the essential
Cécile Ducoulombier will be present at the largest breeding show with horses from Auvergne to relaunch the breed.
Life takes unexpected paths. Cécile Ducoulombier is the expression of this. Born in Paris, this agronomist researcher was not predestined to put on boots and find herself from tomorrow at the summit of Cournon, temple of livestock breeding, in Puy-de-Dôme. “It’s a second life that took me from theory to practice”summarizes Cécile Ducoulombier who, on her farm in Pradels, straddling Cantal and Lozère, raises around fifty Aubrac cows and Auvergne horses. “It’s an important addition”adds the one who is also at the head of the collective of the tea barn with the brand “Values regional natural park of Aubrac” for the relaunch of the culture, among others, of Aubrac tea.
Work on genetics
His presence at the top of Cournon with his filly Natty de Pradels rewards another revival, his work carried out for the Auvergne horse breed which almost disappeared like the Aubrac breed. In this sense, she had organized, a few years ago, a horse festival for the benefit of a charitable association with the Auvergne driving association and the departmental driving association of Aveyron which had introduced her to Nicolas Perrin and his driving school in Cantoin.
“An association has been formed to find the genetics. Participation in the Cournon summit is the opportunity to talk about this breed and to have contacts, to speak above all on behalf of the collective because this event is above all a showcase. “
The race is not saved
For this reason, the Auvergne national horse association called on her who, with her filly Natty de Pradels, has just won the departmental, regional and national competition. A breed suitable for budding riders, easy to ride but “the race is not saved” warns Cécile Ducoulombier. During the four days of the summit in Cournon, Cécile will be present with a friend who comes with her horse Hamsa d’Ecir to highlight this local breed in the region. Both of them rehearsed a scene with a white sheet falling from the horse to reveal the scorched dress like that of a volcano. A race is awakening and Cécile intends to rekindle the flame. “The horse of Auvergne was the mount of the musketeer Porthos”, slips Cécile Ducoulombier, ready to defend her kingdom for a horse.
questions
Yves Chassany, president of Upra Aubrac
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How will the Aubrac breed be represented at the summit of Cournon?
We are coming with an increased workforce since we have been asked to occupy ten additional places, or around fifty animals from the cradle but also from the Loire, Ardèche, Puy-de-Dôme. This confirms the good health of the breed.
What do you expect from this meeting?
We are experiencing a contrasting situation because the breed is doing well but we are facing health problems which are slowing down this development, particularly with Algeria and the grazers in Italy. We are even angry because we have been talking about getting vaccinated for a year and we find ourselves once again with a delayed illness. This summit is an opportunity to share common messages with the agricultural world, such as food sovereignty. We offer healthy production and local food. We must also work on generational renewal. Schools are full in the Central massif, we have to adapt to young people. We are reaching a turning point with the elders who always looked by hectares and by heads. Young people bring their vision, their human-centered life project to give themselves free time.
The Minister of Agriculture is expected at the summit, what messages do you want to send?
The profession has a lot to discuss. Agriculture represents the primary economic source in many territories in France. We will ask him to take back the agricultural orientation law, it is very damaging to have stopped it. The embers are there to resume demonstrations. Especially since the breeders were certainly spared by the climate this year but not by the disease. We must act. The same goes for the overpopulation of wolves and vultures. The cattle have a bad reaction to the wolf, a breeder died in Cantal. Doing nothing would be reckless.
