Michel Robert: Farewell to a great Rider

A very moving moment that is not to be missed: The goodbyes to competition of Michel Robert on Sunday, 3rd November at 2.30 pm at Equita`Lyon, just before the Longines Grand Prix presented by GL events.

At the age of 65, the most frequent French medallist shows an exceptional longevity in show jumping. In 2008, he won the final of the Top 10, which is the show jumping equivalent to the Masters in tennis. The following year, he was triumphant in the final of the Global Champions Tour. It does not seems to be a big surprise that even this year he still won three international Grand Prix as well as two classes during the CSI5* World Cup in Bordeaux. A rider who’s a great master of his domain is about to take his leave!

Two Olympic medals, five medals in World Championships including individual silver and bronze in 1994 and 1982, six medals in European Championships, one of which was an individual silver in 1993; that means thirteen medals in major international Championships, to which he adds four gold medals in Mediterranean Games and five titles as French Champion.

This unprecedented collection is not likely to soon be imitated in France (Eric Navet, currently private trainer in the USA, is his follower with nine medals. Among the active riders, the current European Champion Roger-Yves Bost is well placed with about five horse’s lengths away from achieving the same number with 7 medals including two platforms in World Cup finals!)

Michel Robert is an incredible French rider whose farewell will be celebrated on 3rd November. A great chapter in the history of equestrian sport will be closed on that day. The parting will be charged with emotions and organized by the team of Equita`, where Michel is the sports adviser.