Ten years after the World Equestrian Games, what has become of this superb riding school in Caen?

10 years ago, the City of Caen (Calvados) welcomed World Equestrian Games. On this occasion, inside the La Guérinière equestrian arena was rehabilitated to be transformed into a performance hall. This 900 m building²hosted, between March and June 2014, four shows including three equestrian, thus reconnecting with its first loves.

Today, the ride still exists, nestled within the grounds of the former Canada barracks, soon to be converted into housing. One of the entrances is via the discreet rue de l’Académie. But the sound of horses’ hooves no longer resonates there. Some days, you can hear the children shouting during their sports lessons.

The carousel is currently used for Éclat(s) de Rue in the summer and by the sports department which offers sports activities during the school term. There are no plans for its future at present.

This large building with high windows is little known to Caennais. And its misleading name doesn’t help matters. The La Guérinière riding school is located in downtown Caen, in the Place Canada district, and not in the Right Bank district of Caen from which it bears the name: La Guérinière.

One of the most prestigious riding academies

So where does it get its name from? From its founder quite simply: Pierre des Brosses de La Guérinière whose younger brother, François Robichon was the squire of King Louis XV.

He founded the Académie de La Guérinière in 1728. A riding academy which included stables, the riding school and accommodation for the residents.
The art of horse riding was taught there and the Academy remained, for a long time, one of the most important riding academies in France. In 1830, the Academy became a municipal establishment.

Gym and vaccination center

With the appearance of the automobile in everyday life, the riding school gradually declined from 1914. The First World War did not help matters.
During the Second World War, the place will be occupied by the Germans. The school was partly destroyed during the Battle of Caen. What remains of the premises is transformed into a fire and rescue center, Place du Canada. The ride has retained its volume and its walls. It was used as gymnasium and garage by the firefighters.

In April 2021, it even hosted a Covid 19 vaccination center for a time.

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