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Horses in France
For the lack of a more inspired and creative title, I have called this article "Horses in France". The title may not be inspired, but if you're into horses the article will be worth your while reading. It answers mny of the main questions when you are considering moving to France with horses. You may well wonder why there is even a need for such an article, given that people who have kept horses in the UK should be well versed in all the requirements of horse keeping, but if you are moving to France and bringing horses with you, there are certainly some key differences which are best understood in advance.
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Horse problems in France
As a horse owner in the UK you will have built up a trusted network of suppliers and advisers, and suddenly you are on your own. You will need to establish a new relationship with a vet, find a good farrier, source feeds and other horse related equipment and face the thorny issues of insurance requirements. And you will no doubt discover all manner of other problems along the way. That is the nature of horse keeping. There are always problems, it’s just that the problems you will face in France can be different from those of the UK!
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Housing your horses in France
One of the first issues which must be dealt with is that of finding suitable stabling and grazing for your horses. You may, of course, have your own land and stables in France, and presumably this will solve your problem. However, there are a couple of points to mention here. It is impossible to generalise, as France is such a vast and diverse country, that land quality varies massively from place to place. But certainly, if you are heading south for the sunshine (although as I write, here in the deep south, it is nearly June and the rain is beating down... it can happen anywhere!) you need to be aware that you will need considerably more land to keep your horses happy than you would in the wetter, cooler and generally lusher UK. (Land for Sale in France.)
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Grass quality in France
In the warmer parts of France you will probably find that the grass quality is poor, with the land turning easily to mud in wet conditions and drying to a rock hard baked brown in summer. Here in the Aude department (Aude Property Guide) and in the neighbouring Ariège (Ariège Property Guide), we find that we have to feed hay for most of the summer, and feed less in the winter when the grass is better. This is, of course, the opposite of the situation in the UK.
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Horse stables
If you are building stables or deciding what buildings to use for your horses, give thought to the long hot summers which much of France enjoys, and try to claim as much shade and shelter from the sun and the flies as possible. Those of you who will be needing to find livery stables, there seem to be plenty around, even down here which is not generally considered a horsey part of the country. Most are clearly marked on roadside boards, and you will also find them in the “Pages Jaune”, France's Yellow Pages directory.
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Livery in France
There are a few key differences between livery practices in France and in England. Livery stables in France tend to keep horses separated in individual (and frequently very small) paddocks, separated by electric tape fencing, whereas in the UK horses are usually turned out altogether in large paddocks. This does avoid the frequent bite and kick injuries which are part and parcel of livery life in Britain, and seems to work well. French loose boxes are also somewhat smaller than English ones. We have knocked two into one to create the space that our horses are used to, but of course you are not able to do this in a livery yard. Of course, all yards vary, so try to see as many as possible before making your choice.
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Feeds and equipment in France
Once you have found somewhere for your horses to live, the next requirement will probably be finding a source for buying feeds, hay and equipment. Once again, much depends on where you are moving to, as the recognised “horsey” parts of the country, such as Normandy (Upper-Normandy Property Guide, Lower-Normandy Property Guide) will have different feedstuffs and suppliers from those down here in the south. It seems that the nearer you are to Britain, the more likely you are to be able to access similar products for your horse from those available in the UK.
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Horse feed
However, broadly speaking, it is hard to find chaffs and alfalfa feeds in France, and even the mixes tend to be pellets rather than cereal mixes, and frequently of a slightly higher protein content than we are used to back in Blighty. Straights are also commonly fed without the addition of bulk which seems unwise to the British mind. At first I worried about this and kept begging anyone who was driving to and from our area of France to bring back sacks of chaff for my horses, but I have long since given this up and the horses are doing just fine on the pellets and hay available here. I buy hay from a local farmer, and it is cheaper and of better quality than that which I bought in England.
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Where to buy horse feed and equipment in France
There are some specialist horse shops, but these tend to be in large towns or cities, with the most common place for buying feed being general gardening and agricultural stores such as “Point Vert”, “Gamme Vert” and many other similarly named stores! A certain amount of horsey equipment may also be available here, but the best places to access other products such as fly sprays, supplements, items of tack and so on, is strange as it may seem, a large sports shop such as “Decathlon” (similar to Intersport in the UK). Other than this you can buy most products via the Internet, with sites of particular interest including:
www.equestra.fr
www.chevalpower.com
www.cheval-plus.fr
www.cavaloisirs.com
www.equiphorse.com
www.cvaleurope.com
www.K-val.com
All of these deliver to France at very reasonable rates even if they are not based here.
