Jean François was born in France in 1968 and his love affair with horses began when he was an young boy. His father saves a young filly from slaughter and gave it to his son.

A special bond grew between the two and Gazelle (so named for her long spindly legs) was broken by the time she was two and half years old. The boy and filly learnt everything together but as they explored new avenues and developed new skills, Gazelle revealed her natural aptitude for tricks.

Gazelle and Jean François embarked on a journey that would take them all over Europe performing tricks and displays, delighting audiences in every arena. Gazelle has since retired and made way for Jean François current string of talented horses, although her memory and what she taught the impressionable young boy all those years ago is still very much at the heart of the Pignon family.

The displays have grown from the early days, not only in the number of horses but the advancement of the tricks themselves and the size of the audiences. The displays are polished, professional, choreographed spectacles that captivate every audience. The bond between man and horses is clear for all to see and an joy for those is clear for all to see and a joy for those privileged enough to witness it first hand.

If you ask Jean François what his secret is, the answer is quite simple, “A horse is happy when he understands what is expected of him” Jean François training methods revolve around several key features; patience, understanding of behaviour that all horses are trainable and enjoy their work when these basic needs are met. As herd animas, they have respect for leadership and are happy when their position within the herd is constant. Jean François firmly believes we need to provide that constancy and respect, and in return we have horses willing and eager to please. This carefully balanced relationship is demonstrated beautifully.