About fifteen years ago, our collaboration with leading Cevennes breeders like Francis Poujol and Yannick Vassas brought us the "Persik" genetics: the results speak for themselves! Mediatik Larzac is a direct descendant,his mother Ilam bint Attilah being the fruit of the loan of Fr. Poujol's Attilah/Persik to produce a foal by Rumel el Masan,our foundation sire. Covered by Branik, acquired as a colt from Y. Vassas, Ilam produced Mediatik Larzac, 2008 World Champion 8 year-old Novice Horse at Compiègne,also winner of Badajoz** in 2009.
Later SAID LOTOIS, entrusted to us by Guy Barry for the last 10 years,took over from Rumel when the latter became sterile.Although now 23 years old, SAID LOTOIS has kept all his charisma. More than 60 of his progeny have completed 90km and over..
Our foundation breeding stock was made up of Barb trail riding mares (who produced winners such as Haoussa Larzac and Ismir Larzac, as well as several top ten performers) and part-bred and pure-bred Arabs (Ulahoma, 24, now with 5 generations at the stud, or indeed Mahoud Fahdchoumi, 20 years old). The herd has been enhanced by our contact with other breeders, to whom we are greatly indebted: Spanish blood from Christine and Jean-Marc Valerio's stud, or Jean Deleau's desert strains (thanks to the loan of C. Marot's 4 broodmares).
Starting from a fairly broad genetic foundation, we have built up a consistent herd, relying on our fundamentals:
- Breeding conditions as extensive as possible,under careful scrutiny nonetheless. The foals spend their first winter at the stables,from weaning until the spring as yearlings.As well as concentrated feeds and comfortable shelter,they receive some initial education (leading,tying up,hoof care,loading etc.) before returning to living outside in single-gender herds.Their follow-up education is provided by their companions,according to a well-established hierarchy,making them well-balanced and giving them their bearings.
- Trail riding as a basis for the novice's education: broken in between 3 and 4 years old, our young horses do light work as 4 year-olds,then regular work at 5 and 6 years old. The 160km Florac trail holds no surprises for them...At the same time, they take part in Novice Horse endurance competitions.
- Deliberate under-use of the potential of our horses ensures that they are both physically and mentally unspoiled when the time comes to sell them: the latest results of horses sold in this condition, that is, soundly educated but not overworked,confirms our choice of decision.
