Versailles Royal Stables

The stomp of hooves. The snort of a proud stallion. The hush before a jump, and the cheers and applause after. Equestrian shows were a central feature of palace life at Versailles, and horsemanship underlined the force of France’s royalty. In the 18th century, more than 2,000 horses were stabled at the palace, including the beautiful blue-eyed white Lusitanians that were a favorite breed of Louis XIV. Today, the tradition lives on at the Equestrian Academy of Versailles, founded at the Royal Stables in 2003 by the celebrated trainer and impresario Barnabas. A tradition of grace, strength, discipline, and showmanship that has stirred hearts for centuries – what will it awaken in you?