The Arion HST's Team

The founder.

Sylvain Houry, founder and president of Arion HST.

It was in California, where Sylvain was hired as a sales manager for a saddlery house, that the idea of Arion was floating around in his head. The American dream became a reality in 2018 when he created Arion Horse Sport Tack and marketed accessories. But Sylvain wants to go further to meet the requirements of the world’s best riders and improve the well-being of horses. True to his influences and values, he and Hadrien succeeded in combining innovation, comfort and the “French touch” to launch a first collection of high-end sport saddles in 2020, first in the United States, then in France a few months later.

“My passion for luxury products and French craftsmanship, as well as for horseback riding and the people I have met, made me want to create my own brand; marked by authenticity, quality and innovation.”
Enthralled by horseback riding from a very young age, Sylvain quickly imagined himself becoming a world champion. However, he decided to stop when he was a teenager. Admiring his twin brother’s results, he got back in the saddle and quickly acquired a good level. His perseverance and ambition lead him to the Pro 1 level of the French CCE championships, in parallel with his studies in a major French business school.

After entering the workforce, the equestrian competition fades in favour of his professional career which leads him across the Atlantic. Driven by his boldness and passion, Sylvain skillfully juggles emotion, balance and energy like any good rider. The French entrepreneur, now based in Florida, also shows insight and precision to drive the movement and become one with his teams, like the osmosis formed by the rider and his horse.

What does he likes? The thirst for discovery.

In addition to horseback riding, Sylvain practices a multitude of sports: wake boarding, tennis, golf, swimming, yoga, pilates, soccer, running… His insatiable curiosity also pushes him to travel the world and to get off the beaten track. Hyperactive and nature lover, Sylvain also loves to take care of his garden, when he is not behind the stove cooking good food.

Hadrien Schenck, inspiring director, responsible for sales within the Arion Sellier France team.

As general manager, Hadrien holds the reins of Arion with passion and perseverance. Supported by his team of saddlery expert consultants, he is also responsible for sales in France. Naturally empathetic and eager for challenges, Hadrien never ceases to fulfill the wishes of Arion’s customers, so that the rider feels the mechanics of his mount and the horse is happy and free to move.

“Dedicated to the comfort, well-being and performance of the horse, we use 100% of our energy to satisfy you”
Entrepreneur, perfectionist and competitor at heart, this former high-level eventing rider has always flirted with the equestrian world. He started out as a horse trainer in Bordeaux, working alongside world and Olympic vice-champion Cédric Lyard. He then managed an owner’s stable in the Tarn region of France, before embarking on a commercial career. After selling saddles for a prestigious French company and horse transport vehicles for an English brand, he returned to the world of equestrian sports to represent Arion Sellier France.

His hobby? The thrill of it all.

In search of adrenaline, Hadrien enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding and wake boarding. He is a former riding instructor, and is also the proud father of two children. As everyone knows, being a parent is often a sport! Born in the South-West of France, Hadrien is an epicurien with an overflowing enthusiasm, who likes to share convivial and festive moments with family and friends.

Kirsten Rose, US Sales Manager.

Kristen has been involved in many aspects of the equine industry since she began riding and competing at eight years old.

After owning and operating a full service training barn in MD, Kristen left the industry for a short time to focus on raising her children and to regain her amateur status.

Kristen has been an expert saddle fitter and manager for one of the leading French brands prior to joining Arion, and looks forward to working with you

IN THE OFFICE

The cavalry of marketing.

Gabrielle Fournier, US & Canada Marketing Communications Manager.

Gabrielle joined the Arion team in 2021. Her experience in equestrian marketing and sport has improved Arion’s expansion in the United States and Canada. Gabrielle earned her bachelor’s degree in History and a Minor in Law Studies while competing on and three-time captain of the NCEA Division I Equestrian Team at Delaware State University. 

An equestrian creative with experience in the industry as a competitor, working student, and marketing intern for Equestrian Sport Productions, Inc. in Wellington, FL provides her the background to pursue her passions with the Arion team. A team leader and self-starter, Gabrielle is a great member of our team and supporter of #TeamArion.

Outside of the Office.

Gabrielle continues to compete nationally and travels to Wellington for the winter season after spending the rest of her time in her hometown in Connecticut. Still an avid equestrian competitor, she takes time to ride daily and support fellow #TeamArion members.

Ava Charpentier, marketing and communication director.

Expert in digital strategy, Ava manages all marketing and communication projects for Arion’s French and American markets.
After obtaining a double bachelor’s degree in fashion and digital, Ava settled in the Basque Country where she created her communication agency. She is passionate about start-ups, craftsmanship and brands advocating the made in France, which she accompanies by adding her own touch of pep. Ava, who has been riding horses since she was a child, has been following Arion from the beginning. She joined the company in 2021. This career change gives her the extraordinary opportunity to combine passion and work.

Her hobby? Riding in the wild.

Nothing surprising for this young woman who grew up on Reunion Island where surfing is a religion.
Always accompanied by her dog Mooky, Ava juggles between her surfboard and Flora, her mare, which she takes care of daily. In a joyful mood, Ava is full of spontaneity, energy, and above all, new ideas.

LAND

The squadron of saddle experts.
Whether you are in France or elsewhere, our “saddle fitters ” come and meet you to discuss the technical aspects and needs related to your passion. Thus, you have only one contact person to find the saddle of your dreams and to accompany you at each step.

Passionate about the equestrian world, Arion’s technical advisors all have several years of experience.

They are also trained in the design and adaptation of custom-made saddles. Biomechanics and locomotion of the horse, animal welfare, ergonomics and position of the rider, resistance of materials have no secrets for them. Like the great couturiers, they take all the necessary measures to make your saddle haute couture.

Get to know our experts.

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Labor Day Weekend Sale!

On bridles and reins.

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