Baloubet De Talma, a top ride of French Olympic showjumper Penelope Leprevost, has died following an accident, aged 15.

The Baloubet De Rouet son joined Penelope in January 2025 and competed in top-level grands prix and World Cup legs, including at London International and Hickstead.

“Balou” was bred by Haras De Talma in France and started his international career with Alexandra Francart in young horse classes, then was produced up the levels by Audrey Teixidor and Valentin Pacaud.

Penelope stepped Balou up to five-star in April 2025; they competed at major shows including Royal Windsor, St Gallen CSIO5*, and the Paris leg of the Global Champions Tour. Some of their top results included finishing 12th individually in the Hickstead Nations Cup, and fifth in the London International World Cup leg.

Penelope said Balou died following “an accident while loose” on Monday (18 May).

“Thank you for everything you gave to all those who were lucky enough to cross your path,” she said.

“Your fiery temperament in the arena, your generosity and courage, your gentleness and kindness every day made you an exceptional horse that we will never forget. Thank you for everything, Balou.”

A spokesperson for Haras De Talma said Balou’s temperament made him “truly unique” and that he had a “heart bigger than himself”.

“Your energy was often difficult to channel, you always wanted to give 150%. From a very young age you left a real mark on the minds of everyone you met,” he said.

The spokesperson said Balou was “extraordinary from a very young age” and he credited Audrey and Valentin for their success with him, before a “new love story” started between Balou, Penelope and her groom Amelie, which “propelled” him to top grands prix.

“Your meeting with Penelope allowed you to earn your place. A place among the greats,” he said.

“There wasn’t a competition where Penelope didn’t tell us about your achievements. If you made a mistake she would say: ‘It doesn’t matter, if you only knew how much I love him’.

“You received love until your very last breath. You leave a huge void in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Thank you a hundredfold for everything you gave us.”

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Three-time Olympic showjumper Philippe Rozier is stepping back after 40 years competing at the top level.

The 62-year-old Frenchman, who was part of the gold medal-winning team at the Rio Games in 2016, is contesting his final five-star competition this week on home soil at CSI5*-W Longines Equita Lyon, where Brits Harry Charles, Ben Maher and Matt Sampson are also in action.

“After more than 40 years at the highest level, I will participate in my last CSI5*,” said Philippe.

“This is a well-considered decision, and I’m very happy it’s happening in front of a French audience, where it all began and where I’ve experienced so many powerful moments.”

Philippe’s lengthy resume includes 685 five-star starts, three Olympics, five European Championships, five World Cup Finals and a silver team medal at the 1994 World Equestrian Games.

He made his championship debut on Galant D.I Cour at the 1982 Europeans at Wolfsburg, Germany, and two years later he rode Jiva at the LA Olympics, where the team finished sixth. Philippe’s second Olympic call-up was at Sydney in 2000 with Barbarian; the team was fourth. In 2016 he rode Rahotep De Toscane at the Rio Games, helping the team to gold.

“Thanks to horses, and to everyone around me who has always supported me, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel the world, share unique emotions, and live unforgettable human adventures,” said Philippe.

“Today, I want to make way for the younger generation, while continuing to ride, share my knowledge, and fully live this passion that has always driven me. So, I’m not hanging up my saddle, but a new chapter is beginning, with the same enthusiasm and the same love for horses.

“Thank you to everyone who has accompanied, supported, and encouraged me throughout this exceptional journey.”

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Pau is a beautiful town on the northern edge of the Pyrenees in the south of France, so if you’re heading to Pau Horse Trials (more correctly known as Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5*) – which runs between 23 and 26 October in 2025 – then it’s worth checking into one of the hotels near Pau to make the most of your trip whether you’re there to spectate, support or work.

Held at a racehorse training facility, the five-star event marks the end of the European eventing season at five-star level and it is a popular choice for British event riders.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near Pau, but apartments and holiday lets, too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Accommodation is listed in order of distance to the venue – jump down to…

• Hotels near Pau Horse Trials
• Apartments and holiday lets near Pau Horse Trials

Hotels near Pau

Apartments and holiday lets near Pau

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France is set to host the FEI European Dressage Championships for the first time in its history. This prestigious championship will be held in Crozet, France and will take place at Jiva Hill Stables, a venue boasting state-of-the-art facilities within the picturesque Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, located near Geneva and the Swiss border.

If you’re heading to this event (27–31 August, 2025), it’s worth checking out this great selection of accommodation – not just hotels, but apartments and holiday lets, too. Accommodation is listed in order of distance to the venue – jump down to…

• Hotels near Jiva Hill Stables
• Apartments and holiday lets near Jiva Hill Stables

Hotels near Jiva Hill Stables in France

Apartments and holiday lets near Jiva Hill Stables in France

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Home nation France won a brilliant bronze in the Olympic team showjumping, finishing on a team total of seven faults, behind the US in silver on four and the champions Great Britain on two.

First combination Simon Delestre and I Amelusina R 51 jumped clear but picked up three time-faults, then Olivier Perreau and Dorai D’Aigully jumped clear inside the time and Julien Epaillard and Dubai Du Cedre clipped one rail for four faults. The Netherlands also finished on seven but France’s faster total time – 238.12 seconds to 238.69 – edged them ahead.

“I gave my all and my mare did too,” said an emotional Olivier after his round.

“The mare was perfect, she was even better than yesterday. Simon’s great round motivated me, and I feel so emotional now. It’s so cool.

“My mare knows her job and we’ve had so much support from my family, my team, everyone. There was lots of pressure. It’s so many years of work and here I am in Versailles, with an incredible mare.”

Olivier said the crowd created pressure on the riders, but that this is “also a very special force”.

“I think it’s a big moment for the sport in this country,” he said. “Both courses have been perfect. Today, it was quite technical, but there were no traps. I had to stay in my bubble so that I was ready to deliver for France my very best, not to let anyone down and do the clear round. Yesterday. I didn’t ride so well and my mare helped me out but today, it was really cool.”

After the medal was secured, Simon said the technicality of the course left no margin for error.

“You had to be accurate to the centimetre,” he said, adding, on being asked how life would change: “Our daily lives will carry on producing horses, but we have achieved the holy grail. It’s been a hard day for Kevin [Staut] but he has been with us throughout, and supporting us.”

Julien, who was making his debut at the Games aged 47, added: “The Olympics has happened a little late in my career but I’m so happy it has, especially in Paris. It has never been in our own city in our lifetime and I don’t have the words to describe what it means to win a medal on home soil.

“The pressure was incredible, and we fought for this moment that we will never forget. This moment will stay in our hearts for ever.”

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Tributes have been paid to Jean-Maurice Bonneau, the French medal-winning rider, coach and chef d’equipe, who has died aged 64.

The Bonneau family said in a statement they had lost “a father, grandfather, brother, and coach, so dear to us all”, on Monday (18 March).

“He made equestrian history through his knowledge and love of horses. He was a role model for many, his energy and good humour pulled many of us to the top. He illuminated our lives with his presence, he leaves a huge void,” read the family statement.

Mr Bonneau was born in Vendée, France, in 1959. He started riding aged 12, and followed his older brothers Jean-Pierre and André into a professional equestrian career. He trained with Hubert Thirouin and Daniel Constant, setting up on his own in 1984.

He was part of the French showjumping team from 1987 to 1996, and in 1995 was part of the team that won bronze at the European Championships in St Gallen, Switzerland, on Urlevent Piornnière. The following year he retired from competition to concentrate on coaching.

Mr Bonneau was the French showjumping team coach and chef d’equipe from 2000 to 2006. He led the team to gold at the 2002 World Championships in Jerez de la Frontera, and team silver at the 2003 European Championships in Donaueschingen. The French team also enjoyed Nations Cup victories between 2003 and 2004.

