Haras de Malleret Closes Its Doors

Dressage

France

Haras de Malleret, one of France's most prominent dressage breeding stables and stallion studs, is closing its doors after 12 years.

Founded in 2013, Haras de Malleret was the passion project of Frenchman Gérald Martinez, supported by his wife Mrs Oberkampf-Le Breton.

The Rise of Haras de Malleret

Located in Le Pian Medoc in the French Bordeaux region, the historic family-owned Malleret estate features a castle with vineyard, managed by a separate branch of the family, as well as an equestrian facility and an equine rehabilitation spa which was Martinez' field of play. The yard prided itself in its conscientious, animal-friendly horse keeping and training philosophy.

Martinez made two key decisions that launched his stud farm: he partnered with German horse breeder EkkeThaden to build his mare band and with Paul Schockemöhle to start his stallion roster. His first big acquisition was sire Danciano in 2014, alongside Flintstone. Danciano made his mark as a breeding stallion with a long list of successful offspring.

Over the years Martinez partnered with riders such as Jessica Michel, Antonella Joannou, Morgan Barbançon, Dorothee Schneider, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Helen Langehanenberg, Manuel Dominguez, Larissa Pauluis, and Frederic Wandres, amongst others for the training and sales of his horses. His in-house stable jockeys were Pauline Guillem, Emma Jamieson, and Alfonso de La Chica Parras.

In 2021 Malleret made a final push buying an expensive string of young stallions, including Faszination de Malleret (by Furst Belissaro x San Remo), Fänomen de Malleret (by Foundation x Sezuan), Esperanzo Malleret PS (by Escamillo x Zack), First Moon de Malleret (by Fürstenball x Diamond Hit), Royal de Malleret (by Rubin Royal x Fürst Wilhelm), and Fantom de Malleret (by Fair Game x Wochstern).

Hopes were high for flagship stallion Danciano to make it on the Spanish team with Manuel Dominguez, but scores were not high enough for team consideration.

Closing Doors

Gérald Martinez confirmed the closure of Haras de Malleret to Eurodressage.

"After a year of gradual withdrawal, the decision to definitively cease operations at the stud farm has been made," he stated. "This decision is guided by new directions in my life, other goals, other passions, even though my love for horses has been with me since childhood and will, I know, accompany me throughout my life."

Martinez is proud of his approach to horse sport, giving horses plenty of time to develop in their training without being rushed for success.

"In the modest scale of Haras de Malleret, I tried to convey a strong philosophy and values: to show, through my horses, that another relationship with horses is possible," he said. "I sometimes failed, sometimes succeeded, but I believe above all that the equestrian world was not always ready to fully embrace this vision."

Respectful Animal-Centered Approach

Gérald believes the dressage world is ready for a new approach to high performance dressage sport.

"The arrival of Justin Verboomen, now world number one, is a tremendous source of hope for me," he stated. "He skillfully embodies this respectful, animal-centered approach. Seeing a rider of his caliber defend the same convictions is a true relief. May future generations be inspired by this example, understanding that the horse is not a tool but a living being, a herbivore that needs space, the outdoors, freedom, and training based on respect, gentleness, and play rather than coercion."

Ethical handling of sport horses at Malleret

Martinez concluded, "even though the Haras de Malleret is closing today, I sincerely hope that these values will continue to spread, resonate, and take a central place in the equestrian world, especially at the highest level, which sets an example for everyone. I would like to warmly thank all those who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the life of the Haras. Those who worked alongside me, who understood and respected this philosophy, these standards, this vision."