Amélie Billard: the complete package

The name of her champion eventer was Dery de Longueval. He and Amélie Billard reached the summit of international eventing, winning at Pompadour and crowned French champion, vice-champion of Europe and pre-selected for the Olympics aged only 19. The daughter of Michel Billard, well-known in the eventing circuit, was already overwhelmed by trophies.

She has now changed direction. "It is very difficult to make a living in equestrianism, unless you have a big name like some well-known riders. But it is difficult to make money from eventers, and competitions carry little prize money." So Amélie and her husband Romain, who also came from the eventing world, have moved towards the racing industry over the last two years.

While it is also difficult to make one's name in the racing world, and breaking and training establishments are springing up in all directions in W France, Amélie and Romain have gained the precious confidence of professionals.

Jean-Michel Bazire's open-minded and curious nature is among the reasons behind his success in the trotting world and the champion trainer/driver believes in the benefits of eventing methods for his trotters. His Lord de la Noé, Polka de Vandel and Narval d'Ecajeul all spent time at the Ecuries du Derby before success on the trotting tracks.

Amélie and Romain apply the same typically eventing methods of dressage and placement work to trotters and gallopers.

The couple bought the stable from Vincent Thaunay in Ste Gemmes d'Andigné, in the Maine et Loire region which is well equipped with breaking and pre-training establishments, and is also home to the headquarters of the French Breaking-in Association, presided by Yann Poirier of the Haras du Chêne. Since then they have constructed secure paddocks, as well as two arenas.

Both qualified instructors, the Billard-Boulards also give riding lessons.
They also offer the services of a stallion, Loxias, brother of Keltos, Delfos, Kavafi and Krataios.
Full details are available in the breaing-in listings. 

Stud details