Les Galopins du Sancy, is one of the first equestrian projects in France to promote social inclusion and eco-friendly tourism. Based in the Massif du Sancy, Auvergne, we offer guided hacks to discover the surrounding mountains and lakes, and promote the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Our aims and activities

Based the Natural Regional Park of Auvergne Volcanoes, 4 kms from the Lac Chambon and 10kms from Super-Besse (the main skiing station of the region), we benefit from an ideal geographical location whether it’s hot and sunny or snowing! We are one of the rare organisations to offer guided hacks and other equestrian activities throughout the year.

Despite the important level of touristic activity in the surroundings, the local population density is low and the region is a lot less dynamic in the low season: very few restaurants, cafes and social spaces are open, and the offer of extra-curricular activities for children is fairly poor.

As such, our equestrian touristic activities allow us to fund and run in parallel other actions which will address the local community’s needs:

A year-round extra-curricular activity to welcome children and compensate for the lack of youth centres. We offer a customisable set of activities to adapt to and work around the parents working schedules. All our prices are affordable to allow as many children as possible to participate.

An onsite community centre where locals can buy bread and newspapers. We also offer free coffee throughout the year and are hoping to create a welcoming space for all visitors, strengthens social ties and tackle isolation.

All this will be undertaken in an environmentally friendly setting:

We will take part in the preservation and promotion of the local horse breed. The “Cheval de Race Auvergne” is part of the natural and cultural heritage of the region and has been slowly disappearing since end the 20th century. We are committed to rear and increase the population of this breed of horse by offering them a suitable environment. Our cavalry is also composed of horses from other breeds, who were rescued from the slaughterhouse.

A zero-waste equestrian centre: We are strongly committed to restricting our carbon footprint as much as possible by building eco-friendly facilities such as compost-toilets and by adopting a responsible approach when purchasing goods (biodegradable, organic etc). We are dedicated to raise awareness amongst our customers and visitors regarding eco-friendly practices and to encourage them respect and consider the surrounding environment. Together, we will aim toward Zero-waste in 2020!

Le porteur de projet

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Marion

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Throughout my university degrees, and in particular during my master degree in Sustainable Development, I developed skills which are crucial to the creation of businesses with positive social and environmental impact. I took part in the organisation of several international conferences (in China and France) which aimed at promoting innovative entrepreneurs who aspired to develop an ethical and sustainable economy. This has allowed me to become aware of the impact this type of entrepreneurship can have both in France and across the world.

My initial choice of studying sustainable development was motivated by my desire to enhance positive and practical change in the world. Through the organisation of conferences, I first observed how ideas and people shape innovative and sustainable projects. Today, I have the ambition to bring my own project to life and be a part of a global positive change.

In parallel of my professional ambition, my personal experiences and encounters brought me back to my childhood passion for horses. Interacting and caring for horses brings a lot to me and sharing this with others was a natural life choice. In 2017, I decide to make this dream-project come true and obtained my BPJEPS (professional certificate for education, sport and youth) with a specialisation in equestrian activities and equestrian tourism. This certificate allows me to run and supervise the business.

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Quentin

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Local to the Auvergne region, I always wished to work with animals and within a natural environment.

After obtaining my Baccalauréat and BAFA (Youth Leaders and Workers National Diploma), I redirected my career to the wood sector and obtain a carpentry certificate. I worked for various construction companies in Clermont-Ferrand. More recently, I joined the Super-Besse ski station as a seasonal employee.

As a partner in both life and business, I will be in charge of the construction and maintenance of the centre and will support Marion in the management of the activities and the day-to-day care of the horses.

On a longer term (3 to 5 years) I wish to develop, in parallel, a horse-powered log skidding business in the Massif du Sancy.

What is my contribution for?

5000.00 €

A safe and covered preparation area for horses and ponys

10000.00 €

A club-house & community center

15000.00 €

A horse-riding arena for kids

<div id="ProjectGoals"> <h2>What is my contribution for?</h2> <div class='project-goals'> <div class="project-goal"> <div class="project-goal-amount">5000.00 €</div> <div class="project-goal-content"> <h3>A safe and covered preparation area for horses and ponys</h3>

<p></p> </div> </div> <div class="project-goal"> <div class="project-goal-amount">10000.00 €</div> <div class="project-goal-content"> <h3>A club-house & community center</h3>

<p></p> </div> </div> <div class="project-goal"> <div class="project-goal-amount">15000.00 €</div> <div class="project-goal-content"> <h3>A horse-riding arena for kids</h3>

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Global cost of the project : 110 000€

Land purchase : 80 000 €

Construction and abilitation of the facilities : 20 000 €

Equestrian equipment and cavalry : 10 000 €

Vous participez au financement des travaux et de l'aménagement des infrastructures! Votre contribution nous permettra notamment de financer les travaux de rénovation à réaliser dans la petite maison située sur le terrain du nouveau centre équestre.

Ainsi, vous participez à la création d’un espace d’accueil avec pour objectif de redynamiser les liens sociaux afin de lutter contre l’isolement des jeunes, personnes fragiles ou âgées. En adéquation avec une démarche écologique de préservation de l’environnement, cette structure fonctionnera en limitant la consommation d’énergie, en éliminant tous polluants et en utilisant des matériaux naturels.

Cet espace a aussi pour vocation d'accueillir les enfants du centre équestre lors d'activités intérieures notamment en cas de mauvaise météo, et pour travailler ensemble sur notre objectif de zero déchet.

L'étage de la petite maison sera par ailleurs aménagé en un studio pour servir de logement de fonction, que Quentin et Marion occuperons dans un premier temps. Ce logement sur place est nécessaire pour garantir le bon fonctionnement de la structure et la surveillance des chevaux, notamment en période de poulinage.

Premier palier : création d'une aire de préparation sécurisée et couverte pour chevaux et poneys (5 000 €)

Destruction de la rangée des 7 toilettes extérieurs de l'ancien camping et profiter de cette zone couverte pour y faire la zone d'attache et de préparation des chevaux et poneys. Aménagement d'une sellerie adjacente. Casser les murs, peinture, travaux tuyauterie, installation porte selles, porte-filets, rangement pour les casques, etc...

Aménagement fonctionnel et accessible, notamment pour les enfants et les personnes en situation de handicap.

Deuxième palier : aménagement d'un Club-House/Foyer Rural (10 000 €)

Retirer les douches et les lavabos de l'ancien camping situés au rez-de-chaussé de la petite maison présente sur le terrain pour y faire la salle de vie, de café et de rencontre. Casser les murs, travaux sur la tuyauterie, installation de toilettes sèches (développement durable oblige !), aménagement de l'intérieur (canapés, machine à café), installation d'un poêle à bois ...

Bref, tout pour faire de cet endroit un lieu cosy et confortable, où il fait bon vivre !

Troisième palier : une petite carrière pour nos cavaliers (15 000 €)

Création de la carrière fermée en sable, 20m x 40m, afin que les cavaliers puissent apprendre en toute sécurité. Installation indispensable pour le confort de tous (élèves, enseignante et chevaux) et permettant de s'initier à toutes les disciplines (voltige, saut d'obstacle, horse-ball, etc...) !

Clôture de la carrière (barrière en bois), terrassement, stabilisation du sol, pose de géotextile, livraison et étalement de la pouzzolane fine (texture sable).