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French measurements
Remember when ordering that measurements are different here too. Instead of the British measurement of hands and inches, the French use centimetres. To get an accurate measurement you will need to use a tape or rule, but as a rough guide a 15.2hh horse equates to 155 cm, and a 16.2 to 165cm, and so on.
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Flies and ticks in France
At the risk of repeating myself, once again it really depends on where you live, but flies can be even more of a pain for your horses in France than they are in England, which is an unfortunate trade off for the warmer weather. Ticks are a problem as they carry the sometimes fatal disease of piroplasmosis, and it is necessary to protect your horses against these by regular use of a product such as Butox, available at your local vets. Among the other horrors are the flat flies or “mouche plat” which are less common in most parts of the UK than they are in France. These are particularly unpleasant characters who like to crawl around under a horse's tail, which can make sensitive horses very unhappy.
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Treatment in France
There are various methods of dealing with these, ranging from the simple (a coating of Vaseline to make it too slippery for the blighters to hang on) to the bizarre (Avon moisturising cream!) to the expensive but effective (“Versatrine” from the vet). Others swear by feeding garlic and cider vinegar... I think really it is a question of trial and error to see what works for your horses and in your area.
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The bot fly
The bot fly is another character who can cause problems... you may have met this in the UK, but in my experience the horses reacted more violently against it here than they did back in England. Fortunately it only appears for a couple of hours a day in August and September, so I simply bring my horses in for that period. A point of interest here is that native French horses seem to be far less affected by these flies than the ex-pat horses.
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Vets in France
Vets in France are as highly qualified and seem to be every bit as professional and caring as they are in the UK. Of course there are good ones and less good ones, and personal recommendation is usually the best way to find the vet for you. They will come out on call to treat a horse at home, there are specialist horse vets in the practice who deal with horses, and you can purchase most products for your horses' healthcare at the surgery counter or in any local pharmacy. The large cities have specialist veterinary hospitals where serious cases can be treated.
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Dentists and back specialists for horses in France
Equine dentists and back specialists seem to be less common, with tooth and back care being carried out by the vet rather than a specialist. In my experience, the care is of a high standard and there seems to be less likelihood of unnecessary treatments being administered.
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French farriers
Farriers are plentiful, in my area at least, and every bit as unreliable as those we knew and loved back in the UK! Finding a good one is best done through recommendation, so if you don't know anyone with horses in your area it may be worth asking your vet to recommend one for you.
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Saying farewell
For all horse owners there may come a sad day when we have to consider our horses well being before our own emotions, and we may have to take the difficult decision to have the horse put to sleep rather than cause further suffering. In France this is usually done by lethal injection, often with two injections administered to first knock the horse down then to stop the heart. It is, of course, deeply distressing for the owners, but fast and humane for the horse. It is illegal to bury a horse, even on your own land, and the accepted procedure after death is to have the body taken away for cremation by a recognised organisation (the vet will advise).
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Riding in France... the good news
The off road riding in much of France is fantastic. In so many places in the UK the hacking is spoiled by having to ride on busy, dangerous roads, whereas in France you can find access to endless well maintained trails, forests and open fields where you have the right to roam as long as you don't do any damage. Where I live, the hacking on the Randonnées (especially marked trails) is superb, and I will never quite get used to the splendour of the views of the snow-topped Pyrénées that greet me and my mare every day as we wander our stately (and sometimes not so stately!) way around. (Languedoc-Roussillon Property - an insider's guide.)
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French riding schools
The surprise is that the riding schools here don't take advantage of this, seeming to be obsessed with dressage and show jumping to the point where at many establishments there is no such thing as hacking out. Having said that, however, teaching is of a very high standard, and all the horses I have seen are well cared for and kept in immaculate surroundings. Riders here are encouraged to progress through the exam system known as the “Galops”, ensuring a thorough equestrian education!
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Insurance for your horses in France
Insurance, in case of an accident caused by your horses, is usually done through your household insurance policy. Check with the insurers to make sure that this is the case, and be very clear on what exactly is covered, as this can be a notoriously grey area.
If you intend to hack out in the winter, between the months of September and March, be very vigilant as these are the hunting months when “Les Chasseures” are out and about. The French are very keen amateur hunters, and it can be startling (to say the least!) for a horse to hear the sudden bursts of gunfire, or to be taken unaware by a pack of dogs in full flight on the trail of a wild boar!
