There's a particular kind of freedom that comes with riding out from your own land. No trailer to load, no yard to book, no clock to watch. Just a gate at the end of your paddock and a landscape that goes on for miles. For horse owners, it's one of the most compelling arguments for making the move to France – and it's one that holds up under scrutiny.
The landscape does most of the work. The Gers, the Lot, the Dordogne, the Charente – these are regions of rolling hills, open causses, river valleys and forest tracks, much of it accessible via France's extensive network of chemins équestres. These waymarked bridleways crisscross the countryside, often linking villages, farms and river crossings, and they're largely free of the traffic and road risk that makes hacking in Britain an increasingly fraught experience. Space here is not a luxury. It's just the landscape.
The French take equestrian sport seriously – France consistently ranks among the world's leading equestrian nations, with a strong domestic competition circuit through the Fédération Française d'Équitation and a culture that treats riding as a mainstream pursuit rather than a niche one. Most rural areas have at least one centre équestre within easy reach, often with a covered arena, qualified instructors and a busy local calendar. Endurance riding has a particularly devoted following across the southwest, and TREC – the trail-riding competition discipline invented in France – is increasingly popular with riders who want to test their horse across real terrain.
The cost equation is also worth considering. Livery in the UK has become eye-wateringly expensive; grazing land is scarce and contested. In France, properties with stabling, paddocks and a manège remain genuinely attainable, even at the prestige end of the market. Running costs – feed, farriery, veterinary care – are generally lower, and the quality of both grazing and hay is typically excellent.
What to look for in a property
The basics are straightforward but worth thinking through carefully before you view. You'll want a minimum of roughly one hectare of well-fenced grazing per horse, with clean water access – a natural source or well is a real bonus. Stabling in the southwest often comes in the form of converted stone barns, which are solid and cool in summer, though purpose-built stabling is increasingly common. A sand school or manège adds significant value and convenience, particularly if you're competing or working young horses. Check road access carefully: can a lorry or large trailer get in and turn around comfortably?
One point that catches some buyers out: French law requires that horses kept outdoors have access to a field shelter at all times, whether natural or purpose-built. It's worth checking this is already in place – or factoring the cost of installation into your budget if it isn't.
It's also worth doing a little groundwork on local services before you commit to an area. In more densely populated parts of France, finding a farrier, an equine vet and a reliable feed merchant is straightforward. In more remote locations, the nearest specialist may be further away than you'd expect. A few calls ahead of time – or a conversation with the nearest centre équestre – will quickly tell you what the local provision looks like.
Bringing your horses from the UK
Post-Brexit, moving horses from the UK to France requires some forward planning, but it's entirely manageable with the right preparation. You'll need a valid horse passport, an Equine Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian (valid for ten days from issue), and a negative Equine Infectious Anaemia (Coggins) test result within the preceding 90 days. Entry must be via an approved Border Control Post, and pre-notification through the TRACES NT system is required. Your vet will be familiar with the process, and there are specialist equine transport companies that handle the paperwork regularly. Build in a few weeks' lead time and it needn't be complicated.