Dressed in a flat hat and jodhpurs, with Paris Turf sticking out of his pocket, Nicolas Blondeau is the torchbearer of the ancient teachings of horsemanship. Like an artist or musician, for him it is natural: it is something he was born with.
He is one of those people who are fully conscious of the gift they possess, and who expand and develop it before passing it on to others. The Blondeau method is the work of one man, the fruit of a lifetime of experience and a passion for the relationship between man and horse.
It is intuitive horsemanship.
Nicolas Blondeau has practised the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Eventing, Dressage and Show Jumping and he has raced as a gentleman rider. He has always been passionate about breaking-in and even when very young began experimenting with his own ponies, using and developing his intuitive approach.
He holds French Federation of Equitation (FFE) qualifications as a riding instructor and instructor of ethological equitation and, in recognition of his work and influence, has been honoured with some of the highest awards from the French Agricultural Academy including, in 2013, being made a Knight of the Order of Merit.
The Blondeau school is directed by Florence Blondeau. The school is based in Saumur since its creation in 2005 and is located at the very heart of this geographical hub of equestrian activities, which includes the Cadre Noir, the saddle maker Frédéric Butet and the stables of Jean Teulère.
Skill cannot be learnt from books aloneGénéral L'Hotte
Nicolas Blondeau created his method from his own knowledge and experience, and from that of the great French masters of equitation. He develops and adapts it continually, drawing upon scientific advances in ethology and respect for the character of the animal and its willingness to do well. Today his method is recognised and approved by owners, trainers, riders and others who work in the equestrial world. They all appreciate the considered approach, which combines confidence and communication and leads to results and effectiveness.
He uses a strong, reassuring voice and body language to great effect. His hazel stick becomes an extension to his arm, both to support a verbal instruction and to stroke the animal in praise. The essence of the Blondeau method is to generate a partnership: a man and a horse completely in tune with one another.
La Bibliothèque Mondiale du Cheval, Marie-Laure Peretti et Xavier Libbrecht le 07/04/2020 : Nicolas Blondeau, la tête et les mains dans le cheval
