Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
An Open
Letter Cian
Frances
OConnor
Up For
Debate
Clean
Sport or
Common
Sense?
Leading
Lady
Pnlope
Leprevost
Stabling with
&
Laura Kraut
Nick Skelton
How Eddie
Macken
influenced the career of Andres Rodriguez
In EVENTS
28
Longines Masters of
In this issue
30
WASHINGTON
International Horse Show
FEATURES
32
12
34
36
38
40
42
44
CSI5*
19
OLYMPIA CSI5*
MAINSTAYS
16
71
Up for Debate
Clean Sport or Common Sense?
78
80
show jumping.
24
46
Stabling With
Laura Kraut & Nick Skelton
Take a peek inside the Wellington, Florida winter base of
one of show jumpings most engaging power couples as
they prepare for a big year with their big equine stars.
COVER
58
On the cover:
Pnlope Leprevost is wearing
Ludovic Winterstan Couture
Video
Executive Editor
Nolle Floyd
o say that 2016 has started in an incredibly difficult way for many of us is a vast
understatement. Losing Andres Rodriguez and Sophie Walker on January 4th has
altered the tone of this year for myself and Im sure for many of you. I did not know
Features Editor
Sophie well, but the hundreds of messages and photos shared on social media
Erin Gilmore
from her friends and family display a horsewoman with a kind heart and a generous
Andres was a friend of mine. I had so many incredibly funny, intellectual and engaging conversations with him over the years that ranged from topics of importance
Contributing Writers
within the sport, to his exciting proposal to Clementine Goutal in St. Tropez in 2014.
The relationship between Andres and Clementine was one that I admired greatly.
Contributing Photographers
Almost a year ago today, Andres and I spoke in Wellington, FL about my dream of
for my idea to start a magazine, and his insight became part of the foundation for
Consulting
starting a magazine. He was one of the first friends and riders who offered his support
this publication. He was someone who represented all that is great in this sport, of
the future of show jumping and why I do all that I do. He was charismatic, gentle,
COVER FEATURE
smart, hardworking, genuine, and talented. Riders like Andres are what make this
and sponsors within the sport, we can offer you the platform
Social Media
start of their working relationship and how Andres had worked his way through the
show jumping.
World Rankings and won the Pan American Silver Medal. The story of Andres ascent
Laurence Bossion
www.noellefloyd.com
Angela De Bona
| Maddalena Menada
through the sport is one that elicits a tremendous amount of insight for young and
ever rested.
Noelle_Floyd
that had a planned focus on what had been an incredible three years for him as
Andres trainer. It was such an education to sit and listen as Eddie described the very
ambitious riders all over the world. Andres listened, he was humble and he never,
Additional Contributions
noellefloydonsite
Eddie Macken and myself sat down at Christmas for an upbeat, inspiring interview
However, on that very note, Andres knew how to appreciate those around him and
when to be in the moment. He never hesitated when he proposed to his best friend
and soul mate. He knew how to recognize the power of a single moment when
jumping off with one of the sports best for a spot on the Pan American podium. Our
Cartoonist
sport never rests, no one is champion for long and the sudden loss of Andres and
Grahame Arnold
Sophie reminds us to appreciate those around us, take advantage of every day, and
do what we love.
NOELLE FLOYD is published quarterly by Floyd Consultants LTD. The views expressed are not
necessarily those of the publishers. 2016 Floyd Consultants LTD. Unauthorized reproduction of
any material is strictly prohibited.
noellefloyd.com 3
2016 is going to be a big year for my team. The sport is evolving quickly and we are
building momentum even faster than I anticipated. I am more focused than ever
on staying true to our vision and to ask the right questions. This issue is so much
about the questions we are asking, to the FEI and to the rest of the world. We are
well into a new season and as always the start of a new season is about fresh starts,
new beginnings and big goals. Looking back, 2015 offered plenty of focus on the
FEI Clean Sport Initiative and how ambitious intentions fit into a dynamic sport such
as ours.
