FRANCE (by Adriana van Tilburg) According to Juliette Megret: “I may have a utopic view, but I believe this can be done!” A very determined young breeder who, at the age of 36, works with Joris de Brabander and has also created her own Ibreed Agency. Like so many in the horse world, Megret began as a “horse crazy” child. Her parents were not horse people, but some neighbours had Thoroughbreds that she started to ride at the age of five.
Realizing how important horses were to their daughter, Megret’s parents bought her her first pony when she was 10 years old. However, as time went by, they insisted that although she could ride every day, it was extremely important that she complete her studies in order to become an independent and strong person. From that moment on horses became a hobby for Megret until she was 25 and moved to Normandy. Talking about her work she says: “My knowledge, my intuition and my contacts, all of which are necessary to give a breeder the best advice possible in choosing a stallion for his mare.”
Q Why did you make the shift from competing to breeding?
Horses have always been part of my life and my aim was to be a professional in the horse world. I was an amateur rider and did not have enough talent to be able to make my way as a professional rider. I enjoyed competing, but knew that that was not how I was going to earn my living. At that time I was in Geneva and had an Irish mare that I bought as a five-year-old. I rode in many nice shows in Switzerland and was lucky enough to be able to ride in the Jockey Club classes at the CSI-W in Geneva in 2004. Now I only ride the stallions that are at the Haras de Circée: Querlybet Hero (Baloubet du Rouet - Narcotique de Muze II x Darco, BWP mareline 34) and Satisfaction (Stakkato - Cecile x Calypso II). I love horses, have always observed them and been interested in breeding. So, when I was 25, I finished my studies in Geneva and moved to Normandy planning to make my dream happen. Horses are my passion.
My first steps in the profession was a job with the GFE (Groupe France Elevage) where I was responsable for the commercial side and for the marketing. I learned a lot about breeding, maternal bloodlines, and stallions.
Q How and when did you decide to leave a big group like the GFE to form your own business?
I left GFE in November 2013. I had had many dis- cussions with Arnaud Evain before making my decision to leave. I wanted a change and to live something else. Arnaud was extremely supportive and it was really super that my former boss was so encouraging and helpful. At the same time I had met the family De Brabander – which opened a wonderful opportunity. Some people say that it was luck. I do not know if it was luck or a mixture of circumstances. I think that one should be open to seizing new opportunities and not be afraid to move on. If some luck is there – so be it! My aim is not to become a big group, but to maintain a more personal and confidential business – close to the horses, the breeders, and to be able to act for the best for my clients all the while maintaining my personal philosophy...
TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE SUBSCRIBE TO BREEDING NEWS