He was coach to the Brazilian showjumping team from 2011 to 2015, and a private coach to riders including Kevin Staut and Phillippe Rozier, whom he accompanied to the Rio Olympics in 2016. Mr Bonneau was a previous member of the FEI jumping committee, and most recently the sports advisor and a selector for the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) young riders’ academy.

The showjumping community has paid tribute to Mr Bonneau, including French showjumper Simon Delestre.

“Before becoming a friend, you were one of the first who believed in me by giving me a chance, when you were coach of the French team,” said Simon.

IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani said “we have lost a professional horseman who we can never forget”.

“Jean-Maurice expressed his outstanding talents both as an international rider and as a top trainer, as the chef d’equipe of winning teams, and as a point of reference in the training and development of young talents, in his role as sports advisor and panel member in selecting members of the young riders’ academy, and of confirmed champions,” she said.

“His victories and medals, sporting achievements and organisational capabilities will never be forgotten. But above all, he will be remembered by all of us as a sincere friend whose sensitivity and enthusiasm sustained the highest values of ethical sport and the welfare of horses.”

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France might just be the dark horse in the countdown to their home Olympics, while all dressage eyes are on Germany, Britain and Denmark. Today (6 September) in the European Dressage Championships grand prix, France posted two 71%-plus scores with a pair of young horses in only their second season of competition.

Pathfinder Alexandre Ayache’s 11-year-old mare, Jolene, produced a beautifully calm and soft test to cement her place in the French team, while Arnaud Serre’s stallion James Bond De Massa – who has an interesting blend of PRE and Dutch heritage — also impressed at the tender age of nine.

The French have a habit of flying under the radar in equestrian events and then blooming at just the right moment. While they have won multiple championships medals in jumping and eventing, dressage is their weakest link. Could it all be about to change on the eve of their home Olympics?

French team selector Jean Morel’s choice of quartet surprised many, with one of the country’s strongest combinations, Corentin Pottier and Gotilas, left out in favour of nurturing fresh equine talent ahead of Paris. But perhaps the controversial decision is already paying off.

Alexandre describes his mare Jolene as the “horse of everyone’s dreams”.

“I love this horse – she just wants to do well, to make you feel good and give you pleasure, she’s incredible,” he says. “I bought her two-and-a-half years ago, and she had never done a test. She didn’t even know how to change legs – and now she is at the European Championships.

“Everyone dreams of having a horse like Jolene. It’s the first time I’ve had a horse of this quality, with this movement and with this temperament. Some people say only one rider can ride a horse, but she is ridden by everyone and anyone. My seven-year-old daughter rides her, she goes on hacks, she does passage, flying changes – she is so kind and sweet and just wants to please. She’d be 50 times more likely to try to make you happy than to say, ‘no, I won’t do that’.

She’s also “adorable” in her box, loves cuddles both in the stable and in the paddock, where she spends her daytimes. But when it comes to competition, she’s gritty to the core.

“Her mind is unbelievable – she’d go to war for you; she’s scared of nothing,” he says.

Pathfinding European Dressage Championships test marred by ‘rider error’

Alexandre has been competing the mare only for the past two seasons, and says they are “not yet the finished article”.

“She’s young and has only been doing grand prix for a year. We have to be careful with her because she will always say yes, so we need to make sure we don’t over do it – we need to keep for the long-term. I’m lucky my chef put his faith in me and encouraged me to go abroad even when the mare had barely done any tests, because it helped her progress.”

As for today’s effort, one small mistake meant they didn’t quite hit their personal best, but Alexandre was ecstatic afterwards.

“My job as number one rider was to go out and get a solid result for the team,” he says. “I did a calm, quiet, safe test, not so spectacular, and then at the end I tried to go for a bit too much – totally my mistake not the horse’s. But she did almost her best score, even with the fault.”

The Olympics in Versailles are looming, but Alexandre brushes aside the idea of any additional pressure from performing in front of a home crowd.

“All championships are important, to see where you are against your rivals, and how your horse is in the atmosphere. I don’t feel any more pressure for Paris. We need to make sure it’s the best riders with the best horses that are selected. And I just have to work hard to make sure I am one of them.”

Before the European Dressage Championships, and with his choice of a young team of horses bursting with potential, the chef seems to be playing a very shrewd game.

The second day of the grand prix takes place on Thursday, 7 September.

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The Palace of Versailles is playing host to all equestrian events, plus the modern pentathlon, at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Also known as the Château de Versailles, it welcomed the court of Louis XIV in 1682, and became an integral part of French royalty. It became a national museum in 1883, opening its magnificent gardens the public, and was the first French place to be listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 1979. If you’re planning a trip to the venue, check out these hotels near the Palace of Versailles, plus B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. Accommodation is listed in order of distance from the venue.

• Hotels near the Palace of Versailles
• Holiday lets and apartments near the Palace of Versailles

Hotels near the Palace of Versailles

Holiday lets and apartments near the Palace of Versailles

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The Haras national du Pin was a royal stud farm of Louis XIV and is described as a “jewel of Normandy heritage”. Not only is it open to the public throughout the summer, but it hosts a wide range of equestrian events throughout the year, too. This year it plays host to the European Eventing Championships (9–13 August, 2023).

If you’re planning a trip to the venue, check out these hotels near Haras du Pin, plus B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. Accommodation is listed in order of distance from the venue.

Hotels near Haras du Pin

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The eventing young rider European champion was taken to intensive care after a serious fall at Bicton in which her horse suffered serious injuries and had to be put down.

French rider Zazie Gardeau and Daiquiri fell at fence seven of the CCI3*-L at Bicton last weekend (27 May).

“The rider was immediately taken care of by the emergency services and then transferred by helicopter to Plymouth hospital,” a spokesman for the French equestrian federation (FFE) said.

In its most recent statement, issued last week, the federation said Zazie was still in intensive care, and that her condition was considered stable.

“Her family and loved ones are at her bedside in England and would like to salute the exemplary care by the British medical teams, who work in close collaboration with French doctors,” the spokesman said.

“The elected officials, the national technical management, and all the teams of the FFE give their full support to Zazie and those close to her.”

Daiquiri, a nine-year-old Argento mare, could not be saved and was put down. Zazie Gardeau, 21, took the individual young rider European title last year on Cesar De Commarin LA.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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One of the most prestigious stud farms in the world, complete with a château, is now on the market, situated in the Orne and Calvados region of Normandy in France. Built in 1903, Fresnay le Buffard is internationally renowned for its excellence when it comes to horse breeding.

Former owners of note include the French horse breeder Marcel Boussac, considered the finest in his field in the early 20th Century, breeding several generations of the world’s best racehorses here. Another past custodian was the Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos. He acquired the estate after Boussac’s death and also bred internationally award-winning thoroughbreds here in the 1970s.

The stud farm is located between Caen and Alençon, in the department of Orne, in Lower Normandy. It is located near to two national studs, the Arqana sales in Deauville, plus 42 racecourses with 360 meetings per year, the International Horse Park, the Normandy Equine Valley and Kinesia, as well as some of the most prestigious studs in France.

It is served by the A88 motorway (five minutes away), which provides easy access to Caen in 40 minutes, Deauville in one hour and Paris in 2.5 hours. The nearest airports are Caen and Deauville and the nearest train stations are Argentan (15 minutes) and Caen (40 minutes).

Fresnay le Buffard has been home to the winners of 45 European Classics and French Champion sires bred here include:

Astérus (1934)Tourbillon (1940, 1942, 1945)Pharis (1944)Goya II (1947, 1948)Djebel (1949, 1956)

Fresnay le Buffard is on the market with Engel & Völkers. The asking price is available upon request. Let’s take a look around…

This property sits in over 800 acres. Besides the paddocks, the farm is supported by barns and stable yards with approximately 200 boxes, as well as a 14-stall isolation barn at the Haute Cote annex.

The soil quality of the stud farm is excellent, providing the optimum ideal conditions for breeding racehorses. The paddocks have their own water supply and natural shelters, as well as being connected by pathways. They have recently been reseeded after consultation with internationally renowned agronomists to ensure the highest quality possible, and are regularly maintained by rotating cattle on the land.

The estate also benefits from a foaling stable, a covering and breeding stable, a riding ring and a 900-metre-long training track.

The 325-hectare estate encompasses a château, as well as two other fully appointed homes – La Belle Etoile and La Haute Côte – 22 accommodation units for staff including 16 houses, and various different stables, pastures and paddocks.

The main château was renovated throughout in 2015. It is set in parkland spanning some five hectares, complete with a landscaped French garden, a pond and a vegetable plot with greenhouses.

Its living interiors span 640 square metres, set over two floors and an attic level. The ground floor plays host to an entrance hall, a large drawing room, a main dining room, a dining room for staff, and a large kitchen and pantry.

The upper floors preside over nine suites, each with en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms. The château also benefits from its own wine cellar. All rooms have undergone extensive refurbishment and feature both original fireplaces and Versailles-style parquet flooring.

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The French team has been named for the FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni (14 to 18 September).

The squad has a fresh look for this championships, with a mix of experience and new human and equine faces on the line-up.

The French squad for the eventing World Championships, which will include a team of four plus one individual, is as follows:

Tom Carlile and nine-year-old gelding Darmagnac De BéliardOwner: SCEA de Béliard and Jean-Jacques Montagne.Groom: Camille Coton

Cyrielle Lefèvre and 12-year-old gelding Armanjo SerosahOwner: Charline Guérin. Group 1Groom: Soizic Lefèvre

Gaspard Maksud and nine-year-old mare ZaragozaOwner: Jane Young and Martin ThurlowGroom: Lucy-Anna Westaway

Astier Nicolas and 12-year-old gelding Alertamalib’Or

Owner: Aliette Forien, Pascal Ravery, Nicolas Paul and Astier

Groom: Laura Schmitt

Nicolas Touzaint and 12-year-old gelding Absolut Gold*HDC

Owner: SARL Haras des Coudrettes

Groom: Aure Coulange

The French squad is training in Saint-Martin-de-Bréhal until Friday (9 September), when they will head to Italy.

Ahead of this final squad announcement, national technical director Sophie Dubourg said the French side has a “dual objective” at these championships – winning medals and gaining experience with Paris 2024 on the horizon.

“Our leaders will be keen to get on the podium after their fourth place in the teams four years ago at Tryon,” she said, adding she hopes these championships will “smile on” the French.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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The world-class showjumping stallion Diamant De Semilly has died aged 31.

The Le Tot De Semilly son died on Tuesday (15 February) in his own field, where he was “enjoying a pampered retirement”.

A spokesman for the Semilly Stud in France said even though Diamant was 31 and they knew they could expect the “inevitable separation” one day, the “emotional shock” remained the same.

“Some pages of history are more difficult to turn than others, because this force of nature was not a horse like the others. He became a member of our family and our lives were deeply connected,” the spokesman said.

Diamant De Semilly was an orphan foal as his mother Venise Des Cresies died following his birth. He had success as a young horse, qualifying for the French championships aged four, five and six.

He won multiple grands prix during his career, and in 2002 was on the French team that won gold at the World Equestrian Games, with Eric Levallois – who formerly rode Le Tot De Semilly. Diamant was crowned French champion that year, and the following year he was part of the silver medal-winning team at the European Championships with Eric. In 2004 the pair were selected for the Athens Olympics, but Diamant was ruled out owing to injury. In 2008 he retired from competition to concentrate on stud duties, and the same year survived three colic surgeries.

“So many memories in more than 30 years. A whirlwind of flashbacks break out like a tsunami of emotions… your first bottles, your charisma that set you apart from others, your victories, tears of happiness with gold at the Jerez World Equestrian Games. And then the moments suspended in breath during your three colic operations, then your coronation of best [showjumping] world stallion in 2015,” read Semilly Stud’s tribute.

Diamant topped the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses showjumping sire rankings in 2015 and 2016, and last year he was second, behind Chacco-Blue. Among his offspring are countless horses who have dominated the showjumping and eventing worlds. Some of these include Tom McEwen’s Olympic team gold medal-winning ride Toledo De Kerser, Marcus Ehning’s retired star stallion Comme Il Faut, Scott Brash’s former grand prix ride Hello Guv’nor, and Don VHP Z, who took individual silver at the 2017 Europeans with Harrie Smolders.

“You changed the destiny of our lives. You have also marked the lives of many people, breeders, riders, and owners who have been blessed to be able to appreciate your many qualities, in particular strength, courage and the will to do well,” said the Semilly Stud spokesman.

“You have left your mark on the world of sport horses for all of that, thank you Diamant, for everything, you will always be in our hearts and history.”

Eric added that Diamant enjoyed a “beautiful, well-deserved retirement until the end surrounded by a loving and caring team”.

“I lost my horse, but above all my best friend. Goodbye Diamant,” he said.

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New laws passed in France mean anyone who wants to own a horse will have to have a certificate of knowledge.

The change, which brings horse ownership in line with that of other companion animals under French law, is one of three brought in in an attempt to “combat animal abuse and strengthen the link between animals and humans”. The other laws will mean that it is mandatory to register an equine neurectomy, and that yard owners may sell horses whose livery is unpaid.

The French equestrian federation (FFE) said the changes had been “long awaited by the equine sector” and that they would “make it possible to fight against mistreatment and ensure the well-being of equines”.

The knowledge certificates were brought in by the FFE for its members in 2019 to ensure owners had the necessary knowledge of horses’ needs to ensure their wellbeing. They comprise an online theory module and a practical assessment offered by FFE-approved clubs.

Since then, FFE president Serge Lecomte had been campaigning for the certificates to be required for all owners by law, which will apply for private owners within a year.

Neurectomy, the practice of “de-nerving” horses to promote soundness, for example in those with navicular disease, is not banned in France. But, the FFE said: “It is considered as doping in competitions and racing [as it makes] shocks or injuries painless, which can jeopardise the welfare of the equid.”

The third change is aimed at helping yard owners deal with horses whose livery bills have not been paid, as they have previously “found themselves obliged to care for” the animals.

“This law aims to resolve these cases of abandonment in equestrian establishments and allows them to deal with unpaid [bills],” the FFE said. “Thus, after a formal notice from the owner and a legal period of three months, the professional can apply to the judicial court which, after studying the case, may authorise the auction of the horse.

“The adoption of this law represents a major step forward welcomed by the FFE. On behalf of the federation, Serge Lecomte sincerely thanks the parliamentarians involved and in particular the two presidents of the horse studies groups as well as Loïc Dombreval, co-rapporteur of this text to the national assembly and Anne Chain-Larché, senator of Seine-et-Marne and rapporteur to the senate, for their listening and understanding of the issues of equine wellbeing, and the resulting economic considerations for club leaders.”

• What do you think of the French legislation; would you like to see similar in Britain? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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Not many 10-year-olds — or horses at all, for that matter — could have gone cold into today’s (6 August) Olympic showjumping team qualifier at the Tokyo Olympics and come out with a single time-fault. But the ride of Frenchman Simon Delestre – Berlux Z – did just that.

