Des Crins et des Ailes
(Manes and Wings)
Located in the hills, in a haven of peace where the flora of the Mediterranean offers a sublime panorama, Davy and Audrey Lacroix and their horses, birds of prey, dogs, chickens, geese and goats have set up home. But they are no ordinary couple who just happen to like animals…
In the saddle as a young infant, well before he could walk on steady feet, Davy Lacroix discovered his gift of being able to communicate with animals. “He’s one of those rare people,” explains his wife Audrey,” who just knows how to speak to them. It’s not something you can explain.”
After training in respected equestrian schools, Davy set up his own equestrian and dressage centre, then after several years he decided to take to the road. Between 2006 and 2012 he went to horse breeders and owners to share his knowledge and give lessons, travelling across the breadth of France and further afield to Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. During that time he also devised a show to demonstrate the potential for working with horses, in which he used no saddles, bridles or bits, guiding the horses with his voice through a gentle equitation, rather than traditional French dressage.
It was in Amnéville where Davy met Audrey, who was working as a dental assistant at the time. She left everything to follow him and his horses. In 2012 they found the five hectares of land behind the village of Aspiran and set about building with their own hands a place to settle themselves and their animals. Here, Davy cares, raises, shares and teaches, his greatest desire to communicate the incredible relationship that humans can have with animals involving no force or attempts to break them, says Audrey, “He communicates love in such a way that our birds of prey and horses have complete confidence in him.”
Predators and prey living together, it is a harmonious environment which Davy has named ‘Des Crins and Des Ailes (Manes and Wings); there are spacious pens for their numerous birds of prey which include, great horned owls, eagles and Harris hawks; a shaded paddock for their horses; and a custom built ring for training and performing a weekly summer spectacle of horsemanship.
Throughout the year, Davy offers specialist courses for horses and horse owners, helping owners bond with their horses or helping them or their animals overcome problems. His sessions are for both beginners and experienced riders. He also runs courses on falconry, both on horseback and on foot, which are open to children from aged 8 years upwards.
As well as the graceful display of horsemanship, the weekly spectacle Le Voyage d’Elfica involves all of their animals – including the chickens, geese and goats (one of whom is named unforgettably Betty Boop) - who Audrey tells me are capable of learning to almost the same performance level as horses. You will see Mabelle, the superb two year-old female Great Horned owl who, despite a wingspan of 1m 90cm, is so quiet when she flies she can be behind you and you will not hear her; and Noblesse, a young eagle from the Steppes who Davy raised from an eaglet. But above all you will be able to appreciate the unique bond between Davy and his animals. He is always happy if he sees someone in the audience moved to tears, witness to the precious connection between us and the rest of creation.
The spectacle, Le Voyage d’Elfica takes place every Friday throughout July and August, 20h30. To book, telephone 06 80 38 47 65
For further information telephone Davy or Audrey Lacroix: 06 80 38 47 65
Des Crins et Des Ailes, Colline Gibertou, Aspiran 34800 www.liberty-horses.eu
