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| Staff Writer |
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Employed for approximately 2 decades by Mansour Khalifa Sultan Bin Habtoor, French trainer Elise Jeanne is redefining expectations in horse racing.
Jeanne’s journey from showjumping to leading champion horses, overcoming challenges and forging meaningful connections with her equine partners, embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience in the male-dominated world of horse racing. Driven by an unwavering passion for horses, Jeanne has carved her path in Dubai, a city that has become her equestrian haven.
The subsequent interview sets the stage for a deeper look into Jeanne’s journey. It highlights her dedication to her craft, her love for Dubai, and her mission to inspire aspiring female trainers and delves into Jeanne’s motivations for choosing Dubai, the challenges and rewards of her experience, and her vision for the future of horse racing in the region.
I’m from Normandy, France.
I have been employed by Mansour Khalifa Sultan Bin Habtoorfor approximately twenty three years. During this time, weinitiated an a breeding program for Arabians. Initially, ourgoal was to compete and engage in breeding, establishinga symbiotic relationship between breeding and racing. Theventure has proven successful thus far.
Our equestrian journey began in Al Khawaneej, where weestablished our initial stable in the arid desert, similar toa Bedouin setup. Due to construction, we relocated to AlAwir, and now our stable is in Ajman, providing a homefor our mares and their offspring. Our operation extendsinternationally, with stallions strategically placed in France,enabling us to diversify our engagement further.
Horses are at the heart of everything I do. I embarked on this Arabian breeding operation alongside my boss. Breeding is not merely a profession but a lifelong commitment. It demands unwavering dedication as the fruition of breeding efforts typically materialises approximately two years later. Despite the initial success with our first foals, breeding is a patient and time-consuming pursuit that necessitates wholehearted dedication and a genuine passion for the craft.
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It’s an ongoing learning process. Each day brings new lessons, with moments of forgetting and relearning. Exposure to various situations and methods, not necessarily linked to nationality, offers diverse
perspectives. When interacting with different trainers, you witness alternative approaches to handling problems or unique situations, providing inspiration or a basis for personal preference. I firmly believe that horses possess their own identity and inhabit a distinct world, shaping their unique experiences.
We also take pride in the steps we’ve taken to help our horses’ transition into their second life. We breed and nurture them to race them. After they are retired, we provide them with many opportunities. Even though it was only our hobby at first, it has grown into much more for us. Since our horses are like our children, it’s enjoyable to watch them engage in new and enjoyable activities. All the credit for his support of this project must go to my boss, Mansour Khalifa Sultan Bin Habtoor.
Of course, you’d like to discover new things. It helps you to enrich yourself as you learn new things. Different cultures here makes you more aware, opens your mind and it helps you see
through so many things.
Our setup here offers proximity to amenities, but increased pollution demands horse adaptation. This shift has drawn attention to racing. Nearby stables visible from our windows create a stimulating environment for the horses. In a central location, their visibility prevents them from being overlooked, unlike if left in the desert.
We hold a solid attachment for locally bred horses in the Emirates. My boss is deeply committed to the breeding operation and ensuring their registration where dreams begin and victories follow.
Our current endeavours include providing tourism. We try to spread our passion for (passion for gorses) horses and their races to people from many nations, and we actively urge them to visit Dubai. We display the beauty of our desert-bred horses as well as their charming nature.
Engaging in racing, showjumping, and related events is a significant aspect of our social life. My specific role extends beyond training; I am involved in managing the breeding process, and helping to look after the foals. I am responsible for the training and nurturing of all our horses.
Unlike many other stables, in ours, we provide care for the retired flat racehorses. We also continue to provide care for the horses we breed when they retire. I enjoy showing jumping and treading them with my squad in my own time. We also take them for desert rides. This is also part of our lives.
For potential owners, consider the UAE as a promising avenue, offering a truly enriching experience. The prize money is substantial, making it an appealing prospect. For international owners its an opportunity to come and make the most of the winters here.
I advocate for a proactive approach to breeders, emphasising the importance of addressing key aspects and working towards a comprehensive local breeding program. A focused strategy on local breeding is crucial for sustaining a robust national program. Decisive steps ensure a supply of race-ready horses for competitions four years later.
As the dynamic landscape of Dubai’s horse racing scene continues to unfold, one constant element persists: the unwavering dedication of individuals like Elise Jeanne. These individuals, through their unwavering spirit and profound love for the equine world, are instrumental in shaping the future of the sport. Jeanne’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring trainers, illuminating the profound rewards reaped from pursuing one’s passion and embracing the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead.