The haras national
de Saint-Lô

An emblematic equestrian centre

The Haras National de Saint-Lô is a place steeped in history and an important centre for the equestrian world. Tourist visits, famous sporting events and riding lessons are all on offer at the Haras. Events organised there include the Normandy Horse Show, the Jumping International 4* and the Selle Français Stallion days. The Haras National de Saint-Lô is the showcase for the equine industry in La Manche.

The haras de Saint-Lô
a must-see in La Manche

What to do at the Haras National de Saint-Lô?

Follow the guide!

Discover the history of this exceptional heritage site thanks to the tourist trail “A walk backstage at the Haras”. The Haras (or stud farm) is open every day for visits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours are also organised in summer, every afternoon from Wednesday to Sunday. Other events are held in summer at the stud farm, with horse shows, horse riding and starter pony rides for small children. Exhibitions also take place throughout the year to spotlight the work of artists.

Events at the Haras

Learn to ride

The riding school at the Haras National de Saint-Lô offers horse riding lessons for all ages and organises courses in the school holidays. The half-day or full-day courses are adapted to all ages and levels (from three years of age).
Rides are also organised during the summer holidays and every Saturday in the Haras courtyard or in the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re visiting La Manche or live near Saint-Lô, take your little ones to discover the world of horse riding.

Activities at the riding school

Did you know?

There were once two working stud farms in Saint-Lô. Built in 1806, the first was destroyed by bombing during the Normandy landings in 1944. Today, only the old riding arena remains, and is now “Le Normandy”, a venue used for shows. The second stud farm, built in 1886, is still in operation. Only two stables were destroyed in 1944, and have been rebuilt exactly as they were.

The major events at the Haras

The Pôle Hippique is comprised of different organisations: the national stud farm, the equestrian centre and the riding school. They organise numerous events and competitions throughout the year. The stud farm also hosts various associations that organise other events. Below are some of the main ones organised every year.

The Normandy Horse Show

For more than 30 years, the unmissable Normandy Horse Show has been held every August in Saint-Lô. This yearly meeting includes not only a sporting event, but also a breed competition and activities for the general public.

During the Normandy Horse Show, different sporting events are held, including the Jumping International 3*, National Showjumping 1, SHF Showjumping for young horses and ponies, Derby Cross, and Amateur Showjumping. Come and enjoy the show!
As for the breed events, you can watch the French Selle Français foal championships, the regional Selle Français two-year-old championships, as well as the foal fair, horse auction, jumping, and horse show.
The Normandy Horse Show is also fun for children! An entertainment village offers different activities, including workshops, initiations, pony rides and games. At the show, you can also watch different displays.

Visit the Normandy Horse Show

International Jumping 4*

This event is organised every year in autumn by Saint-Lô Cheval Organisation for a CSI 4* and a CSI 2* showjumping event.

Several competitions are held over four days, with different prizes, including the Grand Prix du Département de la Manche. Riders from all backgrounds take over the Haras National de Saint-Lô to compete in this event.

Le jumping international 4 étoiles

The Selle Français Stallion days

This breed event is the biggest show in France, involving more than 180 stallions from France and abroad. Some were born in the Manche, and the Selle Français breed in fact originated in Normandy. Organising this event in the Manche is an opportunity to pay tribute to our department, a renowned horse breeding area.

During these days, a Selle Français three-year-old stallions championship is held, along with masters and trials. This event is organised by the Stud-Book, an organisation that promotes the Selle Français breed at the national level. The goal for professionals is to spot the stars of the future.

Le salon des étalons du sport