Horses show off in Versailles, keeping alive royal tradition on soon-to-be Olympic equestrian venue

By SYLVIE CORBET
Associated Press

VERSAILLES, France (AP) — The historic Versailles Palace Gardens will soon host the Paris Olympics equestrian sports. 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. The elite academy — founded by French horse trainer and impresario Bartabas who decided to revive the splendid building in 2003 — has only 12 riders. After years of hard work, they take part in a prestigious show at the Great Stables of Versailles every weekend to the delight of spectators. Though not participating in the games, they look forward to seeing Olympic riders galloping in the Versailles gardens.