Lolita is a 6th year medicine student from Caen. She’s loved horse riding since she was a little girl and now indulges in her hobby in Ranville, Calvados. Let’s meet her!
A passion for horses
“I fell in love with riding when I was 6 and attended the riding centre in Sully until I was 14. I also rode in Bény-Bocage,” says 23 year old Lolita Marie. It was great for childcare as Lolita spent almost every Wednesday afternoon and some Saturdays there. After her introduction to horses in Calvados, she was dazzled by the variety of equine disciplines: harness racing if you don’t like to ride horseback, showjumping, treks, cross-country and more. “I always loved bonding with animals, it’s odd to have a partner that isn’t human. You have to be able to give your trust so the horse can trust you. Then it’s about teamwork, mutual respect.”
Since Normandy is the realm of horses, she also spent time at a riding centre in Bayeux and even rode the owners’ horses in Creully.
Horse riding helps you control your emotions
Horse riding: an all-round sport
What does she like to do today?
Her hobby sees her spend up to 2 hours, two or three times a week, among one of the world’s most beloved creatures. That includes the essential prep and grooming.
“After taking a 1-2 year break to study, I picked it back up again in Ranville at a stable.”
Pony games, ball games like horse ball, polo and dressage are just a few of the all-round equine sports suitable for all ages and passions. “My favourite is eventing,” says Lolita. “Cross-country and its outdoor obstacles demands technique and attention to detail, whereas show jumping gives you a rush.” It’s a sport that requires goodwill and patience: “you have to give it a go, you have to try. Horse riding also helps you control your emotions.”
Normandy, the realm of horses
Lolita sees Normandy as the perfect region for keen riders.
“There are lots of places for horses to graze, which is vital to their wellbeing and a major asset compared to cities like Paris. It’s better knowing that your horse can go out every day rather than stay in a 9m2 paddock….”
The region also provides countless opportunities to attend famous equine events, such as the international competitions in Deauville and Cabourg, or Pôle Hippique de Saint-Lô riding school and Haras du Pin. “Watching the best at events is always inspiring,” says the Norman who also loves running, strength training and cycling. “I would never leave Normandy: I love spending time outdoors and I love the food. My favourites are Normandy cutlets and my grandma’s apple tart,” she says with a smile.
Lolita’s favourite places:
- The Normandy countryside and Souleuvre, on the banks of the Vire
- Souleuvre riding centre
- For a walk or horse ride: Perche and Nord Cotentin, with La Hague’s fabulous landscapes
Normandy and horses
Normandy is the biggest horse breeding region in France with 18,000 jobs, 6700 businesses, 1.3 billion Euros in annual turnover, 147,000 horses, 12,300 newborns a year, 57 training centres and facilities, 2 national stud farms, 140,000 hectares for horses and the only business cluster in France devoted to the industry.
An international equine campus is in the pipeline for 2025 for research, training and businesses in the sector.
There are currently 40,000 members in 900 riding centres.
Thematics
