An (envy-inducing) weekend in the life of a five-star showjumper

Jennifer Donald's avatar
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Published In Features
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Last weekend, top level riders on the European showjumping circuit had the rather enviable choice — head down to the French Riviera or escape to the mountains? And we’re not talking about mini breaks. When two of the most glamorous jumping venues in the world hosted five-star jumping on the same week, we didn’t know where to look — there was world-class sporting action, dazzling sums of prize-money and A-list guests at every turn. And congratulations to the weekend’s two big grand prix winners, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and USA rider Beezie Madden.

So here we bring you some must-see jumping action and a few peeks behind the scenes from both the CSI5* Horses And Stars show at Glock Horse Performance Center in Austria, and the Cannes leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Life as a five-star showjumper ain’t so bad…

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.