Equitation in the French tradition recognised by UNESCO as an intangible World Heritage

The Committee’s decision stated that “equitation in the French tradition is a school of horseback riding that emphasises harmonious relations between humans and horses. The fundamental horse-training principles and processes are guided by non-violence and lack of constraint, blending human demands with respect for the horse’s body and mood. (…)The common denominator among riders is the desire to establish close relations with the horse, build mutual respect and work towards achieving ‘lightness’”. 

The application emphasised the primordial position of the Cadre Noir of Saumur “whose role as dispenser of the knowledge necessary to the practice and as demonstrator is well known. A training school for French and foreign instructors alike, it is known throughout the world, exporting not only its doctrine but also its practices, thanks to the galas and courses it organises wherever in the world equitation is practised.” 

On the web: 

• L Equitation in the French tradition – the Cadre Noir listed as UNESCO Intangible World Heritage (ENE - Cadre Noir of Saumur)
• L Equitation in the French tradition (UNESCO)
• 'équitation au patrimoine mondial (Ouest-France, 28/11/2011)

Colloquium: “The heritages of French equitation”

7, 8 and 9 December at the National School of Equitation 

On 7, 8 and 9 December, the National School of Equitation is hosting a national colloquium on the heritages of French equitation. Organised with the help of the Ministry of Culture, the aim is to promote the tangible and intangible heritages attached to the long history of the horse in France.   

On the web:

• http://www.cadrenoir.fr/colloque-patrimoine