Having not featured in the individual Olympic showjumping competition earlier in the week, he jumped a superb round over the tough track that caught out many top combinations. The scopey grey Zangersheide gelding made nothing of the fences, the lights and the atmosphere at his first senior championship.

“He’s only 10 and with the season we had last year, really like no season, it’s really good to manage to prepare him like he was today,” said Simone, who represented France at the 2012 Games on Napoli Du Ry.

“The plan was to do only the team [competition] because maybe two could have been a bit too much for him. It’s his first big championships, but I’ve always said he’s a horse for championships.

“He’s scopey, careful and strong in his head – and I’m really proud of him.”

Simon added that the gelding, by Berlin, is a “super-nice character”, and that he was delighted the horse had coped so well with all the new fences, the light and all the other factors that feature in the Olympics.

“He’s a really amazing scopey horse with a super-bright character. I just try to follow him, not disturb him and just to leave him to jump,” he said.

France finished on 15 faults after all three combinations had jumped — Penelope LePrevost on Vancouver De Lanlore finished on five and Mathieu Billot on Quel Filou 13 on 9 — which secured their place in the team final.

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Olympic gold medal-winning event rider Thibaut Vallette has been ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics owing to an injury to his horse Qing Du Briot Ifce.

The French pair will not travel to Tokyo for the Olympic eventing as the 17-year-old gelding had a “slight sensitivity” in one hoof as a result of a bone contusion he picked up at the Grand National event in Vittel last month.

The partnership were part of the French gold medal-winning team at the Rio Games in 2016. They were also on the bronze medal-winning team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, and at the 2015 European Championships at Blair Castle, where they also took individual bronze.

Tokyo was Thibaut and “Qing’s” sixth championship selection. Today (9 July) Thibaut said for the team and out of respect for Qing, they “couldn’t take the risk” of going to the Games with a horse that is not at “100% of his ability”.

“It’s a big disappointment, ending on this Olympic deadline for our sixth selection would have been a great end to the career for this horse on the outstanding course. We will take care of him,” said Thibaut.

“I leave my place for a great teammate, Christo [Christopher Six] who deserves to go defend the colours of France.”

Reserve rider Christopher will be making his Olympic debut in Tokyo, with Totem de Brecey, owned by François Souweine and Juliane Souweine.

The other team members are:

• Tom Carlile and Birmane, owned by SCEA de Beliard
• Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC, owned by SARL Haras des Coudrettes

Karim Florent Laghouag, who was also part of the Rio squad, will be the alternate rider with Triton Fontaine, owned by Philippe Lemoine, Guy Bessat, SARL Ecurie Karim Laghouag and Camille Laffite.

On 1 July, the day before the French team was confirmed, Thibaut’s Rio teammate and Rio individual silver medallist Astier Nicolas was ruled out of Tokyo contention after Babylon De Gammes suffered a “slight sprain”.

“This is a huge disappointment, but the priority will always be my horse’s health and we don’t want to take any chances for the rest of his career,” he said.

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Team gold and individual silver medal-winning French Olympic event rider Astier Nicolas will miss this summer’s Tokyo Games.

Astier, 32, was among France’s Olympic nominated entries list with the 10-year-old gelding Babylon De Gamma, but revealed today (1 July) that his Tokyo journey has ended.

The Frenchman was part of the gold medal-winning side at the 2016 Rio Olympics aboard Piaffe De B’Neville, with whom he also claimed individual silver.

Astier said that Babylon has a “slight sprain”.

“After consultation with the vets, France team staff and owners, we are forced to withdraw from the road to the Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

“This is a huge disappointment, but the priority will always be my horse’s health and we don’t want to take any chances for the rest of his career.

“Wishing all the best to my teammates, who will have the chance to go Tokyo. We will be behind them.”

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The Selle Francais gelding (Mylord Carthago*hn x Happy Vergoignan*hn) has 12 double jumping clears at international events out of 19 starts.

The combination won bronze at the young horse World Championships in 2018, and their record includes a win at Blair CCI4*-S in 2019 and third place at Saumur CCI4*-L in April 2021.

The French squad has not yet been publicly announced for the Tokyo Games. The other eight combinations on the French entries list are: Jean-Lou Bigot (Utrillo Du Halage),Thomas Carlile (Birmane), Sebastien Cavaillon (Sarah D’Agrouges), Karim Florent Laghouag (Triton Fontaine), Maxime Livio (Api Du Libaire), Christopher Six (Totem de Brecey), Nicolas Touzaint (Absolut Gold) and Thibault Vallette (Qing du Briot).

The three reserves on the French nominated entries list are: Sydney Dufresne (Tresor Mail), Gireg Le Coz (Aispirit de la Loge) and Ugo Provasi (Shadd’Oc).

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Eventers competing at one of the first European international horse trials post-lockdown have a change of rules to comply with on their return after France was removed from the UK’s list of quarantine-exempt countries.

There are a number of British and top-level British-based international event riders competing at Haras du Pin in Normandy this week (13 to 16 August), which has CCI2*-S , CCI2*-L, CCI3*-S and CCI3*-L classes, and the CCIO4* Nations Cup.

There are also two international showjumping shows happening in France this week, at Deauville and Arnas Champburcy, involving British riders, who must also content with the change in rules on their return.

At around 10pm Thursday (13 August) — the evening after the first day of competition at the international eventing and showjumping fixtures in France this week — the UK foreign office advised against all but essential travel to France, Malta and the Netherlands. They join Spain, Belgium and other countries recently removed from the list of countries from which people can travel to the UK without needing to self-isolate for two weeks on their return.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said this means those returning to the UK from those countries, or any others not listed on the exemption list, after 4am tomorrow (15 August) will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

A list of those exempt from quarantine restrictions is available on the government website.

There is also guidance, updated on 17 July, on exemptions for elite athletes and their support personnel, but this still comes with criteria and restrictions.

British Eventing (BE) has said there are quarantine exemptions for “elite” athletes, but it is up to riders to ascertain whether they fulfil the criteria.

“In line with British Equestrian’s [BEF] position, any exemption will only currently be given where an athlete has travelled to a country on the UK Government’s exempt list to compete which becomes non-exempt during the period of competition,” added the BE statement.

H&H has asked the BEF for further details.

A BE spokesman told H&H that those on the Nations Cup side will be eligible to apply for exemption as elite athletes.

This also raises questions over whether exemptions will be agreed for athletes currently abroad who are hoping to compete at Burgham, England’s first post-lockdown international horse trials, next week, which boasts bumper entries.

The Government guidance means there is no single blanket, clear-cut rule covering all sports, all riders or all events.

Deauville, in Normandy, is hosting a major racing fixture this weekend (15-16 August), with jockeys Frankie Dettori and Hayley Turner among the British-based contingent.

A British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesman said those returning from France to the UK after Saturday’s cut-off will be required to self-isolate, or to undergo testing for coronavirus.

“As such, any jockey, trainer or member of stable staff wishing to participate in a French fixture after this date will either have to self-isolate for 14 days on return, or elect to use the elite athlete exemption which requires undergoing two Covid-19 tests upon return to the UK,” he said, adding the first test should be taken as soon as possible, and the second seven days on from their return to the UK.

“Both test results will have to be negative and the participant would also have to satisfy any other requirements that the BHA’s medical department may impose as part of a risk assessment process, such as being interviewed and providing details of accommodation and other movements whilst overseas.”

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He added: “The BHA reserves the right to prevent the participant from returning to a race fixture in Great Britain until the full 14 day self-isolation period is up should there be any concerns regarding potential transmission of the virus.

“The BHA has been assisting participants this week who have been considering riding in France in the near future, and will be publishing a full protocol for all participants considering travelling to countries without a travel corridor as soon as possible to assist in their planning.”

