Commissioned by France's King Louis XIV, the stables were built between 1679 and 1682 opposite the palace’s main entrance.Meanwhile, the select number of riders of the National Equestrian Academy handling the palace's famed royal stables continue to care for their beloved horses: Almost every day at dawn, they enjoy the quietness and splendor of grass lawns and woods of the park of the Versailles Palace, before thousands of visitors from across the world spread in.
Commissioned by France's King Louis XIV, or Sun King, the stables were built between 1679 and 1682 opposite the palace's main entrance. They once housed more than 2,000 horses during the 18th century. Now, the Academy's riders train about 40 horses, notably including Lusitanos, a Portuguese breed known to be a favorite of Louis IV.Laure Guillaume trains with her horse in the main courtyard of the royal stables, in Versailles.
Under the monarchy, horses were used by the royal family, its entourage and visitors to go hunting, show their equestrian skills and enjoy rides in the Versailles gardens. They were an essential part of the festivities and a symbol of the King's power. As the Paris Games approach, the palace — which will host equestrian and modern pentathlon events during the July 26 - Aug. 11 — is starting to buzz with excitement.