In the world of equestrian competition, preparing high-level horses requires both rigor and precision. Fabrice Saintemarie, manager of the Dompierre-sur-Mer equestrian center, “La Maison du Poney,” and an experienced rider, shares his expertise in managing his horses, particularly Ito de Lortenia and Hashtag du Lie, as he prepares them for the prestigious Mondial du Lion. Through specific training and the use of innovative technologies like the Equimetre, Fabrice works to ensure both the performance and well-being of his horses, while minimizing the risk of injury.
Discover how these tools help him refine his strategies and monitor the health of his horses daily.
Can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Fabrice Saintemarie, and I manage the Dompierre-sur-Mer equestrian center. Our facility offers a club section with 450 members, as well as a stable dedicated to owners, focusing on sport and high-level competition. We train young competitors, particularly top-level pony and junior riders, and I continue to ride.
Ito de Lortenia and Hashtag du Lie are your two horses for the Mondial du Lion. How have you prepared them for this event in terms of training, competitions, and performance?
Ito de Lortenia is a horse I bought with the Toussaint, owners who have been with me from the start. When he was five, he faced several issues: pain, injuries, and piroplasmosis, and we discovered he was allergic to AVEMIX (medication indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections). As a result, he missed the five-year-old finals. We knew he had potential but doubted his durability. After a shortened season, he began his sixth year promisingly, though it was still challenging. However, during the finals, he excelled and has been progressing ever since.
Hashtag du Lie was purchased at age three. He was about 1.67 meters tall then, but he has grown considerably, reaching 1.80 meters, which was quite a surprise. At five, he frequently had rounds with four or eight penalty points, which was a bit demotivating for me. But my wife liked him and decided to take over at age six, giving him time to mature. He gradually learned his craft, and I took him back at the end of his sixth year. He started performing well, finishing fifth in a two-star competition at Fontainebleau. At seven, he began the year strong. Even though he had a dip in form mid-season, he bounced back to top shape by the end. He’s a large horse, and with the forecasted rain at the Mondial du Lion, managing his size and movement in the water will be an interesting challenge.
What are your goals for the Mondial du Lion? And for the future with these horses?
Hashtag needs patience. He’s big, with average gaits, but I’ll do my best to represent the breeders who raised him. For them, seeing their horse at the Mondial du Lion is a milestone in a breeder’s life. He’s a brave horse, always ready to give his all for his rider.
As for Ito, he seems to have turned a corner during the finals. He works effortlessly now, whereas everything used to be a struggle for him. He would groan and sweat easily, but now everything feels natural. My goal is to keep him healthy and prepare him for his seven-year-old season because I truly believe he’s a horse with a bright future.
What role do your veterinarians play in this preparation?
I met Cris Navas and Julie Dauvillier during a difficult time when my horse, Cronos, was injured. It was my first experience like this, and it pushed me to rethink my management. I changed my training methods: my horses now spend more time outdoors to walk more, which helps eliminate toxins. I also started having them trot in water, as Karin Donckers does, thanks to our proximity to the sea. This replaces some gallops and strengthens their cardio without overworking them. Julie Dauvillier later invited me to join a research group on preventing injuries in eventing horses, which really interested me. It helped me put words to my sensations and better understand certain aspects of training.
Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Cris Navas and Julie Dauvillier and the use of the EQUIMETRE?
For every gallop, I put the EQUIMETRE on my horses. It provides me with precise feedback on their training and fitness levels. I send this data to Cris and Julie, who give me detailed feedback. It’s a valuable tool, especially during competitions, where we can get precise insights into the horses’ performances. I’ve also spoken with jury presidents to explain the benefits of this tool, allowing me to use the EQUIMETRE during my eventing competitions. One day, I hope all riders will be able to use regular data to prevent injuries. If a horse pushes past his limits, we’ll be able to intervene before any harm occurs, especially during competitions.
What is your favorite analysis parameter?
My favorite Equimetre parameter is the trot symmetry, particularly the symmetry percentage of the gait. When I see figures around 95 to 98%, it reassures me immensely. I’m quite anxious about missing any detail that could indicate a problem, so I trot my horses regularly in a straight line to check their condition. When I have doubts about their performance during a gallop, I turn to the data to confirm or refute my feelings.
I also place a high value on how quickly the horse’s heart rate returns to normal and how well it recovers after exercise. A horse that has worked well, without strain, recovers quickly. If the heart rate struggles to drop, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. These indicators are essential for me to ensure my horses’ well-being and performance.
How frequently do you use the EQUIMETRE and other technologies in your daily routine?
I use it for every gallop and even for some trotting sessions. It’s also a useful tool when I can’t watch a horse train when it’s being ridden by another rider, for instance. In addition, I use a lactate reader to fine-tune my horses’ physical preparation.
Do you have a specific case where the use of Equimetre has been particularly beneficial?
A concrete example of where Arioneo’s Equimetre was beneficial concerns my horse, Cronos. He was injured two years ago, and during the competition, he didn’t show any visible signs of pain and never “gave up.” Thanks to the data provided by the Equimetre, we were able to track his recovery throughout the year. This year, he resumed competing in smaller events, eventually regaining top form for his first major challenge, where he became the French Pro 1 Champion.
The Equimetre allowed me to analyze his progress precisely, not just based on my feelings but also with reliable analytical data, giving me extra confidence in his progression and ability to perform again
Do you think these technologies make equestrian sports healthier?
For me, the main goal is to avoid injuring my horses. A rider’s biggest concern is whether their horse is prepared enough for an event. Lack of preparation leads to injuries in competition, while overtraining causes injuries before the event. Every horse is different, and if these technologies can help reduce injuries, it will benefit both horses and riders.
Keywords: horses, Mondial du Lion, sport, equestrianism, recovery, prevention, competition, well-being, Equimetre, Arioneo
Credit Photo: Pauline Chevalier