Championship Endurance breeding stable prioritises welfare over performance

Haras de la Majorie has been thrust into the global spotlight thanks to the achievements of their gelding, Darco la Majorie (by Baltik des Ors), who won individual gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb (2022).

Among the final entries of the 2024 FEI Endurance World Endurance Championship in Monpazier (FRA) are two horses bred by Haras de la Majorie. With over 100 Arabians grazing in their lush pastures, the French stable attracts numerous potential buyers However, as Camille Manoha explains, "We will never let commercial opportunities take precedence over the horse's health." The young entrepreneur shares how she and her sister Clémentine prioritise equine welfare above all else.

Haras de la Majorie, located in Saint-Alban-d'Ay between Lyon and Valence (France), was founded over twenty years ago by Christian and Pascale Manoha. As they step back due to age, their daughters, Clémentine and Camille, are taking over the breeding operations, with the family’s values and standards remaining firmly in place. "If you own horses, you must take responsibility for them", Camille asserts with conviction. She takes the time on a Tuesday evening to give this interview, while Clémentine, as stable CEO and trainer, is still working with the horses until late.

Back to basics

Having been involved with horses her entire life, Camille has witnessed the evolution of various equestrian disciplines. When asked about changes in Endurance riding, one of which being a market demand for larger horses, she notes, “Of course, we explore how we can meet customer needs, but if we see that it doesn't work, we return to our roots. For example, we experimented with crossing Arabians with Thoroughbreds, which tend to be larger. However, the Anglo-Arabians produced from these crosses tend to be more complex horses to deal with than purebred Arabians. Additionally, their size and longer legs make them less sturdy. Smaller horses perform just as well as larger ones. Their compact build is an advantage. And as for speed, we can achieve that by crossing with Arabians bred for the racetrack, like Tidjani."

Stepping out of the shadows

The Manoha family takes pride in the recent successes of the eleven-year-old purebred Arabian, Darco la Majorie. He became world champion under Hh Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 in Butheeb (UAE), won the 160 km (CEI3*) Monpazier test event in 2023, and has multiple top-three finishes at CEI2* and CEI3* levels.

This year, Hh Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will saddle Darco's half-brother, Everest la Majorie. This ten-year-old gelding finished second at last year’s test event, just 25 seconds behind Darco. "We believed in Everest from the beginning" says Camille. "He was seen as ‘the little brother’, but he has similar qualities. For example, he excels both on flat sand and in technical, hilly terrains (2nd in Monpazier in 2023). We expect him to step out of the shadows this year," Camille shares. 

Bahrain's Hamad Isa Abdulla Yusuf Al Janahi will also be heading to the World Championship in Monpazier with a 'La Majorie' horse: the eleven-year-old mare Deesela Majorie, who shares the same sire, Baltik des Ors, as Darco and Everest.

Training 'normal horses' into 'cracks'

The Manohas are proud of these ‘cracks' as they call the top horses. However, Camille emphasises that champions aren’t necessarily born that way. In other words, proper training is essential. "We have around ten foals born each year. Usually, one of them is a natural-born champion. You can see it right away—they have a strong mind, are fighters, and often take the lead in the herd. 

We handle the training of our young horses ourselves. But in the recent past we’ve enjoyed collaborating with rider Jean Philip Frances (6th at the FEI Endurance European Championship 2021 in Ermelo, Netherlands). He excels at training 'normal looking horses' into 'champions'. He’s meticulous and ensures that every detail is right—from the saddle to the hooves to the bit. He experiments with new approaches; he’s innovative. His method aligns with ours because he’s willing to explore what works best for each horse."

Outdoor living shouldn’t be about survival

"In addition to proper training, care and attention to their mental well-being are crucial", Camille emphasises. "From a young age, our horses graze on our 200-hectare pasture with long, green grass. The young horses can eat, play, and gallop as much as they want, allowing them to develop well. We are very strict about deworming and managing their hoof health with the help of a farrier. Of course, they also see the dentist and, when needed, the vet. We spare no expense. Even if an accident or something else means a horse will never be a sport horse, it still receives full veterinary care. We love our horses and want to give them a good life." 

Although the Manoha family believes that horses should live outdoors in freedom, their yearlings are brought into large group stables on winter nights. "Outdoor living keeps horses strong, healthy, fit, and happy. But if living outside becomes about survival, we'd rather have them in the stable at night. That way, they can focus all their energy on growth and development." 

Breaking in begins at five years old, at Haras de la Majorie. Camille explains, "Afterward, they can participate in a 20 km event and a 40 km event. They do this in a group, with their friends. Then, they go back to the pasture to process emotionally and physically what they’ve learned. Only after the summer do we prepare them for a 60 km distance. This is all done at a calm pace, even in training". 

At this week's FEI Endurance World Championship, the Manohas are looking forward to seeing the participants listening well to their horses: "The bond between horse and human is what I love most about this sport. Of all the equestrian disciplines, Endurance riders spend the most time in the saddle . If you can learn to listen to your horse, you can achieve great things together. For example, if your horse wants a break after a long gallop or a tough climb, ease up. They have such remarkable recovery abilities that they can be fully refreshed after a short rest. If you listen to your horse and give them a moment of rest, you can win."