Haras du Coussoul: A Legacy of Excellence and Commitment

Since its founding in 1987 by Catherine and Sauveur Vaisse, Haras du Coussoul has established itself as a benchmark in the breeding of Lusitano horses and sport crossbreeds. Located in Mouriès, in the heart of the Baux-de-Provence valley, our breeding program has developed with a clear vision: to produce horses with a gentle, human-oriented temperament, combining talent for dressage with the ability to perform at high levels, while maintaining the mindset and gaits that allow for true versatility.

Our mission goes beyond selective breeding. We are deeply committed to preserving exceptional Purebred Lusitano (PSL) bloodlines while innovating with outstanding sport crossbreeds. Our Lusitano mares, descended from prestigious lines, are bred with elite stallions such as Glamourdale, ridden by Charlotte Fry, to produce sport horses that combine performance, refinement, and character. Each horse we produce is designed to be equally suitable for competition and for building a special bond with its rider.

A Family and Human Commitment

Today, the management of the stud farm is firmly grounded in generational transmission. After the passing of Sauveur Vaisse in 2023—a difficult moment for our family—Catherine now works in close partnership with Alicia. Together, they continue to operate with passion and dedication. Mother and daughter share a deep commitment to animal welfare, ensuring that each horse is trained with respect for its natural rhythm and abilities. This compassionate approach is at the heart of our philosophy and is reflected in every aspect of our breeding work.

The French Lusitano Association (AFL) honored Sauveur Vaisse by creating the Prix Sauveur Vaisse, awarded each year to the most distinguished Lusitano at the France Dressage Championships. This recognition perpetuates his legacy and values, which remain ever-present at the Haras.

A Modern, Respectful, and Versatile Vision

While Haras du Coussoul continues to breed as many sport crossbreeds as purebred Lusitanos, we remain true to our core values: creating horses with generous character, close to humans, and easy to work with. Our foals grow up in herds and are gently handled from a very young age. Breaking-in is done patiently, with an emphasis on groundwork, to build a relationship of trust between horse and rider.

Our horses stand out in numerous disciplines, from dressage to driving, show jumping, and performance shows, while also being wonderful partners for riders seeking a versatile horse that can thrive far from the competitive arena.

Today, our breeding is represented internationally, with offspring excelling across Europe (France, England, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, etc.) and also in the United States, where we have many ambassadors.

Unique Equestrian Stays

Haras du Coussoul now welcomes riders from around the world for immersive equestrian stays. These experiences highlight a light, respectful form of riding rooted in the fundamental principles of ethology. We stay at the cutting edge of technology to offer the best in equestrian equipment, ensuring the well-being of our horses. Riders are accommodated in luxury lodgings and benefit from instruction provided by trainers who share our values and our vision of modern horsemanship.

Haras du Coussoul continues its relentless pursuit of excellence, with particular attention paid to temperament as well as the quality of conformation and gaits. Today, under the direction of Catherine and Alicia, we are writing a new chapter in the history of the Haras, while remaining faithful to our roots and to our values of responsible, sustainable breeding.