French Championship triumph for Michel
Michel Assouline reigned triumphant at the French National Dressage Championship, winning the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Kr to take the French Championship title on his first attempt.
Riding the 12-year-old mare Annastasia, Michel gained an impressive 66.03 per cent in the Grand Prix, 67.93 per cent in the Grand Prix Special and 75.03 per cent in the Grand Prix Kr.
President of the five-judge jury, Bernard Mauler, said he was impressed with the mare’s consistent performance and way of going.
Michel was delighted with the win. “Annastasia loves to perform in front of a large audience. It makes her work much more extravagant and expressive. I think she went the best she has ever gone in the final test. It felt perfect,” he said.
The championships took place at the Ecole Nationale dEquitation from 26- 29 October, in front of more than 3,000 spectators and were televised across France.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.