Julien Lafaure: Breeding, Training, and Enduring Success in Endurance Racing

Julien Lafaure, a 33-year-old endurance rider, has quickly become a notable figure in the world of endurance racing, known for his exceptional skill in both training and breeding Arabian horses. His story is one of dedication to a discipline that requires patience, endurance, and a profound connection between rider and horse. Coming from a family deeply rooted in horse breeding, Lafaure’s journey has been shaped by decades of hard work and passion for the sport.

“My father started this breeding more than thirty years ago,” Julien recalls. “He bought a stallion and began building what has now become a family legacy. We’ve focused on breeding Arabian horses, a line that’s perfect for endurance racing.”

Breeding for Endurance

For Julien, breeding horses isn’t just a family business; it’s a science. “In our discipline, you don’t know if a horse is going to be good until it’s six or seven years old,” he explains. Unlike other disciplines where a horse’s potential is evident by the age of four or five, endurance racing requires more time. Lafaure has invested years of effort to ensure that the horses he breeds are built for the grueling demands of endurance competitions.

“One of our stallions is a direct son of Persick who is among the best stallions in the world,” says Julien. “But even with that lineage, when you start breeding, you’re never 100% sure how it will turn out. At one point, we had forty foals in the field by this stallion and thankfully, they’ve turned out to be good. But had it been the opposite, it would’ve been complicated.”

Julien believes 70% of the success comes from choosing the right mare horse. “Others might tell you differently, but with my experience, that’s what I’ve found to be true, if a mare give you champion, she will give you others” he says. But the environment also plays a crucial role. His family’s breeding farm benefits from a climate that’s not too dry and not too humid during winter, creating ideal conditions for horses to grow strong and healthy. “We have more than 200 hectares of fields where the horses grow up naturally on grass. We don’t push them too hard with concentrate because Arabic horses need more time to grow up, and that makes all the difference in the long run.”

A Family Affair

The Lafaure family’s love for horses is shared among Julien, his brother, and his sister. While they also excelled in horse-related pursuits, Julien was the only one who chose to continue with their father’s legacy. “My brother and sister were more focused on racing, but I always loved training and managing the horses. When my father stopped, I was the only one who wanted to take over.”

With the support of his girlfriend, Elena Paton, who helps with the breeding and training, Julien continues to manage the family’s breeding operation. Together, they focus on developing their horses carefully, ensuring they are ready for competition without being pushed too early. “We break them at the end of their fifth year and start them in races at six,” Julien says. “We go slowly, never rushing them. By the time they’re eight years old, they’re ready to be pushed a bit more, and that’s when we start to see their potential.”

The Race to Success

Julien’s 2023 season was nothing short of remarkable. Competing at the World Endurance Championship in Monpazier, he represented France in what was a home race for him. His horse was born on the same field where the event took place, a fact that gave him a deep connection to the competition.

“At the start of the season, I honestly didn’t think I’d make it to the French team. My horse was only nine years old—the minimum age for competing in the World Cup,” Julien says, reflecting on the journey. Despite the challenges, his horse performed exceptionally well throughout the year, earning them a spot on the team.

The race itself, however, wasn’t smooth sailing. “The race started really badly for me,” Julien recalls. “After the first vet check, I thought we were done. My horse was struggling, but somehow, he kept getting better with each loop. I went from nearly fiftieth position to finishing tenth. It was crazy.”

This remarkable comeback was not only a personal achievement but also a victory for Lafaure’s breeding philosophy. “We’re one of the few breeders and trainers in France that do both,” he says proudly. “All the horses we race are from our breeding program, and we focus on their long-term development. We wait until they’re ready, and that’s how we’re able to keep horses in competition until they’re 14 or 15 years old.”

Training: A Mix of Discipline and Bonding

Training for endurance racing is an art form in itself, and Julien’s approach is meticulous. His horses are trained on tracks that aren’t flat, adding an extra layer of difficulty that prepares them for any type of terrain they might encounter during a race. “It’s not big ups and downs, but it’s never flat, which is great for building the horses’ strength and endurance,” Julien explains.

One of the most crucial aspects of endurance racing is the bond between horse and rider. “In this sport, you have to know your horse’s limits, both physically and mentally. The only way to do that is by riding them every day, spending time with them, and learning their strengths and weaknesses.”

This bond has been key to Julien’s success. “It’s like a marathon for both horse and rider,” he says. “You need to trust each other completely. The horse has to know that you won’t push him too far, and you have to trust that he’ll give everything he has when the time comes.”

Future Aspirations

Having already secured a team gold medal in the World Endurance Championship, Julien has his eyes set on individual success. “Seeing my friend, Melody, finish third and win an individual medal is inspiring,” he says. “Of course, I’d love to win an individual World Cup or European Championship medal one day. But endurance racing is tough. You have to work for years to get a horse to that level, and even then, you have to keep them there.”

Despite the challenges, Julien remains driven by his passion for the sport. “Endurance racing is an amazing way to see the world,” he says with a smile. “You ride through forests, beaches, deserts—it’s a beautiful way to experience nature. And at the end of a race, after all the effort, there’s nothing like the feeling of crossing that finish line.”

As Julien continues his journey, one thing is certain: his passion for endurance racing and his dedication to his horses will keep him at the forefront of the sport for years to come.

Julien Lafaure is a top endurance rider and breeder based in France. His commitment to his horses and the sport has made him a rising star in the world of endurance racing.

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