New film about Olympic equine hero

A film has been made about the much-loved little showjumper Jappeloup, with whom Frenchman Pierre Durand won individual Olympic gold in Seoul, South Korea, in 1988.

Jappeloup stars Guillaume Canet — a former junior showjumper — as Durand. The French language film also stars Donald Sutherland.

Three different horses were trained to play the lead role.

Cast and crew are set to attend the film premiere in Paris on Tuesday, 26 February. It goes on general release on Wednesday, 13 March.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (21 February 2013)

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping 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.