ENGLISH TEXTS
PONEYS
� PAGE 98
By Julia-Marie Penouilh, for Poneys au Galop
QUEEN CLOCLO: AN ENDEARING LITTLE PONY
Pony racing is full of heartwarming stories, and the racing and breeding career of the Welsh B pony, Cloigen Fair Treacle, is one of them. Bought at the age of two,“ for lack of bids,” by Cécile Madamet at a sale in England for the modest sum of 450 euros, this extraordinary pony has forged an unbreakable bond with several generations of riders.
It was with Augustin Madamet that she took her first steps in France. At just 10 years old, he broke and trained her entirely on his own, rising to the challenge of her emotional temperament. He designed her a blue and red racing silks for the rest of her career. Her early days were eventful— turning around at the start, unseating her rider— but it was over cross-country obstacles that the pony began to blossom, winning the hearts of all the riders who followed in the saddle. Affectionately known as“ Queen Cloclo,” she required a special technique: long reins and a relaxed demea-
nor in the paddock and at the start. On cross-country courses— her specialty— her remarkable balance, agility, and stamina allowed her to tackle the jumps with disconcerting ease. After her main rider Augustin moved on to become a jockey, Cloclo took a break for breeding before returning to action four years later for a second generation of Madamet riders, Philippine and Alfred. Many other children also had the chance to try their hand at cross-country thanks to our little champion, including the likes of Simon Planque, Benoit de la Sayette, Hugo Besnier, Arthur Ferland, Camille and Brune Rossignol, Eugénie de Granvilliers, Kieren Viaud Fitzpatrick, Violette Allard, Bérénice Monnier, Léane David, Loeiza Hayeres Fouchard, Jad Hondier, Léo Roussel, and many more. Her strong character, far from being a hindrance, became a point of pride for those who“ figured out her buttons.” In the winter, the children took her out fox hunting, where her energy and courage were a perfect fit for this demanding discipline. Last year, at the age of 14, her undiminished talent earned her a second-place finish at the French Cross-Country Championship in Pompadour— even though her permanent return to breeding had already been decided. Her exceptional longevity is matched by her impressive offspring: four foals, including Kanaille des Val- lons, Vice-Champion of the Elite Flat Racing in Deauville in 2024, Jamaicaine des Vallons( broodmare), I Am the Boss( broodmare), and Loustic des Vallons, already a winner at the age of four. Now the proud mother of a filly born just a few weeks ago, Cloigen Fair Treacle is enjoying a well-earned retirement.“ This pony holds so many wonderful memories,” says Cécile. A pony who left a lasting impression on countless riders from Poneys au Galop— and one who was truly loved by all who rode her.
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PEDAGO
� PAGE 100
By Céline Gualde
THE FONDS EPERON
HORSE RACING BETTING MONEY THAT SUBSIDIZ- ES THE EQUINE INDUSTRY
Created twenty years ago, the Fonds Eperon is a sol-
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