Home » News » Avignon – Cheval Passion: the dream of the Barbentanaise Mélanie Bayle

Avignon – Cheval Passion: the dream of the Barbentanaise Mélanie Bayle

Twenty years have passed. Mélanie Bayle discovered in 2000 “Les Crinières d’or”, the flagship show of “Cheval Passion”, with a group led by Brigitte Bonnot de Boulbon.

Twenty years later, the young rider will find the prestigious Avignon track as manager of the “Traditions du sud” troop. From tomorrow evening, and until Sunday, Mélanie presents an original, modern and daring show around the Camargue horse.

At 33, the Barbentanaise measures the road traveled, she who was carried away by the passion for horses from her childhood lived in Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer.

The Camargue in the heart

This daughter of bakers grew up in the midst of stallions and mares, notably through her uncle, Raphaël Martinez. “He had set up a finca like in Andalusia, she says. My eyes were shining when I saw the horses dancing “. Registered with the Boulbon pony club, she discovered equestrian art with Brigitte Bonnot. “She taught me everything, especially the art of dressage. At 12 years old, I was already going out in competition “.

In 2015, she founded the troupe “Traditions du sud”. With their partners, they are working hard to integrate the Crinières d’or. “It’s a lot of work, concession, rigor. Training horses is my daily routine. But managing a troop is very complicated“. Once a week, they meet in Barbentane to train. A professional investment for a troop that is not. The” Crinières d’or “is for her a consecration after having tried to many refusals. “I proposed at least ten numbers to the organizers, Maurice and Fabien Galle. They must have thought that we were ready. It is a big responsibility”. Associated with the Amazons of the brotherhood of gardians, “Traditions du sud” deploys a number articulated around the Camargue for women. The first will evoke the traditional aspect and the Barbentane troupe will represent modernity.

The number was drawn by the whole group, each member bringing his stone to the building. A collegiality to which the rider is very attached. “It’s a team effort, like a carousel. If one of us makes a mistake, the others catch up”. And to conclude: “for local children like us, the Golden Crinières are the ultimate goal, she enthuses. All the organizers of shows in Europe will be there, that can open doors for us. It’s a showcase, the start of a new story. “

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.