Discussing the creation of policy, the outline of sanctions and the fundamental goal
of fair play is a topic that I intend to continue to pursue throughout 2016. The FEI
must be respected for the job they do, and their ultimate responsibility to protect
and respect the horse is one that is important to all of us. We must also be able to
discuss policy in our sport, question the way things are done and whether they are
being done in the correct way. This is fundamental to the growth of show jumping
and its successful modern evolution.
In order to go forward we must look back, and with our cover model Pnlope
Leprevost we did both. Learning more about Frances leading lady rider offered
me more insight into what it means to be the best. As both a loving mother and a
fierce competitor, she is a terrific role model for women faced with balancing the
professional and personal choices in life. For Leprevost you do not have to choose
if, but rather how.
Anticipation is beginning to grow for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
this August. The next six months will carry a strong Olympic undertone as the
inevitable desire to represent ones country builds. Many riders and for that matter
most athletes consider the pinnacle of a career to be an Olympic Gold Medal.
So in respect to those who have come before us and those who are no longer with
us, let us take a special perspective ahead with us in the build-up to this years Rio
Olympics. This sport is a gift, the horses within it are one of natures most incredible
animals and we are all incredibly fortunate to be amongst each other, aiming high
and dreaming big.
Nolle Floyd
4 noellefloyd.com
noellefloyd.com 5
An Open Letter
Cian OConnor
appy New Year and may 2016 bring you everything that you work for and deserve.
It has been an interesting 12 months. Im writing this column from sunny Florida where I will spend the next
few months competing, coaching and trading in horses.
On a personal level I must say that Im getting so much enjoyment out of seeing my son, Ben, develop.
Hes almost two-and-a-half now and the new words, the attitude and various mannerisms as well as
watching his brain develop gives great perspective on the real world and opens a new door to life outside
the bubble that is our equestrian goldfish bowl! Nothing compares with coming back from work in the
evenings and spending time with him. Ruth says Ill magnify his ego; when I ask him every day, Who is the
best boy? he obligingly responds, Ben! What a star is that?
The latter half of 2015 was unfortunately taken up appealing the Aachen decision and preparing a case to
the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ultimately failed.
At the European Championships my horse Good Luck and I had jumped clear in the first round of the
Nations Cup and were cruising for a repeat performance in the second round when a fence steward ran
directly across my path between fences 10 and 11. This was clear and incontrovertible interference. The
stakes were high and the undeniable distraction caused Good Luck to knock the next fence. When this
score was combined with the faults from the other Irish riders we missed out on a Rio place by less then
half a fault. No other competitor in the class experienced the same fate.
To quote the FEIs own rules:
At all levels, only the best man, woman or team should win fairly and squarely, having competed
under even and equitable conditions and under rules that are themselves fair, realistic, and applied with
scrupulous competence and even-handedness. No result can be meaningful or valid if it has not been
achieved on a level playing field.
With this in mind its both ironic and rather frustrating that the FEI secretary general Sabina Ibanez had this
to say following the CAS ruling:
I am happy that the CAS has confirmed the decision of the FEI Appeal Committee This was a field
of play issue that was covered by FEI rules, so the CAS ruling upholding the decision made at the time is
an important one for the FEI.
It really beggars belief that the FEI can say they are happy with the decision. How could they be happy
that at their own championship a blunder of the highest order occurred on their watch? Due process
was applied in my appeal. Regrettably, for me, the decision was predicated on an obscure rule that no
competitive rider would reasonably contemplate in the middle of a clear round! Perhaps now, the obvious
deficiency of this rule should be reviewed and amended.
(cont. next page)
noellefloyd.com 7
An Open Letter
Unexpected events do happen on the field of play and every contingency cannot possibly be anticipated.
Bertram, Greg [Broderick], Denis, Conor and myself all have horses proven at top level and will be vying
What happened in Aachen was inexplicable and indefensible as a reasonably predictable field of play
for an Olympic ticket. There may be a few others who can join that group on their results and ultimately all
occurrence, which was the FEIs anchor defense. Who was it that said, rules are for the guidance of the
wise and the refuge of fools? Common sense should prevail where there is doubt. It didnt in this case.
