Les Écuries de la Picaute is a private yard dedicated to dressage horses. The yard is in Chaumont-Gistoux, Walloon Brabant, 15 minutes from Wavre and Louvain-la-Neuve, 25 from Namur, 35 from Brussels and 40 from Leuven. Most boxes measure 4 × 4 m, and you work your horse in two indoor and two outdoor arenas in every season.
A day at the yard
The horses are fed early in the morning and at the end of the day, with a midday feed for those who need it. Turnout starts first thing; horses spend several hours out and can add a session on the walker. Rugs and boots are put on and taken off by the team.
Every horse has access to hay at all times. Fresh hay goes out in the morning, most boxes have a hay rack, and in the evening we check that every horse still has enough for the night. Boxes are kept clean every day, on straw or shavings.
The packages
Livery
Box, bedding, hay, feeds, turnout six days a week, walker, use of all facilities, rugs and boots on and off.
Livery + 3 work sessions a week
Everything above, plus three sessions a week: ridden by one of our riders, a lesson with Christelle, or lunged by our groom, following the programme agreed with you.
Livery + 5 work sessions a week
Everything above, plus five sessions a week on the same basis.
Shavings instead of straw is an option; a few boxes have their own mini-paddock, on request and subject to availability. Livery starts at € 750 a month, VAT included; all prices are on the Prices page.
A place for your horse?
Contact the stables: we will tell you what is possible and arrange a visit.
Questions and answers
Where is the yard?
The yard is in Chaumont-Gistoux, Walloon Brabant, 15 minutes from Wavre and Louvain-la-Neuve, 25 from Namur, 35 from Brussels and 40 from Leuven. Directions are on the Contact page.
Can I visit before deciding?
Yes, visits are by appointment. Contact the stables and we will find a time together.
What does my horse need to arrive?
We take a copy of his passport. His vaccinations and worming must be up to date.
Is there livery by the day?
Yes. The price is on the Prices page.
Can I book a single session with Christelle?
Yes. Single training sessions and lessons with Christelle are available on request. See Services.
Can I bring my own coach?
Yes, as long as you arrange it with the stables beforehand. An arena fee may apply.
Can I use my own vet and farrier?
Vet, farrier, osteopath and dentist are your choice.
Can my horse use the aqua trainer?
Yes, paid per session. Christelle runs the sessions; book them through the stables. More on the aqua trainer.
When can I ride?
The yard is open from 08:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 20:00 at weekends. Earlier is possible if you let us know, for example in a heatwave or on competition days.
Where can I ride and jump?
In two indoor and two outdoor arenas; see Facilities. The board at the entrance of the large indoor arena shows the lessons planned. Jumps are available. To jump in the indoor arena, agree a slot with the yard.
Where do I keep my tack?
In the tack room. Owners also have lockers.
How is livery invoiced?
At the end of each month, for the month ahead; details are on the Prices page. To leave, give one month’s notice.