Institut français du cheval et de l'équitation

Since the 16th century, Saumur has established itself as a reference point for equestrianism, hosting an Academy of Riding, a Cavalry School, and the current School of Cavalry. In the late 1960s, equestrian training expanded between Saumur and Fontainebleau with the establishment of the National Institute of Equestrianism (INE) in 1968. In 1972, the INE was rebranded as the National School of Equestrianism (ENE), refocusing on Saumur and the Cadre Noir, thus enhancing its central role in the French equine sector. The plan to centralize activities in Saumur sparked significant debate, with a local action committee advocating for this decision and the Army providing land for the initiative.