Competition is healthy. Some might say why doesnt the person who wins the slot get to go automatically
Its a funny world we live in and the horse business at the top end is gladiatorial. Every equestrian athlete
and that is a valid point. Presumably though, as the Olympic ranking list runs over 15 months from Jan
is hawk-eyed in seeking competitive advantage. This reality may fuel cynicism, but even in success, you
2015 until March 2016, form can fluctuate during that long interval. Take golf for example the guy winning
are only King for a day and tomorrow is a new day. It separates winners from competitors, but I think it
the majors in March 2015 may not be putting too well in July 2016 and then add in the massive anomaly
of the horse - his form and recent results plus soundness and other factors, and it becomes clear what the
reasoning is behind the rule.
I am so lucky to have found a horse of the caliber of Good Luck. All thanks must go to his owner Frank
Stronach, who has been extremely supportive over the past four years. When you come across the horse
When here in Florida I stay at the polo club in Wellington. On January 4th, a horrendous and tragic car
of a lifetime it consumes your mindset. Every class you enter and every round you jump gets dissected and
accident occurred on the street where Im staying, which claimed the lives of two beautiful and successful
analyzed and the improvement of the animal is scrutinized as you continue to map the path to success for
the amazing but ever developing talent that has crossed your path.
I knew Andres through his trainer Eddie Macken and I went to a moving service for him in the days
Team Ireland currently has some brilliant riders and horses. Ironically we are more successful individually
following. I have endured the passing of a few special people over the years and its a horrible experience
than as a team. I think sometimes lack of focus on agreed targets is an obvious deficiency. Its not possible
every time. What struck me about this service was the incredible impact Andres had made on everyone
to jump indoors, then do Global Tour venues and then Grands Prix on the way to a Championships
families, his support team and the wider equestrian public to whom he endeared himself. An enduring
Jeroen Dubbeldam is the best championship rider of this era. If you ask him his key for success he will tell
memory for me is Andress puissance success at the Dublin Horse Show last summer, when, after clearing
you that he concentrates on the championship and builds a strategy around that focus.
the big red wall at 7 feet 4 inches, he opened his jacket while galloping around the arena and threw it off
only to expose an Irish rugby jersey, automatically wooing the appreciative capacity Irish crowd. His tragic
It all depends on what one wants in/from life. World ranking points, top 10, Global Tours, Nations Cups
and so forth. There are many roads to Rome and everyone has their own agenda. I for one feel that the
ultimate success in sport is an Olympic Gold Medal. Nations Cup competition is undoubtedly the best
We may sometimes worry excessively about four faults, a bad round, or the general pressure that comes
and necessary training ground for becoming a better Championship and ultimately a successful Olympic
with running a sizeable operation. But the passing of beautiful, young and talented people like Sophie
rider.
and Andres really illustrates the importance of carpe diem. For sure, have goals and work hard to achieve
them, but as I mature I feel normality is so important and real friendships must be cherished, because the
The FEI have failed in this regard too, as they have not managed to match the prize money put up by the
Global Champions Tour. This in my view is the essential difference in the Nations Cup shows being revived
or becoming a mere training ground for aspiring riders while the top guys chase the bigger prize pots.
When I study the current list, Team Ireland will, I believe, secure two individual places for Rio through the
individual performances of Bertram Allen and the second spot has the best chance to be won by Denis
Lynch or Conor Swail.
Cian OConnor
Under the rules for the Olympics these spots are then allocated to the Irish Federation and ultimately
based on current results up to the Olympic definite entry date those places will be awarded by the team
manager Robert Splaine to those he feels are most likely to win Ireland an Olympic medal.
8 noellefloyd.com
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Andres Rodriguez
19842016
Eddie
Macken
NF: What were some changes you made that led to those wins?
