Who I am

Laetitia Collet riding a grey Arabian mare through a wheat field

Background

I discovered a passion for horses at the age of four. I quickly took up riding lessons and began competing in cross-country and show jumping at the age of ten.

Around that time, my parents gave me a New Forest pony — a gift from which grew a passion I was able to share with my whole family. An unexpected favourite led us to acquire our first purebred Arabian of Spanish origin: Erin Milin Avel, daughter of Haliknoa (bred by Marie-Claude Lebivique). This mare gave us our first Arabian foal, and the Arabian adventure could finally begin with the creation of the Siard Arabians stud.

Jonquille, New Forest pony, at a show — Jonquille, my New Forest pony

Erin Milin Avel, purebred Arabian mare of Spanish origin — Erin Milin Avel, our first Arabian mare

In 2006, having just passed my baccalauréat, I completed a placement with Bertrand and Christine Valette in Albi, who taught me the fundamentals of the breeder’s craft.

Once I had finished my studies in international business, I knew I wanted to make my passion my profession, and I was determined to train in the finest stables in the world. I was fortunate to work in prestigious stables such as Selman Marrakech (Morocco) and the Capecci Arabian Training Center (Italy), where I worked with some of the most beautiful horses in the world: Magic Mon Amour, Lucky Dream, Lady Veronica, FT Shaella, and my great favourite, ROYAL COLOURS… There I learned the subtleties of the show ring, the meticulous preparation of horses, and the management of prestigious bloodlines. I refined my working techniques and took part in international competitions.

Laetitia Collet showing the mare Magic Faressa in Milan — My first show with my beautiful Magic Faressa, in Milan

Royal Colours, purebred Arabian stallion and triple world champion — Royal Colours, my great favourite — triple world champion

I then travelled to Arizona, in the United States, to the renowned Sahara Scottsdale stable. I had the chance to work alongside Greg Gallun (USA), one of the finest handlers in the world. I used this experience to broaden my knowledge of show-training methods, culminating in my participation in the great Scottsdale show. I discovered different bloodlines and types of Arabian, valued under saddle across many disciplines — something I had never seen in Europe. This journey to the other side of the world allowed me to cross paths with one of the most important and influential Arabian breeders in the world, Lenita Perroy. She shared her vision of the craft with us and told us the incredible story of Ali Jaamal.

Laetitia Collet alongside handler Greg Gallun at Sahara Scottsdale — At Sahara Scottsdale, with the renowned handler Greg Gallun

The purebred Arabian stallion Da Vinci FM at Scottsdale — Meeting the splendid Da Vinci FM

Laetitia Collet with breeders Lenita Perroy and Nancy Gallun — With Lenita Perroy and Nancy Gallun

Back in Europe, I joined the TRE Balzane stud, with Monica Savier, in southern Italy, where I deepened my knowledge of the genetics of the Egyptian Arabian. I followed this with a trip to Egypt that transformed my view of breeding. I discovered the world of genetics and became passionate about this new facet of the craft, deepening my knowledge by devouring every book devoted to the Arabian horse.

The stallion Imperial Baarez at El Farida Stud in Egypt — El Farida Stud — a unique moment with the fantastic Imperial Baarez, twice reserve world champion

Riding through a field of poppies at Monica Savier's stud — Riding through the poppy fields at Monica Savier's

Laetitia Collet with Egyptian breeder Mr Badrawy — With Mr Badrawy, one of the most important Egyptian breeders

Riding out in the Egyptian desert — Riding out in the desert, in Egypt

Finally, a year spent alongside a veterinarian specialising in equine reproduction in Brescia, Italy, completed my knowledge in the field of reproduction. She trained me in the work of stud manager and equine inseminator.

In 2016, I settled in France, in Montauban-de-Bretagne, close to my family, where I launched my business developing show Arabians.

In 2024, I decided to devote myself to my lifelong passion: breeding and genetics. It is with great pride that I drew on my daughter’s name to give life to my new venture: LIVHEST ARABIANS. “Liv” and “Hest” are Scandinavian words meaning “life” and “horse” respectively — a perfect fit for my philosophy.

Driven by my passion, my determination and my dedication, I hold deeply human values, rooted in nature, that allow a genuine connection with my beloved horses.

Through LIVHEST, I aspire to pass on my passion for the Arabian horse with professionalism, rigour, high standards and a love of all living things.

LIVHEST ARABIANS

PS: a little nod to my mother, with whom I still share — with immense pleasure and great passion — long conversations about bloodlines and the pairings that might prove promising.

The Écurie de Livhest

Located at 21 La Hamelinais, 35360 Montauban-de-Bretagne, Écurie de Livhest is a family-run stud farm dedicated to purebred Arabians. The farm enjoys an exceptional Breton setting with lush green pastures, a working arena, and individual paddocks for the well-being of our horses.

In addition to our equine breeding, we also raise Rhodesian Ridgebacks, a dog breed originating from South Africa, known for its loyalty and elegance.

Paddocks and fencing under fresh snow at first light — Sunrise over the paddocks

Stud entrance gate with a wooden field shelter beyond — Entrance to the farm

Pasture at sunset with horses in the distance — Late afternoon pasture

Infrastructure

Écurie de Livhest features facilities designed for the well-being and development of our horses:

Long stable building with spacious, open boxes
Individual paddocks with shelters
Sand arena for training
Expansive pastures with views of the Breton countryside
Tree-lined access road
Main building with housing and care facilities

Horse-Gym walker inside the covered training building — Horse-Gym 2000 walker

Open box with wooden door and steel grille front — Open stable box

Wooden paddock fences silhouetted at sunset — Paddocks at twilight

Our approach

We take a personalised approach to breeding: careful selection of bloodlines, regular veterinary follow-up, and support for each foal from birth to departure. We work with internationally recognised stallions and are committed to offering quality horses, both in terms of conformation and temperament.