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A talented young rider, who won on his top-level eventing debut, is in a coma following a fall at a national event in France.

Thibault Fournier, 24, was riding the seven-year-old gelding Chactas Chalonges at Pompadour horse trials (12 to 13 October), when was injured in a cross-country fall on Sunday. The horse was uninjured.

“An accident occurred on the racecourse of Pompadour this Sunday, October 13 in the morning,” said a statement from the organisers.

“A professional rider, who frequented Pompadour, had a serious fall with his horse while competing in the Pro 4 event held by New Aquitaine’s regional riding committee.

“The usual emergency plan of action was immediately started and the event doctor, who was there from the start, called the SMUR [emergency medical services] of Brive.”

The statement added the air ambulance crew, Hélismur 87, then took on responsibility and airlifted the rider to hospital in Limoges.

“His condition is stationary (stable) since his care at the CHU Limoges,” added the statement.

“We will not fail to keep you informed of his state of health. The regional riding committee of New Aquitaine and the National Stud of Pompadour are keen to affirm their support to the rider’s relatives.”

Thibault is one of the rising stars of the French eventing scene.

In October 2018, he became the youngest ever winner of Pau CCI4* (now CCI5*-L), taking the title aboard Siniani De Lathus aged 23. This was the first attempt at this level for both horse and rider.

He has had success across the European and British international circuits, finishing second at Bramham’s under-25 CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) last year and runner up at Chatsworth CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) in 2016 among his top results.

Thibault also represented France at the 2015 European Championships for young riders, where he finished 11th individually.

A statement from his mother thanked everyone for their support and thoughts.

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French event rider Tom Carlile’s double Barbury winner Upsilon is battling a serious illness.

The grey stallion, who won the CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) class at the Wiltshire event in 2017 and the CIC3* Event Rider Masters section the following year, has been critically ill with a suspected mutation of the herpes virus.

Owner/rider Tom said the past 10 days “have been a nightmare”.

He added they opened Upsilon’s stable door last Thursday lunchtime to find him in a “feverish state”.

“He was taken into the Meslay Clinic in Maine, who put all their resources into trying to save him,” said the Frenchman.

“For several days he has fought like a lion against an undetectable evil. This evil that has severely affected his neuro-motor system.”

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Tom said Upsilon returned home on Tuesday (19 March) still feeling side-effects, but has overcome what appears to be a mutant form of herpes virus.

The European team bronze medallist said his “heart is torn” to see the horse in this state, but they are pleased to have him home and is “daring to pray” that he may one day jump again.

“Would such a nightmare not deserve a miracle? Upsilon we love you,” he added.

The talented 11-year-old, by Canturo, is one of the sport’s most exciting stallions currently competing and has a phenomenal international record.

He has won nine of his 18 starts, including four CIC3*s — the two Barburys, Blenheim 2016 and Millstreet 2018.

He won a silver medal in the World Championships for young horses at Le Lion in 2015. The following year he was runner-up at Gatcombe CIC3* and Saumur CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) and also came third at Chatsworth CIC3* in 2017.

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When in France, be chic. We’re in the thick of the French end-of-season horse trials, and for those British spectators who want be à la mode, here are a few handy tips.

1. Leave your hoodie, fleece and trainers at home. The accepted French dress code is smart/casual. Both ladies and gents tend to wear collared shirts, leather shoes or boots — and tailored jackets. Women usually wear jewellery and a swathe of elegant scarves.

2. Even if the mercury is nudging 25°C, do NOT wear shorts. We Brits tend to strip off at the merest glimpse of a sunbeam, but the French only wear shorts on the beach.

3. Don’t look for a burger van. There isn’t one. Instead, you can feast on “fouées” (medieval-style pitta bread) stuffed with “rillettes” (potted pork or crab); wooden boards with delicate ruffles of jambon cru and cheeses; baskets of oysters (seriously) and of course the ubiquitous baguette sandwiches. A word on the latter — if you want to sound French, a plain ham sandwich is always “un Parisien”.

4. Naturally your quest for a breakfast bacon buttie will be fruitless too — but do have a croissant. And if you want tea with that, you’ll have to make do without milk. The most they’ll garnish your tea with is a slice of lemon.

5. There will be a midday pause. All the French eat lunch at 12, and there’s always a break in proceedings for a slap-up meal and glass of wine. This is a good moment to hold on to your Britishness, and eat whenever you feel like it, as the food queues will be much improved later on. But never eat on the go — this is downright rude. Sit down, drink some wine and enjoy the moment.

6. Find a French rider to support. They are mobbed as they walk through the tradestands, and greeted like football stars in the ring. And the French crowd will certainly whoop at a rolled pole by a highly placed Brit — while woe betide the lone English fan who cheers a non-Frog, you’ll get some icy stares.

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7. Don’t be alarmed by the anti-terroism patrols. Bags are searched on entrance and both armed police and groups of soldiers with machine guns and pistols march around the site.

8. Finally, stock up with Christmas presents. We’re used to tradestands selling jams, pickles and hot dogs, while in France it’s foie gras and champagne. They sure have style.

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The Palace of Versailles is set to host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

It was confirmed yesterday (31 July) that Paris will host the 2024 Games with Los Angeles welcoming the Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.

The cities were the only two in the mix for both dates after Boston, Hamburg, Rome and Budapest withdrew from the bidding process.

Versailles hosted its first CSI5* in May and will be an estimated 35 minutes from athletes’ accommodation, according to the bidding documents.

“Paris 2024’s vision is built on sharing our project with every walk of society in France and beyond,” said Tony Estanguet, co-chairman of Paris 2024.

“It can rely on the unity of the five founding members to deliver — in coordination with the IOC [International Olympic Committee] — a fantastic centenary Games built on passion, purpose and engagement. We are ready for 2024.”

Paris last hosted the Games in 1924 while Los Angeles has staged it twice, in 1932 and 1984.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo added the announcement is a “win-win-win” situation.

“Paris and Los Angeles are two amazing global cities that are united in their support of the Olympic cause and we stand together now to help the Games thrive in 2024 and 2028,” she said.

“As today’s announcement shows, dialogue between the IOC and the two cities is progressing well.

“We are confident that a ‘win-win-win’ agreement can be finalised ahead of the IOC Session in Lima.”

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The Paris bid puts the athletes’ village on the northern edge of the city and there are plans for road and public transport upgrades ahead of the Games.

There will be provision for around 20,000 spectators for the Olympic dressage and showjumping and 60,000 for eventing. Para dressage will have seating for 12,000.

Ticket prices have been proposed to range between $17-$713(£12.85-£538.97). There is no indication yet how much tickets will cost for each individual sport.

The IOC has also announced it will be making an overall contribution to the value of $1.8 billion (£1.36 billion) to the Los Angeles 2028 organising committee.

These advanced funds are due to the longer planning period and to increase participation and access to youth sports programmes in the lead-up to the Games.

“Los Angeles presented an excellent candidature that embraces the Olympic agenda 2020 sustainability priorities by maximising the use of existing facilities and encouraging the engagement of more youth in the Olympic movement,” said IOC president Thomas Bach.

“Therefore, we are very happy that, as part of this host city contract, we are able to increase the access of the city’s youth to sport, and encourage the healthy lifestyle of Angelenos for the next 11 years.

The agreement will be put to the IOC session in Lima in September for approval.

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A new five-star showjumping show has been confirmed for a spectacular location in 2017.

The Palace of Versailles, near Paris, will hold the CSI5* on 4-7 May 2017.

With a total prize pot of €530,000 (£451,750), the highlight will be the Rolex Grand Prix of the Château de Versailles, which has a prize fund of €300,000 (£255,707).

