The stud farms of Normandy - like here the Haras des Étincelles (Sparks Stud) in Mesnil-Simon in the Calvados department - are internationally renowned in the equine world for breeding and training some of the best racehorses in the world. Many breeders set up breeding and horse development centers in the Pays d'Auge, Lower Normandy alone accounting for 20 % of French breeding. The proximity to Paris, the presence in the region of more than 3,700 breeders as well as the number of racetracks and competitions are all assets for them.