally recognized, this institution participates in numerous equestrian competitions and events around the world, thus contributing to the promotion and recognition of French equestrian art.
And precisely, in this Olympic year, on Sunday July 14, 2024, the traditional parade took place on Avenue Foch in Paris and it was alongside the Republican Guard that the equerries of the Cadre Noir de Saumur participated! A true link between high-level sport and military tradition. In total, nine equerries and their nine horses, five grooms, a veterinarian, a farrier and a manager, all agents of the IFCE, went to Paris for this parade. They gave a few minutes of presentation in front of the presidential tribune. The chief equerry, Colonel Thibaut Vallette, carried the Olympic flame before passing the baton to the young athletes.