The event will be organized by the MG Event team together in partnership with the venue.

“A mythical place, an experienced organizing team, a prestigious partner,” said showjumper Kevin Staut.

“These are just a few of the many ingredients of the CSI5* of Versailles for its first edition in 2017 that guarantee the exceptional spectacle that the horse world dreams of seeing.”

The jumping will be held in the Grande Écurie (royal stables) area of the historic palace, which can trace its history back to the early 17th century.

It was the seat of political power in France from 1682 until the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution in 1789.

Among the historic events that took place within the palace was the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919, which ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied forces.

Article continues below…

Related articles:

• £500k prize fund at new five-star show
• Global Champions Tour returns to London
• Olympia grand prix champion crowned

Other new shows

The Versailles show is the latest of several new five-star European shows to be announced for 2017.

Last month (November), it was confirmed that the Global Champions Tour (GCT) would return to London.

The four-day five-star show will be held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, on 3-6 August.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show also revealed in October that it was to be upgraded to a CSI5* for 2017.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Simon Delestre is out of the Olympics due to an injury to his selected ride.

The world number two revealed the disappointing news on his Facebook page this afternoon (10 August).

“It’s with deepest regret that I announce the forfeit of Ryan for the Olympic Games,” he said.

“Last exams have revealed a micro-fracture of the hock. An unfortunate injury that ends all my Olympic dreams, and those of Ryan’s family but our priority is his health.

“All team will take prior care of him so that he comes back in perfect shape for the next major events.

“I’ll support my teammates of the France team along their way through these Olympic Games.”

The combination would have been among the favourites to win a medal.

They won individual bronze at the European championships in Aachen last year and have had two runner-up spots on the Longines Global Champions Tour this season.

The horse had arrived safely in Rio, but is believed to have picked up the injury in the stable.

“Ryan had a wrong move yesterday in his stable,” Simon said today.

“He is closely followed by the vet team. His condition has already well improved during the last 24 hours.

“We will do more exams today, but we sure won’t take any risk for his health. Thank you for the support you show me and Ryan.”

Related articles:

• French Rio showjumping team announced
• 9 Olympic showjumping facts to impress your friends with
• British Olympic team rider taken to hospital following fall

Simon and the 11-year-old gelding will be replaced by France’s travelling reserve Philippe Rozier, riding Rahotep De Toscane.

This will be Philippe’s third Olympics and his first for 16 years, having previously ridden at Los Angeles 1984 and Sydney 2000. Rio 2016 will be the 11-year-old grey stallion’s first senior championship.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With Pau Horse Trials coming to a close in France, you may have been inspired by the weather, food — and wine. Take a look at these horsey homes nestled in the French countryside for some inspiration.

Equestrian property for sale in France

1. Château de Combecave, Tarn-et-Garonne

For you: a hilltop château with six bedrooms, a guest cottage, formal gardens, saltwater swimming pool and a climate-controlled wine cellar.

For the horses: a fully renovated stone barn with five loose boxes, plus paddocks. Set in 62 acres.

What’s the damage? €2.8m (approx £2.1m)

Agent: Savills

Telephone number: 020 7016 3740

Visit: www.savills.com

2. Domaine d’Escudes, Gascony

For you: a former hunting lodge with six bedrooms, a tennis court, swimming pool and secondary accommodation.

For the horses: one loose box with post-and-rail-fenced paddocks, with potential to develop the facilities further. Set in 93.89 acres.

What’s the damage? €1.28m (approx £947,000)

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone number: 020 7861 5034

Visit: www.knightfrank.com

Continued below…

Beat winter darkness with these equestrian properties for sale with floodlit arenas *PICTURES*

4 dream equestrian properties for sale with horse walkers *PICTURES*

As autumn dawns and the days get shorter and more dark, we're lusting after a property with a horse walker

3. Villa in Mougins, Cote d’Azur

For you: this is one of 10 villas on the Argeville Equestrian Centre in Mougins. It’s in a 200-hectare private domain, with five bedrooms, a home cinema, and heated swimming pool.

For the horses: Argeville Equestrian Centre, owned by Pablo Picasso’s granddaughter, has an indoor and two outdoor arenas, with stabling for 48.

What’s the damage? €2.75m (approx £2.03m)

Agent: Fine & Country

Telephone number: 00 33 4 925 925 93

Visit: www.fineandcountry.com/fr

4. Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence

For you: a two-bedroom property with a spacious open kitchen in the living room, in a rural position close to Saint-Rémy.

For the horses: an indoor arena, 14 interior stables, four exterior stables and a large barn. The property also has two large buildings for hay storage and agricultural tools, and is set in 48.8 acres.

What’s the damage? €1.495m (approx £1.1m)

Agent: Knight Frank

Telephone number: 020 7629 8171

Visit: www.knightfrank.co.uk

Ref: Horse & Hound; 22 October 2015

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As the crisis in Calais worsens, there was drama at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) at Hickstead on Tuesday (29 July) when a migrant was found under a horsebox.

The man, believed to be a Sudanese migrant, was found as the horsebox was being unloaded at the showground in West Sussex.

Hickstead would not reveal to H&H which showjumper the vehicle belonged too.

Security at the show handed the migrant, who did not speak English, over to the police.

“There was an illegal immigrant found under one of the showjumper’s horseboxes when it arrived on the showground, having hidden above the rear axle,” Hickstead’s Edward Bunn told H&H.

“There were two people found on the showground during the Derby meeting so at least there’s only been one at this show.”

Calais’ migrant crisis is posing increasing problems for horseboxes returning from France.

In October the lorry carrying Olympic gold medal-winning dressage star Valegro was targeted.

The dressage star was preparing to board the train at the port on his return from a demo in Norway when a stowaway was discovered clinging on under the chassis.

If found with a stowaway the lorry owner can be fined £2,000.

There are more than 3,000 people at the migrant camp known as “the jungle” in Calais with poor access to food, water and health treatment.

Migrants have been reported to openly target slow-moving traffic as it queues to board at the port and have sometimes launched aggressive attacks on vehicles. More than 2,000 on Monday (27 July) tried to enter the Channel Tunnel. On Tuesday a further 1,500 attempted to, forcing France to deploy riot police. The situation is reported to have improved slightly as the week has gone on.

Home Office guidance

• Drivers should notify the relevant authorities at the earliest opportunity if they believe there may be illegal migrants in their vehicle and/or attached trailer
• Drivers, both from Britain and overseas, must play their part. If a driver does not take adequate steps — and is found with people hiding in their vehicle — they are liable to be issued with a civil penalty
• If reasonable measures are not taken to secure and check vehicles before embarkation for the UK, a penalty of up to £2,000 may be imposed on each person responsible for each clandestine entrant carried in the vehicle
• The law applies to all arrivals into the UK, including from European sea ports and on the Eurotunnel Shuttle.
• Information on securing vehicles can be found here

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French event rider Guillaume Pucci has died after being in a medically-induced coma for seven months.

The eventer and riding instructor was injured when he fell at Le Pouget last November. He died on Sunday 14 June.

The 28-year-old suffered a cranial hematoma in the fall.

He was riding Schatzie Du Parc at the event in southern France. The horse — a nine-year-old selle Francais mare — was not hurt in the accident.

A spokesman from the French Equestrian Federation told H&H: “Guillaume Pucci was hurt at fence number eight of the cross-country test of the CIC2* organised at Le Pouget in the south of France on 16 November.

“Badly injured he was supported and operated in Montpellier’s hospital and then moved to Bordeaux’s hospital.

“He was in coma since then, but died on Sunday 14 June.”

As well as a rider Guillaume also taught at his family’s equestrian centre and was a well-respected trainer.

