Galas du Cadre Noir

The Galas du Cadre Noir: French equestrian art in all its splendor

The Cadre Noir de Saumur is one of the most prestigious equestrian institutions in the world. Heir to a tradition born in 1815, when a "School of Horse Troops" was created in Saumur in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars, the Cadre Noir perpetuates and transmits the art of French traditional riding, inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2011.

Exceptional choreographed shows

The Cadre Noir galas are moments of grace where the rigor of classical dressage meets artistic creativity. The riders, dressed in their iconic black uniform, present the noblest exercises of equestrian art: airs relevés (courbette, croupade, cabriole), long-reining work, school figures, and school jumps. Each show is set to music and choreographed, offering the audience a unique sensory and emotional experience.

The 2026 season: three highlights

The 2026 season of the Cadre Noir galas is structured around three highlights:

• Le Printemps des Écuyers (April 2026): on April 24, 25, and 26, the Cadre Noir celebrates equestrian art alongside Lorenzo, an iconic figure of liberty dressage. The galas take place on Friday and Saturday at 9 PM and on Sunday at 4 PM.
• Destins Liés (May, June, July, September 2026): this new gala offers an artistic journey through time, a tribute to the eternal bond between humans and horses. Performances are scheduled from May to September, notably on May 23 and 24.
• Les Musicales (October 2026): in 2026, Les Musicales will host an exceptional collaboration between the Cadre Noir and the Orchestre de la Nouvelle Europe, centered around a musical repertoire from the world of cinema. Performances on October 16, 17, and 18.

An exceptional setting at Terrefort

The galas take place in the Grand Manège at the Terrefort site, in Saumur, within a 290-hectare estate that houses over 350 horses, 7 indoor arenas, 14 outdoor arenas, and 20 km of tracks. This exceptional setting, steeped in over two centuries of equestrian history, gives the shows an incomparable heritage and emotional dimension.

A living heritage recognized worldwide

The Cadre Noir galas are not mere shows: they are the living showcase of an exceptional French equestrian heritage. Each performance demonstrates the unique complicity between the rider and their horse, the result of several years of daily work. The Cadre Noir also trains future instructors for French riding and contributes to the international influence of Saumur and Maine-et-Loire.