Welcome to Uzès, where history, culture and natural beauty seduce visitors. Among the city's treasures, the National Stud of Uzès, an equestrian jewel resulting from a long breeding tradition in the Mediterranean region, and the last national stud farm in France.
National stud farms
The National Studs were created in 1665 under Colbert with the aim of providing sufficient war horses. This led to the creation of the first State Stud Farm in 1715: the Haras du Pin, in the heart of Normandy.
At the end of the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte established the “Imperial Stud Farm”. The development of stud farms continued under Napoleon III to meet the needs of equines in the army, transport and agriculture... The horse racing world also enjoyed great prestige with the development of racing. The Imperial Stud Farms became, with the end of the Second Empire, the National Stud Farms and have the mission of selecting the best stallions with a view to their reproduction. The genetics and breeding techniques of the equine sector are thus improved throughout France.
In 2010, as part of the modernization of the State, the Haras Nationaux and the Noir de Saumur framework merged and gave birth to the French Institute of Horses and Equestrianism (IFCE). The IFCE is the public operator to support professionalization around equestrian professions.
The National Stud of Uzès
The National Stud of Uzès, is a fairly recent stud farm in the history of these institutions. It was only built in 1972 and came into being following the suppression of two stallion depots, that of Arles (created in 1859) as well as that of Perpignan (created in 1927). This establishment facilitated the management of Midi-Mediterranean breeding which until then was the responsibility of the Annecy, Rodez and Tarbes stud farms.
It is today the last national stud farm in France and today houses the headquarters of the Mediterranean Arc territorial delegation of the IFCE. Its agents work there support missions for the local equine industry and assist communities in their horse-related projects. The site has a resource center on driving discipline including a professional training center.
Covering an area of 16 hectares, the site has a technical platform allowing the implementation of research and development protocols, sports infrastructures, quarries and a covered arena which allow it to host competitions equestrian events throughout the year, as well as a forge, two stables with more than 70 boxes.
Visits to the National Stud of Uzès
All year round, come and discover the Haras National d’Uzès, and immerse yourself in the unique history of the equestrian world: the different professions linked to horse-drawn heritage, hitch cars prestigious, the saddlery of honor and the diversity of horse breeds of the driving school... Let yourself be guided by enthusiasts!