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French attitude
Attitudes to horses vary, as they do in Britain. Many French people are just as passionate about “le cheval” as we Brits can be, and owning a horse can be a great barrier breaker and conversation starter... even if your French is not all it should be!
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They eat horses in France, don't they?
Of course, we all have to deal with the fact that they do eat horses here (I have lived here for three years and still find it difficult to walk past the horse meat section of the supermarket). Although not eaten by everybody, horse meat is still popular in France, particularly with the older people. Sadly, even Gordon Ramsay seems to be endorsing this practice and trying to introduce it to Britain... but that is really another topic. Rest assured, in general, that France can be as horse friendly as Britain. It is different, particularly in the south, but with a little care and pre-planning your horses can enjoy their new lives "en France" just as much as you will! Bon chance!
Other articles and sites which may be of interest:
Travelling to France with Pets
Registering competition horses in France
Life in France
Sport in France
Equine Rescue France - We are an English speaking registered not-for-profit association dedicated to the welfare of horses, ponies and donkeys in France. We provide lots of information for people moving over with their horses. This information includes care of equines in general, care of equines in France, as well as how to report a welfare case.
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About the author
Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004, having found her property through French Property Links. She took with her two horses, three dogs, five cats, three guinea pigs and a rabbit.
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your questions...
1. A visitor to the site asks (added 13/7/07):
Is there any link that you know of that could give us the estimated figures of the number of horses per country, or only in France or Germany. Thank you in advance.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links replies:
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to this, and can only suggest you contact perhaps DEFRA (the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who regulate the movement of pets to/from the UK) in the UK, or the French equivalent of DEFRA, or the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), who may be able to help or point you in the right direction. (And I am sure there would be a German equivalent of DEFRA as well.) Contact details are as follows:
DEFRA - http://www.defra.gov.uk/
Ministere d' Agriculture
Direction generale de l'alimentation
Bureau de la Pharmacie Veterinaire
175 rue du Cheveralet
F-75646 Paris Codex 13
France
Tel + 33 1 49 55 49 55/49 55 84 67
Fax + 33 1 49 55 43 98
RCVS - http://www.rcvs.org.uk/
I'm sorry I cannot be of more help.
2. A question about livery (added 17/7/08)...
I'm thinking of moving my horse with me to France and I will be based in Boulogne-Billancourt in south-west Paris. I've found a few sites for livery which quote prices from 150 Euros to 450! What I want to
know is whether these prices are per week or per month, as this will make a difference about whether or not I can do it! It seems that nowhere on any site does it specify this. Advice would be very much appreciated, as would more general information about livery in France.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replies...
Thanks for contacting us. I would suggest you contact the sites you are looking at to see whether they are charging by the week or by the month. From the variation in price you give, I would think they cover both options. I have been in contact with my colleague Joanna who says:
"I pay 200 Euros a month to a friend... for a field, two stables and straw, though all other expenses are mine. So I can't imagine 150 Euros is for a month... unless you are incredibly lucky and my friend is doing me over bigstyle! Depends totally on the individual liveries though, you really have to contact direct to be sure. Areas vary too, some horsey areas like Normandy may be cheaper and burnt areas like here in the Languedoc probably more expensive. Provence worst of all I should think as it's hard to find pasture land there. I know, I looked!"
I hope this information is of use.
3. A question about acreage for horses (added 30/10/08)...
Property for sale to be used as livery stables. Would you know what the laws are concerning the acreage needed for each horse in the Tarn area of SW France? I am trying to collect information so any you could give me would help.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replies...
Thanks for contacting us. I have been in contact with my colleague Joanna who lives in the Aude department in France, who offers the following advice:
"It's not an exact science, but I made the mistake of thinking that the same area would be ok here as it was in England. Now the Tarn is a little greener and less hot then here where I am, they get a bit more rain but not a lot... so I would double what you would say in England. Many horses here exist in small paddocks though and are supplemented with hay all year or in the summer especially. I currently have two horses on about a hectare and they are fine, but still need hay all summer after the ground dries up and in the winter when the land gets muddy.
The biggest problem I have found for British horses are the flies... there are some horrible flies here and British horses just don't seem as tolerant as French ones... so fly sheets, masks, sprays and shelter are essential.
I'm not aware of any laws here though, specifying acreage per horse."
