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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The national haras of Saint-Lô was created in 1806 on the initiative of Napoleon I to serve as a repository of stallions. Originally located in the former Abbey of St. Croix, it welcomes horses from the pine stud from its foundation. In 1807, thirty stallions were recorded, twenty-four of which were distributed to the region. Over the decades, the deposit increased from an average of 30 animals to 100 standards in 1874, requiring a new site.

In 1882 the city of Saint-Lô gave to the state a plot of land of 7 hectares to build new buildings, inaugurated gradually until 1898. The stud reached its peak in 1912 with 422 stallions. Partially destroyed during the 1944 bombings, it was reconstructed identically after the war. In 1993, its facades, roofs and park are listed as historical monuments.

Specializing in the Norman Cob and French Selle breeds, the haras is sold in 2017 to local authorities while maintaining its historical status. In 2019, a fire seriously damaged part of the 19th century stables, spared in 1944. Today, it hosts public events such as the Thursdays of Saint-Lô and houses the headquarters of the Norman Cob union.

The site plays a key role in the health traceability of equidae, a mission entrusted by IFCE (Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Équitation). His story is marked by tragic episodes, such as the criminal case Duguet-Gougeon in 1958, judged at the base of the English Channel. Despite the hazards, it remains a symbol of Norman equestrian heritage.

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