Guillaume competed at Boekelo last year with Enzo Van’t Vennehof. The pair finished 60th and it was the rider’s first CCI3*.

He also competed at Blair Castle in the CIC3* with Qualisco D’Harreville.

Guillaume died on the anniversary of the deaths of riders Benjamin Winter and Jordan McDonald, who were both killed in falls on 14 June 2014.

His is the third death in Europe in eventing this year.

In February Portuguese eventer Francisco Seabra died while competing at the Alegra Rancho Eventing Tour de Utrera in Sevilla, Spain (14 February).

Francisco, 30, was riding 12-year-old Aferzysta in the CIC2* when they fell at the third element of a water obstacle at fence 10C. The rider was attended by a doctor and team of paramedics at the scene. Aferzysta was not injured.

In April 25-year-old Italian rider Sabrina Manganaro suffered a fatal accident while competing at a national event.

Her horse Fante di Mezzograno fell at fence 13 “causing immediate death”. The horse was uninjured.

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French eventer Maxime Livio has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the length of his ban – six months – after his horse failed a drugs test last year.

Qalao Des Mers tested positive for the sedative acepromazine (ACP) on the dressage day at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) last summer (29 August). Last month the French eventing team was disqualified — meaning they also lost their Olympic qualification — due to the positive test.

A six-month suspension was then issued to Maxime, which came into effect on 7 May.

He was also fined SFR 2,500 (£1,760) and ordered to contribute towards the costs of the judicial procedure.

ACP is a controlled medication, meaning it is often used to treat horses, but is not allowed in competition.

Maxime, who has issued a statement saying the circumstances did not warrant the maximum ban of six months, argued that he did not “bear any fault or negligence” for the positive finding.

He said that the low levels of ACP detected were not consistent with the amount normally given to have a calming effect for a specific purpose.

He said there was the possibility of “sabotage” and that people were jealous of his success.

But the FEI Tribunal said it was inconsistent for Maxime to argue that he could not enter the WEG stables overnight because of security, if he was alleging that an unknown person had managed to do so. He also failed to produce copies of threatening letters he claimed had been received after the event.

The Tribunal said: “In the absence of any other explanation, the Tribunal holds that the person responsible has not established how the ACP entered the horse’s system”.

Last month a separate case involving Maxime was dropped by the FEI when the B sample from Bingo S, his catch ride at a Thai show jumping event last year, tested negative for testosterone.

The CAS reduced the length of a rider ban two years ago, but the circumstances were unusual. It was found that the signature of endurance rider Rashed Al Abbar had been faked on paperwork by the UAE federation, denying him the right to a full hearing in an earlier case.

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Eventer Maxime Livio and the French eventing team have been disqualified from last year’s World Equestrian Games — and lose their Olympic qualification spot — after Maxime’s horse tested positive for a controlled medication substance.

Qalao Des Mers (pictured) tested positive for the sedative acepromazine (ACP) on the dressage day at the Games held in Normandy last summer (29 August).

In September it was revealed that the horse — who finished fifth individually at WEG and helped the team to fourth — had tested positive. A and B samples were confirmed.

Today (Thursday 23 March) the FEI Tribunal disqualified Maxime and Qalao Des Mers from the competition.

As the team finished fourth at the event they qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

However, as the FEI Tribunal also disqualified the French team the country loses its Olympic qualifying slot. Canada, which had finished seventh at WEG, moves up a place and qualifies for Rio.

France can now qualify for Rio at this summer’s European Championships or through the FEI individual rankings system.

Samples returned positive for hydroxyethylpromazine sulfoxide — a metabolite of the sedative ACP. ACP is a controlled medication substance on the FEI prohibited substances list, meaning they are often used to treat horses, but they are not allowed in competition.

“Any breach of the FEI’s equine anti-doping and controlled medication regulations means automatic disqualification of the rider/horse combination,” read a statement from the FEI.

“Additionally, at Olympic Games or WEGs, a positive result for a team member will, except in exceptional circumstances, result in the disqualification of the whole team.

“The FEI Tribunal ruled on the disqualification of Maxime Livio and the French eventing team from their placings at WEG following a request from the FEI, due to the implications regarding Olympic qualification. In its partial decision, the Tribunal ruled solely on the disqualifications. A final decision on further sanctions will be issued at a later stage.”

The nations so far qualified for eventing at Rio are Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, and Canada.

Brazil, as host nation, earns automatic team qualification for Rio 2016.

Earlier this month a separate case involving Maxime was dropped by the FEI when the B sample from Bingo S, the borrowed horse ridden by Maxime at a showjumping event in Thailand last November, tested negative for testosterone.

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A horsebox carrying Olympic gold medal-winning dressage star Valegro has become the latest to be targeted by illegal migrants desperate to board trains and ferries headed for Britain.

Calais’ migrant crisis is posing increasing problems for horseboxes returning from France.

The dressage star was preparing to board a train at the terminal on his return from a demo in Norway last week (Wednesday, 22 October) when a stowaway was discovered clinging on under the chassis.

“We had queued at a manned booth to check in for the train, with just a couple of cars in front of us, and after checking in we were told to pull over once we’d gone through the barrier,” travelling groom Alan Davies told H&H.

“I thought they just wanted to check the gas was off, as they do that on the trains, but security came over and looked under the lorry.

“They then said: ‘There’s someone under there.’ They’d seen him on CCTV waiting around and when he’d disappeared they became suspicious.”

With the threat of a £2,000 fine if caught with a stowaway on board, Alan had taken sensible precautions and not stopped or refuelled near Calais. But as the largest vehicle in the queue, Valegro’s transport offered the most accessible target for a clandestine passenger.

“I told them I hadn’t stopped since Belgium but they told me not to panic,” said Alan.

The police arrived with a sniffer dog and took the man away.

“We were allowed to go — but if I’d gone through any further then I would’ve been fined. I’ve seen migrants hanging around in groups but I’ve never had any worries before, it was a big shock,” he added.

Migrants have been reported to target openly slow-moving traffic as it queues to board at the port and have sometimes launched aggressive attacks on vehicles.

‘Hundreds waiting to pounce’

British Driving Society (BDS) competitor Charlie Bailey was returning at night from a buying trip to Holland earlier this year when he witnessed crowds of migrants trying to board lorries as they queued for the train.

“There were hundreds of faces appearing out of the bushes waiting to pounce on the next lorry that passed,” he said. “Three or four people ran up to the lorry next to us and started undoing the back doors and one crawled underneath. The lorry drove off and he was left lying in the middle of the road. Others were just walking down the middle of the traffic.”

Freelance groom Alex van Tuyll told H&H she had seen “a lot of migrants” when passing through Calais when returning from Pau (26 October) but “thankfully had no problems.”

John Parker of John Parker International horse transport, which is based in Dover, said migrants have always been an issue at the port, but told H&H that the problem had escalated recently.

“We’ve had several incidents over the years and last week we found someone under the chassis and had to drag them back out,” he said.

“They can be aggressive. One of my drivers was driving outside Calais slowly and they surrounded him and threatened him but you just keep your head down and carry on,” he said. “We have CCTV in the cab to keep an eye on the horse compartment and we tell the drivers to be careful, but we’ve just got to live with it.”

Thousands of migrants in Calais

Figures released last week suggest there are more than 2,300 migrants roaming the streets of Calais — up from 1,500 in August — prompting the French government to consider building a refuge at the port.

With ferries leaving for Britain every half an hour or so, the port is an attractive place for migrants.

Riot police last week used tear gas to ward off hundreds of migrants attempting to board lorries. An extra 100 policemen have also been sent to the town.

