The Cadre Noir

The Cadre Noir of Saumur is a prestigious traditional riding school created during the 19th century and recognized on an international level. Its name dates back to the Napoleonic period when the "cadre" (framework) referred to a set of officers responsible for the training of the troops. The adjective "black" is simply a reference to the color of the uniforms of the second lieutenants adopted in 1898.

If you so desire, you can now participate in a presentation of the work of this elite horse-riding corps. The guides will allow you to experience the obstacle and long rein training, the jumpers and academic equitation presentations.

The public presentation is your opportunity to witness the work of the Cadre Noir's riders in the grand Arena. The commentary provided by a rider will allow you to enjoy the process of horse dressage, obstacle and long rein work, the jumpers and academic equitation presentations.

In 2016, the "Presentations of Cadre Noir of Saumur" will take place:
- Thursday 23 and 30 June,
- Thursday 7 July,
- Thursday 11, 18 and 25 August,
- Thursday 8 and 29 September,
- Thursday 6 and 27 October

Presentations start exactly at 10h30. You are required to have arrived by 10h at the Ecole Nationale d'Equitation. Reservations are compulsory.

Individual guided visits allow you to enter the backstage of the famous Cadre Noir, explore the grand Arena, the saddlery, the stables, as well as spend a few wonderful moments with the horses.

Visits are offered from Monday afternoon to Saturday morning. Closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, Monday mornings and holidays.

Classical visit
This guided visit allows you to enter the backstage of the famous Cadre Noir, explore the grand Arena, the saddlery, the stables, as well as spend a few wonderful moments with the horses.
Duration: 1h00
Price: Full rate 8€ / Children rate (<16 years old) 6€ / Reduced rate 7€ / Family formula (2 adults + 2 children) 25€

Investigation in Cadre Noir
The Investigation in Cadre Noir is a visit intended for the younger visitors (ages 6 to 12) that allows families to discover on their own pace the life of the horses of Cadre Noir through the various games and puzzles offered.
This visit is offered during school vacations of all regions, Mondays and Wednesdays at 15h.
Duration: 2h00
Price: Full rate 9€ / Children rate (<16 years old) 7€ / Reduced rate 8€ / Family formula (2 adults + 2 children) 29€

Insiders' meeting
This more technically focused visit tackles the training offered by the school and takes you to meet sports horses. You will have the opportunity to observe the everyday activities of the school, explore the organization of the stables and training sessions, as well as visit quarries, the veterinary clinic, the shoeing area and the grand Arena.
Duration: 2h00
Price: Full rate 12€ / Children rate (<16 years old) 11€ / Reduced rate 10€ / Family formula (2 adults + 2 children) 42€

Address: Avenue de l’École nationale d’équitation, 49 400 Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent
☎ +33 (0)2 41 53 50 50
Website: www.ifce.fr

Visits opening hours: from October 17th to November 5th, from Monday afternoon to Saturday morning at 10am, 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm.
Boutique opening hour: from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Closed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday, Monday morning and Bank holidays.