ENGLISH TEXTS
riders overcome their fears while giving in to the thrilling rush of speed; Because she lets parents watch their children start out in cross-country without holding their breath too much; Because she allowed many riders to cross the finish line first for the very first time; Because Guy, her owner, deserves mention for his loyalty to the association. Alex, Chloé, Augustin, Léo, Pauline, Philippine, Solyne, Brune, Alfred, Léane, Pierre, Arthur … Present! And no, you’ re not being called to attendance in a fifth-grade classroom, but rather to the incomplete litany of riders lucky enough to have ridden Anisette. They all have a few things in common: they were so small when they rode her that we had to cut the tops of their boots that pinched at the knee, roll up the breeches they were swimming in, wrap the stirrup leathers a few times so they could find the racing position despite their size, tie one or two knots in the reins so the excess wouldn’ t get tangled in their feet. We all saw them take a deep breath before being let loose on the track atop the faithful Anisette; we watched them in the paddock reciting one last time that first cross-country course, both hoped-for and a little feared. We saw them turning on the spot after the course walk, visualizing the sequences, the turns, the challenges. We all told them the same thing: breathe, and talk to Anisette, she likes to feel connected. With her, first rule: saddle her properly, she’ s one of those round, greedy ponies whose riders’ short legs get stretched a bit, and you have to check the tack carefully or risk tipping over at the first turn. Second rule: keep a firm but gentle hand, because Anisette is cheerful and playful. She can grab the bit and take off. She has few vices; she doesn’ t refuse or kick, but the youngest have all“ forgotten the speedometer” on Anisette’ s back and galloped a bit too fast, a bit too soon. That’ s part of her charm: with her, that first“ mishap” is both educational and low-risk. Third rule: talk to her, encourage her. Anisette is a wonderful partner, but don’ t treat her like a motorbike, she likes to feel pampered and praised. One thing shows how attached all these once-little riders have remained: in the victory photos, it’ s rarely just the winning jockey of the day, but a whole crowd of former riders come to congratulate their friend and especially their Anisette. They love her and remain grateful for their first thrills. She also offers the very first“ ride” to the littlest ones, not yet ready to ride but bursting with envy to do like the older kids. To them, Anisette can be entrusted to walk, to brush, to prepare, because everyone knows she’ s safe when tied, she won’ t step on tiny feet, and won’ t bolt from the hands still lacking strength. She’ s gentle and fond of those little ones who whisper encouragements into her ear and kiss her soft muzzle. Long live Anisette the super pony!
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PEDAGO
THE SADDLE OR THE CRADLE
BY CÉLINE GUALDE
The thoroughbred racing industry employs nearly 42 % women, their number having jumped by 18 % in ten years. Without them, the racing world would no longer run smoothly! But female trainers, jockeys, exercise riders or stable staff face tremendous difficulties in balancing work and motherhood. Very few measures exist to support these pioneers.
Little Romy, daughter of trainer Céline Lequien and jockey Damien Thomas, certainly fell into the racing world very early. Her mother was still riding on July 19, 2025- and she was born, at full term, on the 21 st! One week after coming into the world, the baby posed proudly in the winner’ s enclosure after the victory of Gumpchop, trained by her mother, in the cross-country race at Le Lion-d’ Angers. If Céline Lequien has angelic features and blonde hair, she is tough as a rock. She was the first female jockey to win the Craon cross-country race, and she also won the Grand Steeplechase of Nantes. She set up as a trainer in Ombrée d’ Anjou at just 24 years old, and already had nineteen wins in 2025 after nine months of the season … and despite nine months of pregnancy! Throughout her pregnancy, the young woman never stopped training her horses, meaning riding them on the flat( and even over jumps until May).“ We are normally two riders, plus my partner Damien when he can join us. So I ride eleven horses every morning. During my pregnancy I went down to eight lots a day. I had no medical restrictions and I felt fine. The most difficult part was getting in the saddle with my big belly, so I used a mounting block. Once
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