EM: We changed around the programs for the horses, like the
flatwork. Andres is a talented rider and hes dedicated so it was
easy to make those changes. One of the things that was easy
for me was that he never doubted my input. If I suggested a
change, he never questioned it and he went with it.
with
12 noellefloyd.com
hes got a great eye, hes a great competitor, hes got a lot of
feeling, hes very clever, hes got a great brain. He has progressed
a lot in the last few yearsa little bit from my guidance and a lot
clients, which is, lets work together for a weekend and see if
EM: For him, its that he never sits quiet. He looks at a million
the best work ethics in the game and most of all, he has Eddie
videos a week. Today, I had three videos from him. Hes always
Macken.
the next step ahead. He doesnt sit and think he had a great
31-year-old rider was ranked in the 200s in the FEI World Rank-
NF: How do you get most out of a string of horses like Andres?
made plans for them. The older horses needed some time off
EM: Experience. I believe with any of the young riders I take on,
if I can stop them from making some of the mistakes I made then
cusp of breaking into the top 30, a goal the latter identified in
tions together were at the beginning of WEF and the FEI Nations
they are already a long way ahead. With the horses he had in 2013,
November 2012.
Cup CSIO4*, which went fairly well with a 5th place finish.
trian Federation will send the qualifying riders to the main event.
EM: Canada suited the horses Andres had at the time, with a lot
have to be able to figure out what makes the horse work or tick.
level. We had a very good Spruce Meadows and he won for the
to his tally. He had a very good circuit on the West Coast, and
he got into the top 100 after that first year of working together.
noellefloyd.com 13
and off, winning the ATB Financial Cup. He also finished third
We spent four years planning for this. The goal was always to
get to top 30. Were around the top 40 were almost there.
Pan-Ams.
going, you dont give into change. If you believe and a horse
wanted to do, and Darlon also got some quiet time. We made
suddenly loses form, then you need to figure out why. How
am I going to fix this? Maybe that horse needs some time off
to peak at Pan-Ams.
this out a little bit and thats all part of the horsemanship that
ever been around. Hes won everything. Hes our speed horse,
to figure out why its not just functioning the way it should be.
Dublin this year. Hed been to WEG in 2014 with Andres. Hes
on the horse you have. We try not to get stuck in a set program.
was younger so most things were done by trial and error. I did
EM: First of all, no matter who you are, youve got to be lucky
with Paul and [his brother] Alwin was next door. I learned an
and have to get the breaks. You make your own luck to a large
the decision making with Andres. Shes very clever and very
rightbut you need that little bit of luck when you get there.
them all.
runner. If you just dont get that rub you dont get away with,
missing WEF again this year. Ariantha has very little experi-
NF: Youre also busy working with a variety of clients. Who else
are you training?
NF: What does a rider like Andres need to get into the top 30?
EM: I train Viggo and Alma Bjorklund from Sweden. Viggo went
plan like that, Andres stays the course, even though hed love
the bigger stars. I wouldnt say every 5* event; we cant kill the
to show [Darlon] at WEF. Our goals in 2016 for the horse are
client, Jorge Matte from Chile, almost made the Pan-Am Games
the next WEG and the next Olympics. Myself and Andres have
They are kept in work with flatwork and fitness but theyre not
with Caballito. When the time comes for the Olympics, well
EM: Andres and I work very closely together. In our five seasons
are really looking forward to Maria breaking into the Grand Prix
discuss a lot and make plans. Thats why were successful. Were
circuit this year. What can I say about Clementine; she is our star.
was an ideal show for him to start. The aim is to get him confi-
dent and make him feel good about himself. Then Andres
showed him a little bit at Split Rock to get him stronger and
14 noellefloyd.com
for Chile. Both Eugenio and Jorge have their sights set for
noellefloyd.com 15
JUMPING INTERNATIONAL
Bordeaux, France
selection trials.
de BORDEAUX CSI5*-W
whats on:
WINTER
2016
I
Longines Masters of
HONG KONG CSI5*
Hong Kong, China
s Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
SAUT HERMS au
Paris, France
Gothenburg, Sweden
CSI-W FINAL
another level.
riders compete.
th
Presented By
Lucy
Deslauriers:
Ride Like An
American
By Esther Hahn
show jumping, turning heads with each significant title she secures.
