We are a small team of four. Left to right: Franck Jouvin, Penny Lucas, Charly Jouvin (on Goliath) and myself: Sally Lee.

Our founder: Georges Jouvin aka The Normandy Cob Father (1943 -2023)

Georges Jouvin was accepted as the foremost expert on the cob from Normandie. After the Second World War, the breed was all but lost due to appropriation during the war and subsequent modern mechanisation of tractors and automobiles. After this period there were just five Normandy stallions left in France.  Georges’s parents’ business involved the meat trade; occasionally a Normandy cob, amongst heavier breeds such as the Percheron etc. would need to be taken to Villedieu train station destined for a Parisian abattoir. As a child and at 8 years old Georges came to discover the destiny of these animals in a somewhat brutal manner: he had always thought they were going to new owners. It was to have a devastating effect on him, and although he was, at that time, powerless to help, he made a lifelong commitment to save this small breed. With an unstoppable belief and dedication, with the support of his wife Marie Rose, he built up Elevage Jouvin, which is still home to the largest private herd of Normandy Cobs to be found anywhere.

It is fair to say that we miss Georges each and every day. However, he passed on his skill and his knowledge to us faithfully. At some point, in each of his horse’s lives, he would have a brief quiet moment with each; he told me that he explained to them, that he had saved their breed, saved their ancestors, so all he required from them to was to remember this thing, and to never let him down. Not one ever let him down: in keeping with tradition, we too have the same quiet conversation and it appears to us our Normandies understand perfectly.

Franck Jouvin

With a father such as Georges, you can imagine that Franck was ‘born into the saddle’; however he is not only master of the the saddle, but an exceptionally talented carriage driver. Franck is seven times Champion of France for three phase (eventing) driving. He has also represented France in the World Championships. I love horses, and can talk endlessly about them, but Franck takes this to a whole new level: quite literally it is an obsession. Although like his father before him, he is a one of the most highly respected horsemen in France, he too is completely dedicated to preserving the Normandy Cob. He could have quite easily taken the path to riches with his career history, but shunned this for the sake of the breed instead; after all he won his titles with Normandy Cobs, so he feels he owes them a debt of gratitude. He is the main trainer for our riding horses. I have yet to see a horse that has not responded to his interactions with them. To observe him in work is to observe a master class in timing, support, insistence and encouragement.  He is the only full time dedicated Normandy Cob breeder in the world, and knows all of his horses individually.

Charly Jouvin

Charly is Franck’s youngest son, and like his father and grandfather Georges he has spent his whole life with horses. Charly started with his Shetland, Ade (whom we still have on ‘ze farm’, is completely free range and access all areas – quite literally) By the age of four, Charly proved himself to be a competent little driver too, and when he is not at college he is to be found here with us, doing all the things one would expect on a large farm solely dedicated to horses. He also brings on our younger horses, taking his time, always building their confidence and, most importantly, ensuring that they only ever have positive experiences within human interaction, for this is what makes a good horse.

Sally Lee

I have been a horsey gal most of my life; like many of you who will be reading this, I was the little girl that mucked out the local riding stable for the chance of a ‘free ride’ ( ahh, the days before health and safety!) I had a long period away from horses due to a career path in travel and tourism. However when I moved to France in 2007, with land and time available to me I decided to re-engage once more with my original passion. Whilst it would be fair to say I had some wonderful times, I also made my fair share of mistakes including either being miss-sold a horse, or simply buying the wrong horse for me. I met the Jouvin family in unusual circumstances and even now, I consider it very much destiny, it was after all, the reason Normandie Driving and Riding was born.

Whilst I sell horses to put bread on the table, I approach the matter in a deeper, more psychological way. When someone contacts me to buy a horse, I like to spend an hour or maybe even three talking with the potential buyer and really taking a deep dive in to their equine past, whilst also discussing their dreams, their future ambitions and, most importantly, their fears. In doing this, I am then able to know which type of horse they need. Sometimes, there is a difference between wants and needs. My job is to balance the two. In that way our equine marriage bureau avoids divorces, our clients are happy, we can sleep at night and above all else…our horses have the happy ending they so richly merit.

Penny Lucas

Penny is a wonderful addition to our team. For a start she is kind, incredibly knowledgeable and can ride as well as drive. Penny was a natural choice for us: she is a BHS qualified riding instructor whose specialist subject is helping nervous adults. A day with Penny is a wonderful thing; with her patience and understanding, our reward is to see the nervous tension replaced with wide grins and once more, hope for the future. Penny has worked with horses for almost as many years as Franck.

Finally: between us, we have way in excess of 150 years combined experience. It is safe to say, we know our job, and we know exactly what we are doing.