Hello M’Lady (ex Picobello Gwindoline), Zeta de Hus, Check of Picobello Z, Oak Grove’s Heartfelt (ex Verybelle du Seigneur) or Izzy by Picobello, all evolve (or evolved) with famous international riders like Eric Lamaze, Kevin Staut or Rolf Göran Bengtsson as well. The one thing all of these show jumping stars have in common? The breeding. Picobello Horses is a story between a father, Luc Ruant, and his children Guillaume and Julie Pascale. Equnews made a visit to the family, time for a nice chat...
"I started by selling rabbits", says Luc Ruant. "Between my 16th and 18th I would go to the supermarket on Saturdays, this all with one goal... buying my first horse." Eventually Luc Ruant sold his first horse to buy some other horses and as such the succes story began. "I am happy I can offer my children what I never had..."
The children, Guillaume and Julie-Pascale, didn't let this gift go wasted. As junior and young riders both collected the one after the other victory. "The best horse I ever had was my pony, Extie," explains Guillaume while his father describes the grey pony as a ping-pong.
Today both Guillaume and Julie-Pascale work in the main business of the family, an event company. This makes their job at the stable more complicated as of a lack of time. "We have a team of seven people behind us. As such we are able to combine our job with the horse sport," states Guillaume, the he continues; "The goal at Picobello’s stables is to bring horses at a good level (140-145 cm) before selling them." ... When Luc Ruant adds; "I always prefer to sell to professionals, it’s more easy. It’s a yes or a no."
And today it’s incontestable that horses born in this breeding are recognized by the best riders in the world. For example, the world number one ( for 15 months now) Scott Brash, has acquired the wonderful Hello M’Lady (ex Picobello Gwindoline) on account to his owners.
The key to succes?
According to Luc Ruant you have to be visionary if you want to make succes. "I was the first person to use the embryo transfer in Belgium. About 19 years ago, people were doubtful about this practice. Today the expertise we gained in this field allows us to create better breeding decisions."
About the business
"Horses are so expensive in today's society that it has become exclusive again. The big issue in the horse business is not selling horses but finding the perfect match. It takes a trained eye to pick out those that stand out." says Luc. "However I am convinced there are many more good horses than we are aware of. Unfortunately the competition system burns them out to fast."
With the current economic growth of new emerging countries like Qatar, UEA or Ukraine (thank’s to the billonaire Oleksander Onyschenko in particular) the demanded quality of horses is increasing constantly. Inherent this also means that the prices for such horses increase as well.
The goal?
Picobello's ambitions doesn't know any limits. There are many goals and projects set out for the future. But the main goal will always remain the aim for quality.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Equnews.fr
