Avenches National Stud
Switzerland
The Swiss National Stud Farm
The Swiss National Stud Farm (SNSF) is the federal centre of competence for all equine related issues within Agroscope. The SNSF is located in the French speaking part of the country, in the canton of Vaud, near the small historic town of Avenches known as the capital of Helvetia during the Roman era, with a well-conserved amphitheatre and other Roman remains to show for it. The Swiss National Stud Farm does not date back quite so far: Founded in 1898, it is known today as the centre of competence for all equine related topics, representing a unique pool of knowledge surrounding the horse and its associated cultural heritage in Switzerland.
The SNSF was founded to ensure the growth and the quality of the Swiss horse breeding industry. Over its history, the SNSF has housed stallions, mares and foals alike. Two large stable buildings frame the inner courtyard next to the riding hall, and can accommodate up to 100 horses. The stud kept growing – an equine infirmary was added, then expanded into an equine clinic and reproduction centre, which are nowadays run by the University of Bern. The stud has its own workshops for farriers and wheelwrights, as well as a saddlery, and offers apprenticeships in various equine-related professions. The stud can be visited daily throughout the year and offers numerous information panels introducing the visitor to the world of horses and provides an insight into the history and the daily activities of the SNSF.
Avenches National Stud
Les Long Prés
1580 Avenches
Switzerland
www.nationalgestuet.ch
E-Mail: harasnational@agroscope.admin.ch
Since the beginning of the 21st century the stud farm is managed on the basis of a performance mandate and a global budget from the Swiss Federal Council. The stud is part of Agroscope, the Swiss federal centre of excellence for agricultural research, which in turn is affiliated to the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). This section is then governed by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).
According to agricultural legislation, the federal government maintains a national stud, which happens to be the SNSF, and appoints its tasks, which can be roughly divided into three missions:
Equine research
Many specialists of diverse educational backgrounds conduct applied research projects to promote the sustainable housing, breeding and use of horses. For example, this involves studying different options for feeding and housing horses, finding solutions to increase the profitability of horse breeding, and reducing the ecological impact of equestrian activities. Projects are also being set up to gain a better understanding of how communication between humans and horses works, to develop new tests to assess horses’ personalities or to highlight the way in which equines express pain.
The SNSF works closely with universities and colleges in Switzerland and abroad, as well as with other Agroscope groups. The research questions addressed often arise from close contact with practice, an exchange that helps to define current challenges or problems in the equine sector.
Consultancy and knowledge exchanges
Horse housing raises many questions, and the SNSF consultancy service is there to provide answers. With complete independence and neutrality, the SNSF’s experts answer questions not only from horse owners and keepers, but also from public services and journalists. Expert reports are drawn up at the request of insurance companies, courts and administrative departments.
The results of national and international equine research are disseminated through courses and educational days organised for equine farmers, breeders, horse owners as well as for students of veterinary medicine and agronomy. In addition, the SNSF’s experts publish technical sheets, write articles for the equestrian and agricultural press and develop course materials for all levels.
Preservation and promotion of the FM breed
Around 45 “Franches-montagnes” stallions can be found in the beautiful historical stable buildings. The Franches-montagnes (FM) is the only remaining native horse breed in Switzerland. Research projects involving the maintenance of the breed’s genetic diversity and the enhancement of its market appeal are conducted by the stud to ensure the preservation of the FM breed. The stallions of the SNSF are made available to breeders throughout Switzerland in various outlying studs during the breeding season. Alternatively, a sizeable sperm bank allows breeders to access an even larger number of stallions.
The SNSF is not only known for housing equids – it also has feathery guests every year! A magnificent, ever-growing colony of white storks migrate every year to the vast rooftops of the SNSF and rejoice lots of visitors with their numerous chicks.
Several other institutions of the equine sector operate in Avenches in or near the SNSF’s buildings:
• The “Fédération Suisse du Franches-Montagnes“ (Swiss Federation of Franches-Montagnes)
• The “Fédération d’élevage du cheval de sport CH“ (Sports Horse Breeding Federation CH)
• The “Institut Suisse de médicine équine” (Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, ISME): A centre for equine health and reproduction, run by the University of Bern
• The “Institut équestre national d’Avenches” (Avenches National Equestrian Institute, IENA): A training centre for equestrian sport, including a racetrack and several riding arenas