The Greatest Riders in France and in the World return to the Grand Parquet de Fontainebleau

After the success of last year’s first edition, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will once again bring the elite of national and international riders together at the Grand Parquet de Fontainebleau, the French Horse Capital. High-level competitions, including the eagerly awaited French Master Pro Show Jumping Championships, will be held one after the other, over the course of five days, from 19 to 23 April, with a new significant addition this year!

A NEW 5-STAR EVENT ON THE SCHEDULE
The first edition of the Printemps des Sports Équestres last year was, by all accounts, a huge success. On one hand, it was a sporting success, with a schedule that attracted the big names in show jumping, and on the other, the final line-up that will never be forgotten. A mother, Pénélope Leprévost, French Olympic team gold medallist in 2016, and her daughter, Eden, each finished with a gold medal in their category in the leading competition of the weekend, the French Master Pro Show Jumping Championships. The event was also a success in terms of organisation: the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) entrusted GL events Equestrian Sport to create a new format for its Master Pro Championships. They rose to the challenge and the FFE has renewed its trust in Sylvie Robert’s team: the governing body for equestrian sports in France and the organiser are working hand in hand to create a second edition this year which, barely a year after its launch, will already host a new discipline!

From 19 to 23 April, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will boast a 5-star Concours International de Dressage, (CDI 5*), the highest level of competition in the Fédération Équestre Internationale’s show system. This is the first time that the Grand Parquet de Fontainebleau will be hosting such a high-level competition in this discipline. Germany’s Isabell Werth, the living legend of dressage, has confirmed her presence: a good omen!

Show jumping will also be to the fore. In addition to the French Master Pro Championships, riders will once again be able to bring their best horses to compete in a CSI 4*, and their seven- and eight-year-olds to compete in a CSI YH. They will also be able to follow their students in their specific categories (CSI 1*, CSI U25 and CSI Amateur).

AN OLYMPIC FEELING IN THE AIR
Although Alain Lhopital and Xavier Trouillet will be in charge of designing the French Master Pro Championship courses and Jean-François Gourdin those for the CSI YH, CSI 1* and CSI Amateur classes, the pair of course designers who will be in charge of the CSI4* classes will also build those in the prestigious arena of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games: France’s Grégory Bodo and Spain’s Santiago Varela Ullastres.

A RICHER PROGRAMME IN TERMS OF ENTERTAINMENT
Le Printemps des Sports Équestres was created as an event celebrating equestrian sport from the outset and it can be enjoyed with family and friends! The ‘Discovery for All’ village offers youngsters the chance to learn about riding through pony rides in partnership with the Military Riding School, or to discover equestrian tourism with Henson horses belonging to the Bost Family, whose most well-known member, Roger Yves, was the 2016 team gold medallist at the Rio Olympics.

‘Drawing’ workshops with the Fontainebleau Cheval association will also be organised. The famous Marino and animals from his rescue centre, which have starred in several films, will be present for the first time at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres!

The weekend will end with a demonstration by the riders of the Fontainebleau Military Riding School. They will be performing on Sunday 23 April, after the French Master Pro Show Jumping Championships’ prize giving ceremony. We look forward to seeing you from Wednesday 19 April for five days of top sport!