ENGLISH TEXTS
or more children is also a way for me to commit to the future of the industry. Being a breeder and owner is a strong position, not always easy in tough times but so great when things go well. But with children and their ponies, it is a way to express my optimism and enthusiasm for the future of racing.” Three words to encourage others: future, friendship, smile
WINNING – Adrien Fouassier“ The competitive side takes over during the race and at the winning post. I manage to tone it down and move past it more quickly with ponies because there is less at stake. I quickly go and comfort the kid, but it’ s true that winning is deeply rooted in me.”
PASSION – Pascal Adda“ I bought a first pony for Malone Favriaux, whose father worked for me, then two ponies at Craon entrusted to Erwan Ferté and Brune Trapenard out of a desire to pass things on. As a kid I did show jumping, and I rode what I had at the riding school, not always great horses … I would have loved someone to give me one, so I try to make that possible for young people today! It’ s a way of sharing my passion. I receive little photos, voice notes after races, videos. I love when they tell me about their races, I like sharing with them. I follow their entries with enthusiasm. Their passion is very pure, focused on their ponies without pressure, except the desire to always do better, and it’ s wonderful to find that approach again.”
LITTLE WORDS – Adrien Fouassier“ Exchanges with our young riders are gentle and kind, there are plenty of very cute things: little greeting cards, memories of victories, calls to talk again about a missed race, WhatsApp messages with the pony being prepared, photos. We have a competitive job and the pleasure of simply giving pleasure really feels good. Seeing them feel the emotion has something a bit magical.”
PLEASURE – Pascal Adda“ I stay very relaxed, I don’ t want to pass on pressure, it has to remain pleasure. Seeing their smiles is the most rewarding. They will not all become jockeys, nor work riders, nor even amateurs, but all of them will keep coming to the racecourse, speaking positively about racing after having enjoyed themselves on a pony.” Three words to encourage others to start: obvious way to pass on the“ racing virus”, gateway, adrenaline
DREAMS – Patrice Détré“ My dream is to see Zoé win a Prix de France at Auteuil later under my colours. Watching her start so young and so seriously on ponies seems to me to be a perfect path. Pony racing reflects enthusiasm by bringing whole families to the racecourse, it is joyful, light, festive. I became presi- dent of the Courses du Dorat which will host three pony races and I can feel the impatience of the public as well as the volunteers. For me, who had the chance to ride as an amateur and to get involved in the club, I see how it is a link in the chain with gentleman and lady riders’ races. The riding level has clearly improved in recent years. Children coming from pony racing understand pace, the field, know how to prepare their pony …”
SMILE – Clément Lefebvre Seeing Clément walking through the paddock a few minutes before getting into the saddle himself for the legendary Anjou Loire Challenge( which he would go on to win), to say hello to the children, then spending a few minutes with his jockey of the day, encouraging him, teasing him very gently so he relaxes, reminding him to smile and to enjoy his chance to be on his pony on such a mythical course in front of such a large crowd.
SUPPORT – Fabienne and François Nicolle That morning when the children realise that“ master” Nicolle and his wife are there by the paddock for them, in the depths of Mayenne, on a rare day off without racing. The young riders of the two ponies carrying their colours are touched, nervous and eager to do well. A kind word, visible relaxation, a“ letting things flow” that delights.
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