Young rider European champion in intensive care and horse put down after fall
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.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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.
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
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.