In the 2015 show season alone, she won the FEI North American
noellefloyd.com
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19
to win the FEI World Cup Final in 1984. But after two Olympics
teenager. And shes always quick to praise her horses and her
parents for the opportunities afforded to her.
and Hamlet.
four for the Hampton Classics leadline class, its always been
jumper ring.
and they make my job a lot easier, Deslauriers said. Its the
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American Dreaming
Deslauriers short-term goal is to further acclimate to the
1.50-meter grand prix level. And for the long term, she hopes
to compete for the United States on Nations Cups teams
and the Olympic team.
The only factor working against her at the moment is her
birthdate. With a required, minimum age of 18 to compete
I started riding Hester when he was eight, Deslauriers said
must wait another year and a half before she can chase the FEI
and showing him, but in the spring of 2013, I started riding him
I feel very fortunate to have the horse power and the support
Since then, hes always been a family horse, which makes the
success so special.
said Deslauriers. Dad still helps to train and teach him, and
recently, Hamlet and I moved up to high juniors. Hes come
For the winter months, when her horses are based in Florida,
very far this past year. It feels very special to be part of his
show together, and it was the first time I could really feel a
gunning for the top and shes only a couple birthdays away
22 noellefloyd.com
.com
Plot Blue, who earned team gold at the 2015 FEI World
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In EVENTS
noellefloyd.com 27
Face time
with fans
Longines Masters
of Los Angeles CSI5*
returned to Los Angeles last fall with a smoother schedule and no lack
of top international riders and horses flown all the way from Europe.
Germanys Marco Kutscher and Van Gogh won the Grand Prix of Los
Angeles, and earned many new American fans in the process.
Eduardo Menezes
Marco Kutscher
& Van Gogh
Jennifer Gates
as Dorothy
28 noellefloyd.com
Marco Kutscher
& Van Gogh
Scott Brash
Bruce Springsteen
with daughter Jessica
noellefloyd.com 29
Washington
International
Horse Show
Conor Swail
& McLain Ward
Hashtag
Harrie Smolders
Anthony DAmbrosio
30 noellefloyd.com
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Lauren Hough
Richard Spooner
Steve McAllister
& Buddy Brown
Beezie Madden
& Robert Ridland
Kent Farrington
Jonathon McCrea
Andres Rodriguez
Christian Heineking
Eric Navet
Nicole Peterson
Kent Farrington
Jos Verlooy
McLain Ward
Jonathon McCrea
Ingate treds
Photography: Bret St Clair
32 noellefloyd.com
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Simon Delestre
& Qlassic
Bois Margot
Casallo &
Douglas Lindelow
Henrik Von Eckermann &
Nanna Nieminen
Pnlope Leprevost
with Nelson Monfort
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Lintea Tequila
Longines Global
Champions Tour Doha
Series Championship when she won the final Grand Prix of the
LGCT season at Doha aboard the small chestnut mare Fit For
Fun. The annual LGCT series finale was held at the colossal Al
Shaqab Equestrian Center in the Middle East.
