ON THE SADDLE!IN NEXON

Meeting with Jeanne, at Haras du Parc

Jeanne began her studies with a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur agricole at the Lycée des Vaseix in Verneuil-sur-Vienne, before going on to study at a sports faculty in Montpellier, where she obtained a university diploma in sports management.

Jeanne Branche

Director of Le Haras du Parc riding school.

A path of passion, training and family heritage

This was followed by a bachelor’s degree, then a monitora Brevet Professionnel de la Jeunesse, de l’Éducation Populaire et du Sport, specializing in equestrian activities. Finally, Jeanne worked for five years at a major equestrian center in the south of France, before returning to her roots in Limousin. Fourteen years which enabled her to train, acquire skills, learn from ancestral practices in the four corners of France and, above all, to become a self-employed entrepreneur and subsequently take over the business held by her mother Régine, in a masterly fashion, for over twenty years.

A heritage rooted in Nexon’s history

Located in the heart of the lush parklands of the Château de Nexon, the Haras du Parc, managed by Jeanne for just over two years now, has a much longer family history. Previously, it was her mother who ran the facility from 2000 to 2021. Since then, the years have passed, but the very essence and practices have been passed on in the sharing of this common passion. The stables at Nexon, a veritable cradle of the equestrian world in the days of Barons Astolphe and Maurice Gay de Nexon, today perpetuate their trademark colors, identical to the Baron’s grey coat and cherry hat when he was a jockey. There’s no shortage of nods to history here. Of course, we’ll remember the creation of the mythical “Anglo-Arabian” breed and the past vocation of breeding and raising horses for racing, particularly in the 19th century. But also, the creation of the Nexon riders’ association, named the “Blabla du Parc” in reference to one of the fillies bred at the stud in the 60s and winner of the Prix de Diane in 1965.

Today, the Haras du Parc is a historic structure that never fails to renew itself. The stables are home to no fewer than twenty horses and a dozen ponies, a third of which are boarders. The others are school horses trained to teach children and adults of all ages.

Jeanne is delighted to welcome groups of pupils and also offers private and group lessons, one hour a week. Introductory lessons and accompanied rides are also offered in the secure setting of the château grounds. The stud is open all year round, and lessons are by appointment only, preferably during school vacations.

Future projects

Jeanne’s wish for the new year is above all to perpetuate the present, i.e. to maintain the partnership with the Maison Familiale Rurale de Beynac for the professional training of young people in the equine industry and the organization of four annual regional competitions at Nexon. For her, it is a matter of pride and conviction to train and pass on this passion.

Outside her business, Jeanne also trains young horses on the circuit and is a professional rider at international level, taking part in some twenty competitions all over France, mainly at Pompadour in Corrèze.

Jeanne Branche - Le Haras du Parc - Nexon

Jeanne's favorite

Charmed by the château grounds for many years, Jeanne invites us to come and admire the Gay de Nexon’s pretty little family chapel, nestled in the heart of nature. And let’s not forget that Adrienne Chanel (Baronne de Maurice), aunt of the famous milliner and couturier Coco Chanel, is buried here. The rest of the English-style park and the great rhododendron alley designed by one of the disciples of the Versailles gardener (Paul de Lavenne de Choulot) are also a must-see at our meeting of the month.