The equestrian troop

High-quality equestrianism

Home to a community of horse enthusiasts with a shared passion for equestrian performance, the stables are a small conservatoire for ‘Equitation in the French tradition’, a school of horseback riding inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2011.

The equestrian troop is highly regarded for its rigorous and high-quality equestrianism. Proud to wear the red and black uniform, its team is renowned for its enthusiasm, pursuit of excellence, attention to detail and original creations. Operating a stable of this calibre requires flawless organisation to ensure the daily care, training and progress of horses and their monitoring by veterinary professionals, and to prepare shows, rehearsals and daily displays. Our grooms, riders, coaches, managers, veterinarians, dentists, osteopaths, farriers and masseurs work closely together to provide optimal comfort for horses and a warm welcome to visitors.

At a glance:

• 10 riders
• 4 grooms
• 1 steward

Original creations

The Compagnie équestre produces three annual shows: a year-round performance, a special summer production, and a Christmas show.

Written and directed by Sophie Bienaimé and her sister Virginie with their talented team of riders and creative assistant Mathilde Pouteau, the shows performed at the Great Stables span all disciplines, from classical haute école dressage movements like piaffe, passage, pirouettes, half-passes and change of leg to equestrian tricks such as bow, lay down, rear and Spanish Walk, as well as vaulting, music and theatrical and circus performances.

Talented costume artist Monica Mucha gives the finishing touch to this expertly lit blend of charm and technical skill.

See the programme

Horsewomen

To be recruited by our stables, horsewomen require a minimum level of instructor certification (BEES1 or BP JEPS) and an aptitude for dressage. They benefit from regular coaching sessions with world-class trainers, including the accomplished dressage and show rider Alizée Froment.

But performing on stage requires more than horse-riding proficiency. Director Virginie Bienaimé, an alumna of the École Claude-Mathieu, helps riders learn the craft of acting and develop their stage skills, mostly during rehearsals. Each rider is typically assigned three horses and a pony and is expected to form a close bond with each animal. Horse-rider affinity and harmony are essential to a strong stage presence.

Sophie Bienaimé

Sophie Bienaimé has a unique and deep connection to the Great Stables. As head of this magnificent institution, she directs the Compagnie équestre and creates the shows they perform throughout the year. In the ring, she executes breathtaking liberty work routines with Lotus. Maradona and Sparte also joined her stable this year.

Estelle Berland

Estelle was bitten by the horse-riding bug at nine months old when her aunt first took her on a horse ride! As an adult, she cut her teeth with an equestrian troupe and, passionate about dressage, created and performed in shows with her own horses. Estelle has formed a special bond with Guadalquivir, a long-haired Andalusian horse, and a deep connection with Esfahan, a handsome Arabian stallion she has trained in every aspect of liberty work. She recently began training another horse, Sultan.

Nathalie Lecoultre

Instructor and dressage enthusiast Nathalie joined the Compagnie équestre at the Great Stables in 2010. A rider since the age of four, she gained her first experience in a dressage stable, training young horses. She is admired for her work with Wietse, her Arabo-Friesian, Spanish horses Jerico and Cordobès, and the Portuguese Encantado, and has a real affinity with her three Palomino ponies, Kefir, Rigolo and Izalco. As temporary stable manager in Caroline Vitry’s absence, Nathalie’s duties involve liaising with the vet, farrier, osteopath and other equine professionals.

Clémentine Marguerat

Clémentine joined the company in September 2023. After leaving school with a science baccalaureate, she pursued her passion for horses and dedicated herself to an equestrian career. She earned a BPJEPS in equestrian sports and trained in dressage before joining Bartabas’ celebrated Académie du Spectacle Équestre in Versailles for over four years. She then explored classical dressage for several years before returning to her artistic roots and the stage here, at Chantilly. She enjoys dance sequences and heart-stopping performances. She also uses her stature and wit to bring the quirky characters in our shows to life.

Mathilde Pouteau

Born in Paris but raised in Normandy by a family of horse riders, musicians and actors, Mathilde developed a passion for horses and performance at an early age. Today, she lends her talent as a vocalist to the musical and sound designs created for shows at the Great Stables. She also captivates audiences with her stunning “golden” horses and trio of donkeys. Mathilde now works as creative assistant to the stage director. Mathilde’s equine team includes her own horse, the beautiful Isabelle Lully, the cream-coloured Balzac, and her loyal companion Gatsby, with whom she rides rênes à la ceinture.

Amélie Schoeller

Amélie arrived in February 2024. Driven by her passion for music, art and equestrianism, she focused initially on mastering horse-riding techniques, training in several dressage stables, including in Germany. Today, she is discovering the joys of performing with Hamilton as she continues her training and prepares two six-year-old horses, Fedoro and Galan, for their stage careers. 

Clara Szpirglas

Rider and instructor Clara is on hand three mornings a week to help exercise the horses of absent riders. She is familiar with each horse and its character and takes them out for fresh air in the forest. She also stands in for other riders at equestrian events and shows.

Laurie Trouvain

Laurie started as a stage technician at the Great Stables, helping set up props and scenery and opening the curtain to pace shows. She then combined her passion for horses and love of the stage in an expanded role and now acts as a riding assistant, exercising and generally looking after horses for absent riders.

Clémentine Viret

Clémentine has a vocational diploma in equine business management (CGEH) and an advanced technical certificate in agricultural management (ACSE). After years of working in offices in Paris, Clémentine decided to return to her first love: horses. Since joining the team in 2022, she has shown tenacity and an appetite for work, taking on multiple equestrian disciplines such as side-saddle riding, haute école dressage, ponying,rênes à la ceinture, bridle-less riding, vaulting and portées. In her stable are Vega, Toriano, Dali, and the Shetland pony Zigzag.

Caroline Vitry

Caroline is the stable manager. She plans and organises riders’ daily schedules based on guidelines set by departments. She also ensures horses receive regular check-ups by the vet, farrier, osteopath and dentist. With a background in classical dressage, she has mastered Grand Prix movements with Zagalo and Danubio. She also trains Fedoro and the Welsh pony Révolté.

Sophie Justin, Intendante

Having been a rider herself, Sophie Justin now occupies the role of steward at the Great Stables. Her responsibilities range from purchasing supplies and assisting with costumes (she is always ready with a needle and thread) to assisting with sound and lighting, co-creating sets and managing finances. The Compagnie équestre would not be able to function without Sophie. She is the backbone of the company.

MEET Sophie Bienaimé, the ‘Lifeblood of the Great Stables’

Sophie Bienaimé manages the team of grooms and riders, acquires horses for shows, and monitors their progress with the team and coaches. She and her sister Virginie jointly write and direct all the shows presented at the Great Stables. As the daughter of Yves Bienaimé, founder of the Living Museum of the Horse and pioneer of shows and events at the Great Stables, Sophie has been immersed in the world of horses and performances since childhood.