Horses… Horses….& Pompadour

If you are interested in horses, ponies, donkeys or anything to do with equestrian events? Then Arnac-Pompadour* in Corrèze has to be high on your list to visit. It is not called the Cité du Cheval for nothing. After all it has hosted horse racing for over 170 years!

 

Pompadour is inextricably linked with equestrian activities. The first stud farm was established in 1665, and later Madame de Pompadour created one. You may remember that Louis XV of France had the problem of giving his mistress a title and he bestowed on her the château, the lands and the title of Marquise de Pompadour.  After the French Revolution which closed everything down, Napoleon created an Imperial Stud and the first anglo-arab horse was bred here. Later it became a National Stud, which remains today, plus the HQ of the organisation of the stud farms of France, where much research into breeding and registering of breeding details takes place.

 

Each of these developments has left its mark on the town. Not only does Pompadour have a superb château overlooking the town, but it faces what can only be described as one of the most beautiful 'hippodromes' of France. With a 2 Km race track surrounded by forest, and 37 Ha of undulating terrain it is suitable for eventing, cross country or racing. . Nearby are the magnificent stables built by Napoleon, extensive parkland, and, of course, the stud.

 

Horse Racing

 

The racing really starts in July and goes on till mid September. There are eleven meetings in all and all but one are on Sundays. Each meeting comprises a mix of flat, steeple and cross country races, and all are in the wonderful undulating hippodrome. It can be a great day out, and is a significant social event in the lives of those who live here. A restaurant with panoramic views over the whole course can be reserved.

 

 

National Donkey Day

 

Bastille Day is also very special for Pompadour. Twelve years ago a group of local people initiated National Donkey Day: a day out for everyone with donkeys as the theme.  The afternoon includes visiting spectaculars and this year it is devoted to Folklore, with groups from Chile and Rumania adding to those from France. In the evening the hippodrome is the arena from which to watch a fabulous firework display from the Château walls overlooking the racecourse, That is if you want to drag yourself away from eating and the fun-fair!!

 

Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing

 

From March until October there are equestrian events taking place in Pompadour, and it is far from only being horse racing. The season starts with a variety of Dressage and Show Jumping competitions, held in the lovely surroundings of the stables. There are some five rings used for these events, and when later on in the season the eventing takes place the hippodrome is brought into play. The competitions are at all levels up to and including international competitions and part of the French National Championships.

 

The main event of the year takes place in September, a week dedicated to Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing but with many added side attractions, such as the showing of mares and their foals. A village of shops is set up, and last year there were over 600 horses present.

 

Throughout the summer there are frequent presentations of the horses stabled at the Château, and also several evening spectaculars when riders and horses from a variety of studs come together to entertain you.

 

Other Activities

 

Added into these extensive programmes are many other varying activities such as the French Western Riding Championships, international Driving Competition, and even greyhound races.

 

But above all there is the chance to explore what is one of Frances best kept secrets.... the lovely department of Corrèze. There are many other activities in Pompadour with visits to the château and stables, and its surrounding countryside and villages, to keep you fully occupied. In recent times the five local communes, of Beyssenac, St Sornin, Concèze, Beyssac, and Troche joined with Arnac-Pompadour to create the Pays de Pompadour, a collaboration to further develop the area for the enjoyment of all.

 

So despite the unique attraction of the horse related activities there is much more to this area for those not so enamoured. But if horses are your passion, nothing should deter you from visiting the Pays de Pompadour.

 

 

Enquiries

 

		Les Trois Tours de Pompadour	Tel: 0555 98 51 10; Website: les3tours-pompadour.com
		Office de Tourisme de Pompadour	Tel: 0555 98 55 47                pompadour.net
		Société des Courses de Pompadour	Tel: 0555 73 57 49:               courses-pompadour.com

 

 

*The villages of Arnac and Pompadour were joined together many years ago, and although Arnac-Pompadour is the official name, it is generally referred to simply as Pompadour.

 

Neil Spoonley: email - sue.neil@orange.fr

 
Posted by: neil spoonley on 13 July 2009