Magazine Page 8   French Connections

  Normally, we don't show Horses For Sale or Wanted advertisements. Instead, on the links page, we have a direct link button to the CBHS For Sale or Wanted section. It was there that we saw a CB wanted notice which was sufficiently unusual to merit reproduction here.

WANTED.
  Due to the imminent acceptance of the Cleveland Bay into the French stud book, by the Haras Nationaux here, in France we are now wishing to buy the following:
  MUST HAVE FULL PAPERS ..16.2hh approx preferably a part-bred mare with a nice temperament [not too heavy] to ride and compete in dressage competitions [hence the need for full papers] to hack, and also if possible, to drive. The same animal will also be used to give experienced riders lessons, from time to time. Preferably good in traffic. This is an opportunity to promote the breed, as the horse will also be seen on open days when the facilities here are complete, hopefully by the end of May 2009. Reasonable price essential...as are photos and preferably a small video [as we are so far away.] SUPER HOME, AND INSPECTION WELCOME AT ANY TIME [even for a holiday!] - we are in Central Brittany. Please contact Jean Ashcroft.....email jeanne22160@orange.fr or telephone 00 33 2 96 45 91 54

  Jean Ashcroft is a free-lance instructor and trainer specializing in dressage. With extensive experience and UK qualifications, four years ago Jean moved to the Sarthe Department in the Pays de la Loire and then in 2008 to St Servais in Brittany. She thought that starting an equestrian business in France would be fairly straightforward. A Ministry in Paris controls all sports qualifications and although the same EC rules apply in theory, the practical differences of the French interpretation can be daunting. Without the correct qualification no one has the right to teach riding in France if they are supplying the horse as well. Anyone can ride in France but if you want to compete, even at club level, you must first have passed a certain level "galop" test - these go from level 1 to 9.
  When she moved to France, Jean was amazed to discover that the Haras Nationaux (the French National Stud) did not recognize the Cleveland Bay Breed. A CB would be registered in France either as "origin unknown" or "half-cart horse". Jean last had a CB/Han when in Sarthe. Now she is anxious to have another CB, hence the Wanted notice.
  For four years now another ex-pat equestrian, Zoe Woods, has been working tirelessly to persuade the French authorities to recognize the CB. We hope to hear from Zoe in the near future on whether she has been successful. Zoe, who is based in the countryside of Anjou, Pays de la Loire, owns five CBs. She is a keen promoter of rare breeds and in addition to CBs has Shagya Arabs from Hungary. If you are interested in what is happening across the channel, try these websites: www.horsetalkgoesfrench.com  www.racerare.eu/ There are direct links to both these websites via our 'Links & Breeders' page.
Updated (with corrections) 18.5.09