LO&F Horses -
A family-run equestrian facility on the beautiful Riviera
Rusty-red lava rock and turquoise-blue waves as well as rugged mountain landscapes are typical of the breathtaking scenery on the French Riviera overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean. Tucked away between the hills, just across the French-Italian border, you can find one of the most exclusive riding facilities in Europe – the family-run "LO&F Horses” show jumping centre.
Modern training centre on a plot of 1,5 ha
The equestrian centre, which is run by Dr Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Escribano and his son Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Franco, is situated on one and a half hectares of land. Trophies and plaques inside the stable evidence the awards that father and son have already collected with their horses, up to the prestigious Global Champions Tour. This narrow, flat area not far from Monte Carlo was once home to a riding school. "It was a great stroke of luck that I was able to buy the estate," comments Lopez de la Osa Escribano.
Due to the limited space available, it was particularly challenging to plan a training centre here that complied with the latest standards, the entrepreneur, who is a showjumper and passionate breeder himself, recalls. "A clever solution was to use a lot of timber in its construction. Using wood meant that we were able to gain valuable centimetres in comparison to using brick for the building." The facility now encompasses two stable aisles, an oval horsewalker, open exercise areas, two tack rooms, an indoor riding arena and an outdoor riding arena. Every detail reflects the passion, planning precision and full focus on the needs of the horses.
A peaceful place with a feeling of home
In the meantime it has become obvious that the building with its many wooden elements was not only space-saving, but that it also has a warm, intimate atmosphere, Lopez de la Osa Escribano adds. "I've been in the saddle since I was a child. It's fantastic that we can now work together with our team at this wonderful site."
While life in Monte Carlo is buzzing and 20-year-old young rider Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Franco is training with Piet Raijmakers to excel at the next European Young Rider Championships, the home of LO&F Horses is a haven of peace and tranquillity. This is also due to the stalls, partition walls, doors and windows from Röwer & Rüb. The fronts of the Hannover model with their deep grey powder coating and timeless stainless steel rungs play an important role in the high-quality ambience.
"I did a lot of research to find the ideal partner for planning the stables. Röwer & Rüb had everything I was looking for. For me the products are the ideal combination of design and durability." Close consultation and collaboration on a basis of mutual trust ultimately created an overall look that emphasises the warm character of the wood and combines the atmosphere of a home with that of a training facility.
The horses take centre stage
The oval horsewalker, which was also supplied by the traditional company based in Lower Saxony, also ensures optimum training conditions. Up to eight horses can be exercised here at the same time. "I often think when we are going about our daily lives that there are also advantages in planning a system on such a small area," concludes Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Escribano. "Distances are short and we are all close to one other all the time. This is true of the team members as well as the horses." And it is precisely this close proximity to the horses that summarises the vision of LO&F Horses: "Horses are incredible animals. The more we give them, the more they give back to us. And if they are happy, so are we."
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