Christina Liebherr &
L.B. Eagle Eye
Abdelkebir Ouaddar
Scott Brash
Hacking time
Luciana Diniz
Pius Schwizer
Daniel Deusser
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Julien Epaillard
Longines
Masters of Paris CSI5*
John Whitaker
Jerome Hurel
Pedro Cebulka
Hannah Colman & Hello Annie
Julien Epaillard
Bernardo Alves
Kent Farrington
38 noellefloyd.com
Charlotte Casiraghi
& Fernanda Ameeuw
noellefloyd.com 39
Christian Ahlmann
Philip Rozier
Ludger Beerbaum
Billed as the worlds best indoor show, the CHI Geneves 2015
edition did not disappoint, with an American and a Swiss rider sharing
top honors: Kent Farrington won the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final aboard
Voyeur, and Steve Guerdat earned victory in the 1.2 Million Rolex
Grand Prix, one third of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Reed Kessler
& Cylana
Michael Jung
Gerco Schroder
Kevin Staut
Kent Farrington
Pedro Cebulka
& Steve Guerdat
Bryan Balsiger
Meredith Michaels
Beerbaum
Simon Delestre
Simon Delestre,
Kent Farrington &
Daniel Deusser
Kent Farrington
Scott Brash
& Hello Sanctos
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The London
International Horse
Show, Olympia CSI5*
Jos Verlooy
Pius Schwizer
Michael Whitaker,
Scott Brash, Simon Delestre
Martin Fuchs
Kevin Staut
This end of year show saw Italys Emanuele Gaudiano take a big
win in the Longines World Cup Jumping qualifier, but the week
will be remembered by Bertram Allens controversial elimination
from the Olympia Grand Prix. Michael Whitaker & Viking were
placed as winner, sparking a tide of support for Allen.
Ludger Beerbaum
Bertram Allen
Malin Baryard-Johnsson
& H&M Tornesch
Michael Whitaker
Steve Guerdat
Marcus Ehning
Martin Fuchs
Emanuele Gaudiano,
World Cup prizegiving
42 noellefloyd.com
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Kevin Staut
Jumping
Mechelen CSI5*
Cameron Hanley
& Antello Z
Pnlope Leprevost
Chloe Vranken
& Elton Jones
Henna de Goedereede
Pieter Devos
& Espoir
Judy-Ann Melchoir
Gudrun Pateet
& Eckard Kurten
Christian Ahlmann
& Taloubet Z
Jerome Guery
& Papillon Z
Niels Bruynseels
44 noellefloyd.com
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Stabling with
&
Laura Kraut
Nick Skelton
46 noellefloyd.com
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Stabling with
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Stabling with
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Stabling with
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Stabling with
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Stabling with
whom have already started winning at the CSI level. And the
Rio Olympic Games. He ranks high among British equestrian fans and fans the world over for his joyous reaction to
think you can burn them out here quickly [in Florida], so I want
to keep my head on my shoulders with them. Really my goal
brought Kraut endless joy and success at the top of the sport,
and at the beginning of this year, she was adamant that her
As the season unfolds, time will tell if the star of the season
him jump what he wants to jump. I dont know that big, big
will be Big Star, Cedric, or any one of the other jumpers that
grand prixs are in the cards for him this year. But he really
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Soft
Spoken
Steel
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anding in Paris, we did not know what to expect. It was the first week
of December, and two weeks prior terrorists had attacked the city. With true
French resilience however, the Longines Masters of Paris, held just outside the
city near Charles de Gaulle Airport, remains on course, despite a number of riders
withdrawing and a clear increase in security throughout the region.
But no French riders withdrew their entry, and our cover model, the 35-year-old
Olympian Pnlope Leprevost, had not questioned her attendance for a single
moment. This particular trip to Paris taught me a lot about resilience, the understated strength of the French and specifically, one of the most fascinating women in
show jumping.
A single mother who loves that she is able to concentrate on raising her daughter
while maintaining her position at the top of the sport, Leprevost represents so much
about modern feminist philosophy and yet she has been strongly influenced by
three men in her life: the father of her daughter Guillaume Blin-Lebreton, her mentor
Michel Robert and her long time teammate and friend Kevin Staut.
Leprevost never imagined a life in the spotlight of anything. She was a delicate child
who spent the initial years of her life hiding in the shadow of her mother, making it
all the more surprising that she would grow up to become a force of nature within
one of the more male-dominated facets in equestrian sport.
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Leprevost
embodies French
This page:dress by
Alexander Wang, hat
by Laurence Bossion
elegance in an
unwavering
resilience that
accompanies the
delicate features
on her face.
