Founded in 1963 as the Association Nationale pour le Tourisme Equestre, the French Comité National de Tourisme Equestre will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2023.
With the advent of paid vacations and the development of leisure activities in the early 60's, equestrian tourism became increasingly popular, and the ANTE was created in 1963 to structure local activities and develop them on a national level.
A look back at 60 years of action by NETO France
- 1966: Creation of the cavalier randonneur license
- 1970: First edition of the "Cheval Nature" catalog
- 1971: First session of qualified Maîtres Randonneurs (21 graduates), Equestrian Tourism Guides (26 graduates) and Equestrian Tourism Accompaniers.
- 1975: Creation of the FITE with the participation of France
- 1980: Creation of knowledge certificates (saddlery, seamanship, farriery, equine first aid, topography and orientation).
- 1984: First edition of l'Estafette, a journal for equestrian tourism enthusiasts
- 1987: Creation of the term EquirandoFirst edition in Châlon-sur-Saône
- 1987: Creation of the term TREC for "Techniques de Randonnée Equestre de Compétition"
- 1995: Creation of official equestrian markers
- 2000: Creation of the Galops® de Pleine Nature diplomas
- 2011: Creation of the federal status of equestrian tourism official Equestrian guide
- 2014: Creation of the Equestrian Routes Geographic Information System and interactive map Geocheval
"When you consider that 80% of riders aspire to leisure riding, equestrian tourism is the perfect answer. It also has the advantage of being practicable at all ages, in all 3 gaits and with all types of horse. So you can start at a very young age, and even take up dring equestrian tourism. Equestrian tourism is an all-round activity with a bright future ahead of it. "explains Valérie DALODIER, President of the CNTE.
In France, the FFE-CNTE has nearly 72,000 members, over 1 million riders, 400 accredited Equestrian Tourism Centers and represents 2,500 equestrian establishments and riders' associations. The FFE-CNTE works closely with its local bodies (Comités Régionaux et Départementaux de Tourisme Equestre) to develop and promote equestrian tourism in their areas. The CNTE continues to work with all those involved in equestrian tourism. It is also active on the international stage in conjunction with the FITE.
Photo ©Les Sabots de Venus
