Haras du Chêne

The staff and owner were so kind. It’s a lovely, quiet spot for a weekend with horses all around. ✨️✨️✨️

The setting is beautiful, and that makes it all the more disappointing. This place has real potential, but it isn’t well managed, and as a horse owner I can’t recommend it. There’s no indoor arena, and it’s a very long way from the building. The only arena available is tiny, really only suitable for a Shetland pony, and there isn’t a second, larger outdoor arena ready to use. The small arena is enclosed by fencing, which seems dangerous if a horse falls or gets anxious. There’s no professional supervision either. I was told, in effect, that if anything happened to my horse while in their care, it would somehow be my fault. I found him badly injured, with a bleeding nostril, lameness, and a hock swollen to three times its usual size, and was told he must have done it to himself. Another of my horses was left wearing a blanket for several days in sweltering heat. The horses available for trail rides or part-lease apparently never get taken out, which at least means they aren’t mine. I was also warned to be careful because bleach had been put in the horses’ water. They really did try it. The place promises a dream, but my experience was deeply disappointing. They seem skilled at concealing problems or doing the job badly, then acting as though they can do no wrong. 😸🤔🫣

We loved waking up to the horses and eating outdoors beside them. Aston was especially affectionate, and the kids can have a pony ride too. We stayed in the large, comfortable cottage, decorated with lovely horse-themed touches. There are pretty villages nearby, and for rainy days there are board games and puzzles. Thanks, Katherine, for being so welcoming and available. We’ll be back.

A lovely place to unwind among the horses. The ride was beautiful, and the horses were attentive.