Pascale Haep possesses a rare knack for spotting raw talent. Her track record speaks for itself: she developed Irandole du Flot (Vivaldi du Seigneur), who went on to win the prestigious La Baule Derby with Shane Sweetnam, and of course Iashin Sitte (Bamako de Muze), who reached the pinnacle of the sport under Steve Guerdat. Now, it is time for Quesera de Muze (Fantomas de Muze x Bamako de Muze) to leave the nest.

A Pedigree Steeped in Excellence

Quesera de Muze carries the finest Belgian bloodlines; her great-grandmother is none other than the legendary Narcotique II de Muze. This innate quality has already been evident in recent weeks. The mare made her debut with young Monegasque rider Marie Eder Ferrero, immediately securing an impressive second place in the 1* Grand Prix of Gassin.

"It took me a while to share the news," an emotional Pascale Haep admits. "I bought Quesera at the beginning of her fourth year, just after she was backed. I am thrilled she has found a wonderful home with an ambitious young rider. She is only ten years old and has many magnificent years ahead of her."

The Power of the 'Connection'

Haep’s training philosophy stands in stark contrast to the commercial pressures often found in the equestrian industry. "I can’t explain exactly how I find these horses, but there has to be a 'click.' Often, it’s the more 'unique' horses that catch my eye. My goal is never to put on a show when they are young. You won't see me at many shows when they are four or five. I live away from the crowds, I do a lot of hacking, and I work in peace."

This patient approach paid off with Quesera. After a period of rest due to a minor injury, the mare returned stronger than ever. She won the 2* Grand Prix in Bonheiden, took second in Gassin, and proved her mettle in the challenging 1.55m Grand Prix of Nancy against world-class opposition. "It felt as if the market was waiting for her; as soon as she reappeared in the ring, the inquiries started coming in."

Memories of Iashin Sitte

The sale of a top horse inevitably brings back memories of Iashin Sitte’s move to Steve Guerdat’s stables. "That was a different experience entirely, mostly because I didn't actually want to sell him," she laughs. "When Steve came to try him, I was so honest about his quirks that my husband joked I was trying to talk him out of it. But after 17 jumps, Steve hopped off and said: 'I love your horse!' I never dreamed he would go on to win World Cups. Seeing him win in Geneva last winter remains one of my most cherished memories."

Focus on the Next Generation

With the departure of Quesera and the decision to entrust her other top mare, the 8-year-old Macumba Sitte (Fidelgo du Houssoit), to her daughter for her final year in the Children’s division, Pascale is taking a temporary step back from the highest level of sport.

"I currently only have 5, 6, and 7-year-old horses in the stable. My hope is that there is another gem among them that can help me relive the moments of the past few years. I will keep working the way I always have: with respect and love for the horse as the foundation. So far, that has been our key to success."