Joining SOAL in 2015, Cristelle Bussac has become a key figure in the field of nutrition. As a technical sales representative, she developed a passion for equine nutrition, despite having no prior background or experience in the equine world. Naturally enthusiastic, she has expanded her role through educational initiatives, for example by giving talks to students at AFASEC in Mont-de-Marsan and providing training sessions for her colleagues.
A mission of development and support that emphasizes the importance of equine nutrition
On a daily basis, Cristelle manages a client portfolio mainly composed of riding centers, breeding farms, and boarding facilities. She brings them her expertise and hands-on experience, working closely with Nutricia’s formulators, who develop feed formulas for horses.
Equine nutrition is a complex field where it is crucial to tailor rations according to a horse’s physiological stage and physical activity. Cristelle’s work is to provide the best nutrients to horses through the various feed ranges offered by Sud-Ouest Aliment, such as VIVALLURE for leisure/amateur horses or SOAL RACING for high-performance horses.
Since last year, an idea has been lingering in her mind: offering training on equine nutrition. She is well-versed in pedagogy and applies it during her in-store presentations for the Group or its retailers, so why not consider a format tailored to a new audience?
Training to Sell Better: A Successful First Course at AFASEC!
“The teacher in charge of the AFASEC stables contacted me to ask whether the formula of her feed had changed, as some of her horses had lost energy. After several discussions, I realized that her horses had increased their workload, and their rations were still suited to a lower level of activity. The dosage was therefore no longer appropriate and no longer met their energy needs. She hadn’t realized that nutrition was such a precise field. From this observation, she invited me to give a class to raise awareness among the students about the technical importance of this aspect if they want to excel on the racetrack in their future careers,” explains Cristelle.
For two hours, Cristelle complemented their zootechnics course with a presentation on the basics of the equine digestive system, combined with the technical aspects of nutrition. She helped students and their teachers gain a clearer understanding of the nutritional requirements necessary to maintain and improve the performance of racehorses.
“They are modules that students only skim over, without going into depth, because the content is very technical and none of them have advanced training. That’s why it’s important for us to support our clients—and future clients—in this area. Sud-Ouest Aliment has the advantage of being a leader in the animal nutrition market in the southwest. We are fully autonomous in every aspect, from formula design to the finished product, which allows us to be the only company offering a full range of feeds suitable for all ages, body types, activities, and nutritional needs of horses,” Cristelle explains.
Raising Awareness About Nutrition
Because her expertise is a valuable sales tool, Cristelle has been sharing it for some time with the external sales team, who request guidance and educational training.
“It’s important to have technicians in the field, not just feed sellers, even in stores. Our strength lies in our professionalism, based on technical advice and daily client support. That’s what sets us apart from the competition, and we need to leverage it—especially since our teams are highly motivated and eager to expand their knowledge.”
She intends to continue her work with her clientele, potentially focusing on an adult audience, like her colleague Franck Moustrou, who conducts training sessions for equestrian sport professionals, such as those holding the BPJEPS (Professional Certificate for Youth, Popular Education, and Sport).
Cristelle Bussac embodies the perfect balance between technical mastery and passion in equine nutrition. Her career highlights the importance of specialization and relationship-building for success in this demanding field.