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this is what
Frances leading lady rider is on her way to meet our team at a historic apartment
Pnlope chooses to
that will occupy the cover of this magazine. When Leprevost arrives, she acknowl-
of many rooms of the apartment. There is a shyness about her, and yet a genuine
on whether she is a
Today is far from her only commitment. After the four-hour photoshoot with Noelle
competition at the Longines Masters of Paris. This is the life she has chosen, but it
building overlooking the Champ de Mars gardens that lies at the foot of the Eiffel
Tower. Its here that our team is working, busy setting the stage for the photoshoot
edges each and every person on the team with the traditional French greeting a
kiss on each cheek before she quietly follows the hair and makeup team into one
pleasure in getting to know everyone who has come together for todays shoot.
the delicate features on her face. Her strength, a trait that she shares with many of
her female colleagues at the top of the sport, seems mandatory amidst a sport so
We get underway with the shoot, taking full advantage of the golden morning light
shining through the double glazed windows. Tall and athletic, yet able to fit into the
sample couture pieces brought to the shoot, Leprevost emulates the same calm
confidence she elicits in the ring.
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riders, there are only eight women. And amongst the Top 10,
I think therell always be more men but that we will see more
the top levels of show jumping, rather than being home with
Top 50, she shrugs and smiles, clearly well aware of this fact
her family and not out jumping obstacles on the other side of
full of men, but rather that she can beat them. In 2015 alone,
Grands Prix, at Oslo and Lyon. Both wins came aboard the
dont come easy to the young couple, but hard work was not a
the French team for the last three years, adding a second FEI
World Equestrian Games appearance, and her second WEG
Humble Beginnings
66 noellefloyd.com
her long-time mentor. Leprevost is known for her use of visualization in competition, a method she learnt from French
noellefloyd.com 67
inner intensity and her ability to focus at the task at hand, retreat to her inner world
and think only about the horse.
If I were to retain one thing of what Michel has taught me, it would be to respect the horse
physically and mentally, she explains. One of the biggest attractions to our sport is the
chemistry or bond between the rider and their horse. Michel can find that harmony.
68 noellefloyd.com
aside and concentrate on one thing, and one thing only: the will to win and the drive
to be the best.
noellefloyd.com 69
Up for Debate
Franois Mathy, Jr. | Frances Hesketh-Jones Triulzi
in conversation with
Noelle Floyd
The subject of FEI Clean Sport surfaced all too readily in 2015.
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noellefloyd.com 71
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the rider. It is not simply about doping, or about medicines, or welfare, or rules. It
is all of that.
rule states:
trained with knowledge of the horses, the sport, the rules, the
between the act, the sanction and the consequences of the sanction. This is our red
line. Riders want clean sport and fair play, but that said, there are some things that
need to change.
disasters, and the result is terrible for the image of our sport
It seems now that some within our international governing body think or have
been thinking that everything is black or white, and have been treating the athletes
Olympia.
very aggressively. As it stands now, when a positive test is found, the athlete is
presumed guilty and then treated as such before he can defend himself. He is also
presented as such in the press, also before he can explain himself or even under-
and their comfort. For many riders and grooms they are friends
stand what is happening to him. In most cases he loses his reputation, probably his
and family.
sponsors and his horses, and that is not even talking about the money loss.
Guerdat in 2015, the damages are already irreversible. There are, in my opinion,
turning fast in the jumpoff? And during the ingate check, how
more and more rules coming every year that are leading the sport and its image
down the wrong path. I believe that Clean Sport procedures need to change:
with the FEI to play the same role and to look in the right
The main consideration should be if the levels found were able to improve perfor-
direction as well.
mance or not. The levels that Steves horse tested positive for were minuscule, yet
he was set down immediately. How does that affect your frame of mind when you
this difference, as it seems that more and more, the rules are
being suspended for doping. A test takes maximum seven days, and he should be
procedures and change the rules that have led to the situa-
The rider cannot be informed two and a half months after a competition that he is
As it is now, the riders case is immediately made public to the press. But that should
only happen when the case is closed and the rider is proven guilty.
