The Cadre Noir are an equestrian display team based in the city of Saumur in western France. The troop was founded in 1828, and gets its name from the black uniforms that are still used today. They were integrated with the National School of Equitation in 1972. Today, there are about 50 horses and a team of elite riders, usually limited to 22.

The equitation on which the school is built was taught by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere, the French riding master to King Louis XV and author of the book Ecole de Cavalerie, which was published in 1731.

The Cadre Noir mainly uses Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabians, and Selle Francais, but also keeps Lusitano horses to demonstrate the 16th and 17th century baroque style of riding. The Thoroughbreds and Anglo Arabians are used for the Grand Prix dressage, and preform individually, pas de deux (two horses), pas de trois (three horses), and du quantite (four or more horses). They may be either displayed in hand or ridden.

The Selle Francais are used to display the 'airs above the ground.'

External links

• The official Cadre Noir web site