The Haras de Tarbes (stud farm)
If we were to be told the story of the history of Tarbes, it would always come back to the Haras (stud farm): a natural park at the heart of the town, a classified and historic place created by Napoleon in 1806, birthplace of the Anglo-Arabian breed and a fascinating museum!
The perfect discovery for families in a timeless setting
meeting the horses and the passionate men and women looking after them
If we were told the story of the history of Tarbes, it would always come back to the Haras (stud farm): a historic and classified place in the town centre, the birthplace of the Anglo-Arabian breed and a fascinating museum, created by Napoleon in 1806!
This exceptional, eight-hectare estate boasts a fascinating visitor’s tour whereby the collection reveals just how significant horses are in the history of Tarbes, a garrison town which, in order to satisfy the needs of the Hussar cavalrymen, experimented with cross breeding (with the Tarbes horse) and resulted in the emergence of the Anglo-Arabian breed.
The Haras de Tarbes was purchased by the Town Hall in July 2016 from the IFCE (French Horse and Horse-Riding Institute), and opens its doors to the public, to come and discover 200 years of history through the collections (ancient saddles, carriages, etc…)
Come and learn about the history and secrets of this prestigious place
Sign up to the guided tours of the Haras
Manuela and Cécile will tell you all about the history and unveil the secrets of these stables with Empire-style architecture, the collection of horse-drawn carriages, a vast tack room and the magnificent Maison du Cheval.
Depending on the day, you might even see Anouck Sirvent, artist in residence and you can watch the horses at work in the military section
or the mounted police of Tarbes.
Days and times for guided tours at the bottom of the page
Bookings are compulsory, please contact the Haras
The Stud’s open house
Make a note in your diary: The last weekend of each month for a free visit: Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm!
Did you know?
Colbert may have been behind the creation of the royal stud farms in 1665 to avoid purchasing horses from outside France, but it was thanks to Napoleon I that the Haras de Tarbes stud farm was created in 1806. This stud farm was able to supply horses to the south of France for the war against Spain, and the emperor in particular took an interest. To satisfy the needs of the light cavalrymen, an Anglo-Arabian breed emerged, thanks to cross-breeding various other breeds, producing Tarbes very own ‘Bigordan’ horse.
Horse therapy at the Haras?
All year round, the military section of the 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment of Tarbes teaches horse-riding to the members of the armed forces and their families with their 30 horses and ponies. They also offer horse therapy, which has proven very effective in helping wounded soldiers get back to living a normal life and recovering from their pain and suffering. Horse therapy is a form of psychological healthcare whereby horses are used to treat mental and physical ailments.
Larrieu stables
©Service Com Mairie de Tarbes
The tack room
©Pixbynot
The Maison du Cheval from the main courtyard
©Pixbynot
Guided tours of the Haras
©Pixbynot
The stables from the main courtyard
©Pixbynot
The tack room
©Pixbynot
Added bonus
Only in Tarbes! Thanks to the Arborequum (a visitor’s trail that provides information about the tree species), you can find out how all the trees that were planted here at the stud farm 200 years ago were used in the daily running of this place devoted to horses.
Dates for the diary
Every summer, in July, the Haras opens its doors for the Equestria festival, a magical event devoted to horses and the arts…
Contact details
+33 6 32 44 87 13 / +33 6 14 12 30 30
Entrance for guided tours: Chemin de Mauhourat
Entrance for festivals and events: Chemin de Mauhourat
Entrance for open days: Avenue du Régiment de Bigorre
Days and times for guided tours
BOOKING COMPULSORY
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Visit followed by an equestrian animation around 4pm
Exceptional closure on 25 December and 1 January
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Access for people with reduced mobility: YES
Dogs welcome: NO
Open house schedule (free visit)
The last weekend of each month: Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm
Prices
GUIDED TOUR
Adult: €7 / 10€ if activity
Child from 3 to 12 years old: €2
Student, rider, group: €5
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Free
You will also enjoy…
Musée Massey
The international museum of the Hussars!
The highlights of our town
We invite you to come and discover the charm of Tarbes’ old town, its narrow streets and its secrets.
Massey Gardens
Placide Massey (1777–1853), the king’s landscape gardener, donated this extraordinary garden, classified a ‘Remarkable Garden’, to Tarbes.
Marshal Foch's childhood home
Come and visit this house in the historic town centre of Tarbes, admire the typical architecture of the Pyrenees and just take in the atmosphere which will whisk you away into the past…
