Saumur is the capital of equestrianism in France. It is famous for its Cadre Noir, its National School of Equitation, and its French Institute of Horse and Equitation. These institutions showcase the passion and equestrian tradition of the city.
The city attracts visitors from everywhere thanks to its equestrian events. These events blend tradition and excellence.

Key Points
- Saumur, historical cradle of French equitation
- Military tradition and the birth of the prestigious Cadre Noir
- National School of Equitation and French Institute of Horse and Equitation
- Cadre Noir, ambassador of traditional French equitation
- Classical Dressage: grace and lightness
- International equestrian competitions in Saumur
- Saumur, festive capital of the equestrian arts
Saumur: historical cradle of French equitation
Saumur has a rich equestrian history dating back to the 18th century. It is where French equitation began with a military school. The Cadre Noir, a group of elite horsemen, was created here. They have kept the tradition of academic equitation and military equitation alive.
The military tradition and the birth of the Cadre Noir
The cavalry school of Saumur helped develop French equitation. The Cadre Noir, a symbol of French equitation, was established there. The horsemen of the Cadre Noir have kept the techniques of classical dressage alive.
The National School of Equitation and the French Institute of Horse and Equitation
The National School of Equitation was founded in 1972. It is based on the knowledge of the Cadre Noir to train future leaders in equitation. Today, the Cadre Noir and the French Institute of Horse and Equitation protect and pass on the French equestrian tradition.

| Establishment | Foundation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalry School of Saumur | 18th century | Cradle of French equitation and the Cadre Noir |
| Cadre Noir | Born in Saumur | Ambassador of French academic equitation |
| National School of Equitation | 1972 | Training of senior equitation executives |
| French Institute of Horse and Equitation | Today | Guardian of the French equestrian tradition |
The Cadre Noir of Saumur: ambassador of traditional French equitation
The Cadre Noir of Saumur is a symbol of traditional French equitation. It is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The horsemen of the Cadre Noir pass on their expertise. They seek harmony between the rider and their mount.
The Cadre Noir is part of the National School of Equitation and the French Institute of Horse and Equitation. It participates in global competitions. It also organizes shows in France and abroad to showcase French equitation.
| Cadre Noir Missions | Main Activities |
|---|---|
| Transmit traditional French equitation |
|
| Represent the excellence of French equitation |
|

The Cadre Noir of Saumur is an expert in French equestrian heritage. It is the ambassador of traditional French equitation internationally.
Equestrianism in Saumur: an equestrian art combining tradition and excellence
Equestrianism in Saumur is closely linked to French tradition. Classical dressage is at the heart of this excellence. This discipline seeks grace and lightness in movements, showcasing traditional French equitation.
In addition to its traditions, Saumur is a center of excellence for international equestrian competitions. The eventing, an Olympic sport, attracts the best riders and horses. The Great Week of Saumur and the ARTCHEVAL festival are also very important.
These events take place at the Verrie racetrack. They make Saumur a place of equestrian excellence, blending tradition and modernity in dressage, vaulting, and driving.
| Event | Discipline | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Eventing | Equestrianism | Annual |
| Great Week of Saumur | Dressage | Annual |
| ARTCHEVAL | Equestrian Arts | Annual |
Saumur, festive capital of the equestrian arts
Saumur is a special place for equestrianism and celebrates the equestrian arts. Every summer, the Carrousel of Saumur showcases the horsemen of the Cadre Noir. They perform incredible dressing demonstrations.
For 30 years, Saumur has hosted the international ARTCHEVAL festival. There are exhibitions of contemporary art, a literary competition Pégase Prize, and conferences on horses and heritage.
These events make Saumur the center of equestrian arts. The public discovers equestrian performances, artistic creations, and reflections on the horse. Saumur is a place where the tradition and excellence of French equitation are celebrated.
- The Carrousel of Saumur: equestrian show featuring the horsemen of the Cadre Noir
- The international ARTCHEVAL festival: exhibitions of contemporary art, literary competition Pégase Prize, conferences on horses and heritage
- Saumur, festive capital of the equestrian arts in France
Conclusion
Saumur is a special place for the love of equestrianism in France. With its Cadre Noir, its National School of Equitation, and its numerous events, the city keeps a rich equestrian tradition alive. It uniquely blends tradition and excellence.
Having become a global reference point, Saumur attracts equestrian enthusiasts from everywhere. They come to discover the excellence of French equestrian art. The demonstrations at the Cadre Noir, the training at the French Institute of Horse and Equitation, and the international competitions showcase the essence of the French equestrian tradition.
Saumur is an essential place for lovers of equestrianism and equestrian arts. They come to celebrate the passion and excellence of this unique cultural heritage.
FAQ
What is Saumur's place in French equitation?
Saumur is the capital of equitation in France. It has a long military tradition and a passion for equitation. It is home to the Cadre Noir, the National School of Equitation, and the French Institute of Horse and Equitation.
What is the history of the Cadre Noir of Saumur?
The Cadre Noir was created in the 18th century in Saumur. It is an elite body of horsemen. They have perpetuated the tradition of French academic equitation. Today, they participate in international competitions.
What characterizes the classical dressage practiced in Saumur?
The classical dressage of Saumur aims for grace and lightness. It is at the heart of Saumur's equestrian excellence.
What are the main equestrian events organized in Saumur?
Saumur organizes major equestrian competitions. It features eventing qualifying for the Olympic Games and the Great Week of Saumur. The ARTCHEVAL festival also celebrates the equestrian arts.
How does Saumur celebrate the equestrian arts?
The Carrousel of Saumur presents dressing demonstrations every summer. The ARTCHEVAL festival, created 30 years ago, brings together contemporary art, a literary competition, and conferences on horses.
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