The Ireland Fund of Monaco facilitated training for 2 Monagaque young ladies at the renowned Paul Darragh school in County Kildare.

Paul, an accomplished rider who represented Ireland internationally for many years, ensured Maud and Diane were given the highest level of training, instruction they could not had access to otherwise. This will help them pursue a career in equitation.

Letter to Mr Vincent from Maud Raimbert - 29 September 2003

It was with feelings of nostalgia that we came home to Monaco on August 24th. We were touched by our visit to Ireland (quite rightly called the land of horses) and those we met there. In addition to the incredibly enriching three week riding course run by very friendly staff, undeniably renown for their competence in the riding world, set in superb surroundings, we also benefited from cultural and personal experiences (as we were able to visit Dublin, the Wicklow mountains and historical sites).

We are extremely grateful to Mr A.W.B. Vincent and the Ireland Fund of Monaco for this amazing and beneficial experience which, without their extreme generosity, would never have happened.

To give a few details on our three-week course, which began the day after our arrival (5th Auust), by us being welcomed to the riding centre where competition horses are bred and where Paul Darragh (rider, horse breeder and owner of the equestrian centre where we were staying) gave us lessons, together with Johny, who assists him.

The three weeks' work concentrated on jumping (our speciality). We were delighted to be able to compare our riding methods and knowledge with new techniques, thus improving.

We were fortunate to attend the Dublin Horse Show and watch some of the world's best riders. We also saw the much-publicised' Coupe des Nations' won by France this year. Just by watching we learned yet more about riding.

This experience has indeed been a success for which we would like to thank you. We shall remember this fondly together with all these new experiences and emotions which have contributed to our progress.

Many thanks.

Maud

Letter to Mr. Vincent from Diane Dupont - Monaco, 29/9/03

Dear Mr Vincent,

I would like to thank you for our wonderful stay in Ireland and tell you little about what we did.

We left Nice on August 4th for Ireland not really knowing what to expect during the course. Needless to say we had a vague idea as Tania Whiting had given us vital information regarding our stay as you had done during our first meeting. However, Maud and I would never have guessed what was held in store for us!

After a few hours flying and waiting at the airport, we were finally met by Alain Storme (co-owner and friend of Paul Darragh) who brought us to where we were to spend the following three weeks. This alone amazed us. We never expected such a large property; 65 hectares of land with fields for mares and their foals, retired horses and horses resting between competitions, the owners' houses (Paul Darragh and Alan Storme), two stables, a sand quarry and a dressage enclosure. We already found this amazing until shown to where we were staying; a three-room bungalow with two bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and large bathroom - just for the two of us!

Once we had had time to calm down after such an exciting day, Alain Storme invited us to his home. I am sure Maud will agree with me as to the charming nature of our hosts and how unforgettable the evenings spent together were.

We were given lessons from 11am to 12.30pm over the next few days with one of the riders from the stables. Good posture, practice with bars on the ground and jump sequences were our main objectives. Thankfully we did not spend much time on dressage. The remainder of the day was spent either in the stables, at the cottage or Alain would take us out on various expeditions; visiting historical monuments, the countryside (with Alain as an impassioned guide on Irish history), the Dublin Horse Show, the cinema, restaurants, shopping etc….

We saw little of Paul Darragh who was very busy but were however treated to two riding lessons, which was delightful.

Our stay flew by with days and evenings choc-a-block with activities; so much so that we barely noticed time passing and certainly never suffered from boredom. We benefited hugely from the riding lessons, especially regarding posture. When I now mount my horse I remember Johnny our trainer's advice.

It was indeed a magical experience and while I never knew Heaven existed; now I know we have found it! Human and equine Heaven!!

We were also very lucky with the weather as it only rained twice and the cooler temperatures enabled us to ride any time of day whereas in France we could only ride in the morning and would then have to wait for the end of the day in order not to exhaust the horses.

I shall never forget my stay and I thank you very, very much to have enabled us to fulfil our dream which, without you, would never have materialised!

With kind regards,

Diane Dupont