THE HARAS DE DRESSAGE
“GIRL POWER”, a slogan that encourages and celebrates women’s empowerment, independence, confidence and strength and a fundamental value at Château de Fontaine.
From founder Bolette having four children of her own to welcoming between 15 and 25 foals each year, motherhood and strong women are definitely very significant at the Haras. Our Girl Power comes in the form of our Supermodel breeding Mares. It has been proven again and again that the mare has more influence over the offspring than the Stallion and we strive to put the mare in the spotlight for a change.
We specialise in breeding dressage horses of the highest standard, from elite sport mares currently competing. Our resident mare, Wendy de Fontaine, a magnificent black super- model with eight foals to her name, is set to compete in the Olympics in Paris alongside the legendary Isabell Werth.
While playing the fields at the Estate, in a region offering some of the best conditions in European horse breeding, the youngsters undergo careful selection while receiving the very best and loving care under the watchful eyes of our stable manager, Jérôme Pichereau, graduated from Haras du Pin, and his qualified staff.
A celebration of joie de vivre, re-discovering the history of the century old Estate to bring back the distinct and exciting warm scent of horses, softly blending with the richness of leather, apples, cider and timber; evoking and creating memories at the very same time.
“If you want your dream to go somewhere, you can’t stop holding the reins.”
– Bolette Wandt, Founder & CEO
THE CHATEAU
Château de Fontaine was built in the 16th century by Guillaume de Marillac, Intendant of Finances, and remodelled in the 17th century by François Durand de La Pihallière. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, it was owned by René Hérault, Lord of Fontaine-l’Abbé and Vaucresson, French magistrate, councillor of state and lieutenant-general of police.
Today, Château de Fontaine still stands proudly in the north of France, dotted with glittering ponds and green fields, where powerful Percherons working horses used to roam. This magic being enhanced even further by its lavish gardens that present a motley of vibrant flowers, captivating scents and animated wildlife.
In 2014 the Estate was purchased by the Danish Wandt family, who have taken on the responsibility to awaken this sleeping beauty and transform the surrounding land into a state of-the-art dressage stud farm, or in French; Haras de Dressage.
Today, the Château is not only a family oasis, but a home to over 100 top-level dressage horses. As of yet, the Château boasts a scope of newly-built stables, vast grass pastures and a large arena perfect for fun and enthralling events.
With over 400 hundred years of life, this place has a never-ending source of stories to tell and that’s what we intend to do.
