tue 07.06.2011
Compiègne, a playground that is greatly appreciated
Compiègne Équestre lived up to its reputation as an experienced organiser. This weekend 155 riders and horses competed in the main arena. Although the English riders performed skilfully, the French ones confirmed their potential on the Grand Tour.
Many riders competed in the classes of CDI*** and of the Young Hopefuls. The majority of French Grand Prix riders and horses were present. The usual nations were in the running. Compiègne received a great deal of positive feedback from the competitors in 2010 and the 2011 edition, which was a CDI***, confirms the positive opinions.
Riders and trainers are even committed to supporting the candidacy of Compiègne Equestre for the organisation of the 2013 European Championships for Young Hopefuls.
The Senior Riders
The British riders were among the first supporters of the competition in 2010. This year they seized the first places of the Grand Tour and the Petit Tour which was the case of Gareth Hughes who won the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Spécial with Classic Sandman. Several French riders and horses demonstrated that they had evolved before the eyes of the national selector. This was the case in particular for Julia Chevanne (with Luciano 182) – 3rd in the Freestyle to Music Grand Prix-, Stéphanie Brieussel (with Werner) -6th in the Grand Prix and 9th in the Grand Prix Spécial, or for Marina Caplain Saint André (with Romeo) – 4th in the Grand Prix Spécial.
The Young Hopefuls
There were not many surprises in relation to the nations that were present. Denmark, the Netherlands and Great Britain led the dance in the pony, junior and young rider categories. However, we must highlight the performance of the junior Italian rider Chiara Prus Vitale, who was awarded very good scores, riding the very experienced Michigan. The rider and horse pair won every class. We would also like to highlight the French performances of Sharon Yvroux (with Denzel) and Salomé Sadouin (with Helina de Lautre) who was awarded scores above 67% in the Freestyle to Music class in this same category.
As for the ponies, Lisa Cez (with Opale des Vents) and Florian Aubin (with Glacy du Halage) had the best French performances whereas the Danish rider Victoria Vallentin and the Dutch rider Dana Van Lierop shared the victories between them.
No one individual nation was better than another in the Young Rider category as the Netherlands, Denmark and Great Britain each had a win. The French riders Hélène Legallais (with Unique), Jessica Hel (with Minos de Mazière) and Charlotte Catry (with Why Not) had consistent performances.