A Home Office spokesman said border security was a “priority” and that they were working “to address the wider problem of illegal migration”.

“We have increased joint intelligence work with the French to target the organised crime gangs behind smuggling and people trafficking,” the spokesman added.

“These criminals are constantly modifying their tactics in an attempt to evade strengthened border controls and we are seeing increasingly dangerous methods being used.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (30 October 2014).

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The French eventing team appear to be at a greater risk of losing their Olympic qualification after it has been reported that a B sample for Maxime Livio’s Qalao des Mers (pictured) has come back positive.

In September it was revealed that the horse — who finished fifth individually at the World Equestrian Games and helped the team to fourth — had tested positive for sedative acepromazine (ACP) on the dressage day (29 August).

French media are reporting that a second B sample has confirmed that ACP was present. The FEI were unable to comment as it is part of an “ongoing case”.

The drug is listed as a controlled substance by the FEI meaning that is a routinely used medication, but that it is banned in competition to “maintain a level playing field”.

ACP is a tranquiliser that can be used to reduce anxiety or tension. For horses it is licensed to be used either in injection form or paste syringes in the UK. It can also be found in a tablet form that is no longer allowed for legitimate equine use.

“It is often prescribed by equine vets if horses need to be calmed for travelling, shoeing or clipping and also is an effective pre-medication used before equine general anesthesia,” said H&H vet Karen Coumbe

If an FEI tribunal finds that Maxime was at fault, then it could disqualify the entire French team meaning they would therefore lose their qualification for Rio in 2016. If this happens Canada would move up from seventh into a qualifying position.

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Two horses competing at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) (25-31 August) have tested positive to substances that are not allowed in competition.

Event horse Qalao des Mers (pictured) tested positive for the sedative acepromazine on 29 August. Ridden by France’s Maxime Livio, the horse finished fifth individually and helped the French team to fourth, securing qualification for Rio Olympics.

Endurance horse Tra Flama, who was vetted out at the second vet gate under South Africa’s Giliese de Villiers, tested positive for the pain killing non-steroidal anti-inflamatory phenylbutazone and its metabolite Oxyphenbutazone. This horse was tested on 28 August.

Both substances are categorised as “controlled medications” rather than doping, because both can be used in the treatment of horses though they cannot be present in competition.

The two positive results do not mean automatic provisional suspension. Each case will go before the FEI Tribunal after WEG finishes.

A confirmed positive result for a team member can result in the disqualification of the whole team. If Maxime is disqualified the nation would lose their Olympic qualification for Rio 2016.

FEI secretary general Ingmar De Vos said it was “very disappointing” to have these positive test results, particularly given that all participants at the Games were offered pre-arrival testing and that it is “well known” and “well accepted” that both these substances are not permitted in competition.

One hundred and thirty seven horses were tested in the first week of the Games. Equine samples taken in dressage, para dressage and reining are negative, and there are no other positives in endurance or eventing.

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The French eventing team for the London Olympics has been named as:

• Nicolas Touzaint (pictured) on Hildago De L’Ile or Neptune De Sart ¨ne
• Donatien Schauly on Ocarina Du Chanois or Pivoine Des Touches
• Lionel Guyon on Nemetis De Lalou
• Aur ©lien Kahn on Cadiz
• Denis Mesples on Oregon De La Vigne

A group of under privileged young people last week set off on an 1,800km journey across France to London raising money for charity.

The White Horses Charity is an organisation that raises funds and awareness for disabled people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A team of eight young people and the White Horses group leaders set off on 8 May to complete the challenge.

Also taking part are eight horses – two Camargue horses driven in tandem pulling one covered wagon, one draught horse which also will be used in harness for a second wagon and five other Camargue horses.

In 2008 Andrew Clark took part in the ride. They travelled to the Camargue in the south of France and rode back from France to London, raising funds for the Riding For The Disabled Association and French equivalents of the charity.

This year the 1,800km journey will be undertaken again.

“At the time I was considered to be one of thousands of ‘disadvantaged young people’ that we have in England and France, and I was selected through the Prince’s Trust to take part in this journey,” Andrew, who is now 23, told H&H.

“Take it from it me; riding eight hours a day, in all weathers, for six months and camping every night can get pretty tough.

“I hadn’t ridden before and I was scared of horses. It was a real challenge, I was just told to hold on and go with it and I really enjoyed it. Since I’ve come back I’ve trained as a saddle fitter. The charity really does changes the life of those involved as well as greatly benefiting the RDA.”

For more information or to donate visit: www.sllassoc.com

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Fresh from retaining their title as Meydan FEI Nations Cup champions, the French will be aiming for further international success at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Current number one rider in the Rolex rankings, Kevin Staut heads the squad with Kraque Boom (pictured top right). He is joined by France Nations Cup team regular Pénélope Leprevost riding Mylord Carthago *HN.

Oliver Guillion will be aiming to emulate his position as the highest placed French rider at the senior 2007 European championships on Lord de Theize, while the experience of Patrice Delaveau, who was on France’s bronze medal winning team at the World Championships in 1986, is bound to prove useful. Patrice will be riding Katchina Mail.

The final squad member is Marie Pellegrin Etter riding Admirable.

French showjumping squad

• Kevin Staut : Kraque Boom
• Pénélope Leprevost : Mylord Carthago *HN
• Olivier Guillon : Lord de Theize
• Patrice Delaveau : Katchina Mail
• Marie Pellegrin Etter : Admirable
• Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

France and Germany have both confirmed their riders who will contest the eventing competition at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Both squads contain strength in depth and are likely to prove tough to beat in both the team and individual competitions.

Germany will be aiming to retain the title they won in 2006, while the French will be aiming to go one better than their two team silvers in 2002 and 1994.

The French squad includes:

• Nicolas Touzaint and Tatchou
• Donatien Schauly MCH and Séculaire
• Lionel Guyon and Métisse de Lalou
• Pascal Leroy and Glenburny du Léou or Minos de Petra
• Arnaud Boiteau and Expo du Moulin
• Jean Teulere (individual WEG gold medalist in 2002) and Matelot du Grand Val

The German team comprises:

• Andreas Dibowski and Euroridings Butts Leon or FRH Fantasia
• Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam
• Ingrid Klimke (pictured) and FRH Butts Abraxxas
• Frank Ostholt and Mr Medicott
• Dirk Schrade and Gadget De La Cere
• Simone Deitermann and Free Easy NRW
• Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Swamp fever, or equine infectious anaemia (EIA), has broken out in France. Fourteen cases of the potentially fatal virus have been detected in Provence, where 24 premises are now under restrictions.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) renewed calls for Defra to review the Tripartite Agreement, an arrangement between the UK, Ireland and France that allows the easy movement of horses.

“There is very little threat of competition horses spreading EIA,” said BEVA president Chris House. “Our concern is rescue horses and other animals that have been in the affected area.”

Professor Richard Newton of the Animal Health Trust said if the Tripartite Agreement were followed to the letter, there would be no problem.

“The agreement stipulates only healthy, registered horses may move freely between the countries, but policing is a problem,” he said.

But a Defra spokesman told H&H no additional veterinary checks would be put in place: “The outbreak highlights the need for horse owners and vets to be vigilant,” she said.

And the British Horseracing Authority’s director of equine science and welfare, Tim Morris, said the disease posed “low risk” at present.

The Provencal outbreak follows one in the Ardeche, France, last August, when four horses were euthanased.

EIA is transmitted by midges and tainted blood products. Signs include haemorrhages, intermittent fever, swelling of the legs and head and anaemia. It can also cause organ failure and death.

Though EIA is endemic in some parts of Europe, horses in the UK have never been exposed, so are highly susceptible.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (14 May, ’09)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now