Celebrating the end of an era at Privilège Equitation, France

French distributor, Olivier Dumoulin of Privilège Equitation, retires

January 2016

We went last weekend to France to celebrate the end of an era,  Olivier Dumoulin of Privilège Equitation, was retiring.  We were made very welcome by the team at Privilege and the party was held at the magnificent venue of Pôle Européen du Cheval near Le Mans.  The party on Saturday night was fancy dress beginning with the letter ‘P’.  We went as princesses and we saw lots of pirates, prisoners, priests and some French characters unknown to us but obviously very famous in France.

The champagne flowed and the staff at Privilège wrote and performed a song thanking Olivier for being such a brilliant boss and another song welcome Emmanuel Coisy and Jérôme Andraud as the new owners of the business.  Emmanuel had been Olivier business partner for many years so everyone knew the business was in safe hands.

Philippe Rossi, the owner of Pôle Européen du Cheval, showed us around the equestrian centre and we can honestly say it was breathtaking.  They have 7 huge outdoor arenas and 2 enormous indoor arenas – one of which would be perfect for World or Olympic competitions. They can accommodate 1500 horses in overnight accommodation.

The food was equally as amazing – not greasy burger van here – top notch French cuisine was available.

We stayed overnight in a very modern and comfortable cabin right next to the stables.  These are available to rent.  Pôle Européen du Cheval would make a great place to visit for preparing for the competition season or indeed competing at one of the many events they run there – all with great facilities for horse and rider.

You would not find such an superb venue anywhere in the UK – we came back home feeling very jealous.