But mainly the FEI legal tribunal has to take into consideration that they dont face
present.
criminals but athletes of all ages and all experiences. Some are professionals, some
Many things can and must improve. In the end, we all want
are not; some make mistakes and some cheat. And while athlete must be sanc-
the best for our horses and our sport. We all want to guarantee
tioned, there must be a proportion between the act, the sanction and the conse-
job and on top of their power and rights, they have a lot
concentrate on rules that make our sport better, not on those that could damage or
of responsibilities.
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Frances Hesketh-Jones Triulzi: Firstly, I would like to make it clear that I do not
speak for or on behalf of the FEI. Everything that follows is the fruit of personal
experience accrued over the past 20 or so years while acting as an FEI Steward at
In his article, Franois opens by stating that Clean Sport is not simply about
he is incorrect in stating that there have been changes to the anti-doping protocols
recently. As far as I know, there have been absolutely no changes in the anti-doping
procedures. The FEI Clean Sport policy is a 360-degree policy touching every aspect
of all FEI disciplines and its enforcement requires a contribution from all of the FEIs
you have the hardest job. But the Stewards job is no holiday
many stakeholders.
One group of stakeholders are FEI Officials, and one group of Officials are FEI
and corrected.
Stewards who together with the FEI Vets has the greatest contact with another
They are close to the Riders, Grooms and Horses during the
group of stakeholders: Riders, Grooms, and all those who make it happen so that
Riders and their horses can perform beneath the publics gaze, be that ringside, on
Recent events have made me realize that the Stewards role and responsibilities
are not well understood, so I would like to take this opportunity to try to redress that.
Firstly, let me highlight that these are FEI Stewards. Not stewards who show
the public to their seats, not stewards calling riders into the arena, not stewards
But they are there to ensure that rules are respected, and
working in the arena. FEI Stewards. FEI because, since 2011, all those with this
qualification have gone through a specific education system, and many of those who
were FEI-listed before then have since attended at least one refresher seminar, also
part of that system. Consequently, all have learned the same rules, protocols, and
because they love horses. They are dedicated to the sport and
philosophy. At the heart of that philosophy is: Enabling horse and rider to perform
to the best of their ability while at all times respecting horse welfare and a level
playing field.
The FEI Stewarding education system syllabus covers Clean Sport including
job, it is not easy to recruit new troops. The hours are long, the
bandage, and hind boot checks, veterinary aspects, safety aspects, legal aspects,
syllabus. The promotion courses from National to Level 1 Steward, and from Level 1
to Level 2 Steward last three days, while refresher seminars have run over two days.
noellefloyd.com 75
edgement that they have performed well. Usually job satisfaction must come from within themselves, not from external
sources, so they must be self-critical and see where they can
improve and what they have learned in order to be better
next time.
Then there is the exception. Something totally unexpected
that happens and makes everything worth the only four hours
of sleep during the Olympic Games, the flash of anger from a
Rider who gives you a hard time about something you do or say
because theyve had a bad round, or the fact that you are cold
and soaking wet despite your expensive wet-weather gear.
Several years ago after a particularly challenging event, a
Team Leader of a major nation emailed me. This is an extract:
You and your team are really the unsung heroes of our
sport. Without you (all), it doesnt happen and certainly
not on a level playing field. I hope you know how much
those of us whocome in the stable gate (and not the front
gate - VIP entrance!) appreciate what you do for all of us.
And that makes it all worthwhile.
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Up
Close
Riders of the 15 IJRC Rolex Top Ten Final
th
Kent Farrington
Simon Delestre
Daniel Deusser
Christian Ahlmann
Age 35
Age 34
Age 34
Age 42
Horse: Voyeur
10
Pnlope Leprevost
Scott Brash
Bertram Allen
Gregory Wathelet
Luciana Diniz
Ludger Beerbaum
Age 35
Age 30
Age 20
Age 35
Age 45
Age 52
Hometown: So Paulo,Brazil
Horse: Algorhythem
Horse: Chaman
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Last Words
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STEVE GUERDAT
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