4. A question about taking a pony from France to the UK (added 17/3/09)...
I am not sure if you are able to help me, I have picked up your e-mail address from an article about moving animals to France. We are going from France to the UK in August with our pony for a three-week holiday (yes, mad I know). What paperwork do I need going this way and how do I find somewhere to stay overnight with him, preferably in the Reims area (a field and farmhouse B & B is what I am ideally looking for)? It would be fantastic if you could help, but please don't worry if this query is outside your brief.
Our reply...
Thanks for contacting us. I have been in contact with my colleague in France who wrote the article, but she says she isn't able to offer much help unfortunately, with where to stay overnight. She says "You really need local knowledge and I am nowhere near Reims, though of course searching on the internet may find you something. But be warned that August is nearly the only time of year when the roads can be bad in France... if it's hot it could be tough on a pony. In general though, I think you can pitch an electric fence and a tent pretty much anywhere... a good idea might be to ask the Mairie of a village you like the look of... but contact them in advance."
To find out what paperwork would be involved you could try asking your vet or contacting DEFRA (the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who regulate the movement of pets to/from the UK) in the UK, or the French equivalent of DEFRA. Contact details are as above. Or the following may be able to help:
www.agriculture.gouv.fr (the French Ministry for Agriculture site)
5. A question about stabling and livery (added 13/8/09)...
I wonder if you can help me. My partner and I will be relocating to the Cadarche area of France. My partner has an event horse and he will be coming with us and I am struggling to find good information regards stabling and livery local to this area. I would really appreciate some recommendations and sites to visit. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links replies...
Thanks for contacting us. I'm afraid that both my colleague Joanna in France and I are not familiar with the area you are moving to, so I would suggest you try the "Pages Jaune", France's Yellow Pages directory (http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/) to find stables or livery in this area. Or you could try posting a question on a site such as
http://www.equineonline.net/ - using their forum to find out if anyone can recommend anywhere local to you.
I hope this information is of use.
6. A question about blacksmiths and hay (added 13/8/09)...
Could you please assist? I am based just outside of Carcassonne in Conques sur Orbiel and am looking for a blacksmith and a good hay (foin) supplier. Do you have any contacts please?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links replies...
Thanks for contacting us. I have been in touch with my colleague Joanna in France who says the best thing to do would be to ask your vet... or contact local stables.
7. A question about moving horses to France (added 15/10/09)...
Hi - I saw your article on moving horses from the UK to France. I plan on moving two horses from Ireland to France next year, and I was wondering if you could give me some kind of estimation of the cost of moving the horses, or info. on a good way to do it, and if there's any kind of quarantine in France when moving horses. Any info. you could give me would be very much appreciated!
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links replies....
Thanks for contacting us and sorry for the delay in this reply. I have been in touch with my colleague in France who took horses with her and she has the following to say:
"No quarantine as far as I am aware... and not when I moved mine here. Would only apply if there were a disease outbreak as happened in Spain or Portugal some years ago.
I used PARKERS... a firm of UK movers (will certainly cover Ireland) who were superb in every way... lots of overnight stops with stabling, professional grooms, horses arrived in excellent condition and the charges were very reasonable. Their contact details will be in the back of Horse and Hound each month. I paid £2,000, to get two horses from the north-east of England to the south of France... five years ago, so probably more now but I don't think it is too bad still. A friend here brought two from Hungary recently, she went with a cheaper firm to save cash and it ended up costing more. They were not that good, kept putting off the journey etc... she wished she had just gone with Parkers, about whom no-one has heard a bad word ever! (No I don't get commission!)"
I hope information is of use.
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your comments...
1. Lesa Morley from Oupia, near Olonzac, writes (added 3/7/2007)...
Hi - I have just been reading your article about horses in France. I have just bought one horse and two ponies and pay friendly neighbours for their grazing, we built our own field shelter (comme une Maison de Maitre so the locals say) although I seem to be constantly worrying about them and wonder whether or not it is worth me putting them in livery. On verra.
Many thanks for creating such an interesting and enjoyable site!
2. An update from Lesa Morley (added 9/1/08)...
Hi again. I wrote to you last July having bought two ponies and a horse, I did eventually decide to move them to livery nearby. Now my worries are over. They are well cared for and I can go on holiday whenever I like! One pony has been taken on as an "au pair", (she is used for the children to learn to ride) and therefore costs me nothing, only vets bills if need be. The livery is http://www.pontdecalmel.com based between La Caunette and St Pons. Recommended to anyone who has a horse nearby or who fancies a wonderful holiday in France with horses. And to top it all the owners are really friendly! So my poor self-built stable now houses chickens - anyone out there want any free range eggs??
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