ENGLISH TEXTS
a small horse that wins a small race or a very good one , as long as it ’ s a brave one , you can ’ t blame them .
ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG BREEDERS ?
I think , patience . Patience and convictions , I think you have to have convictions , believe in certain things , be very well informed . Personally , I learned everything in books . It ’ s surprising because by being in the field , you develop certain skills , but as in many areas , I think it ’ s knowledge that allows you to move forward and once again have convictions so as not to listen to everyone and their dog , not to be swayed by the words of the sweet charlatans who sometimes surround us .
“ I was lucky enough to meet the perfect horse and I bought her !“
GRC
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THE CLUB OF GENTLEMEN-RIDERS ET DES CAVALIÈRES AND NATIONAL HUNT : A LEGACY OF A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE .
Founded in 1922 , the Club of Gentlemen- Riders et des Cavalières ( Association Law 1901 ) is a true institution within the world of horse racing and draws much of its history from the heritage of the French cavalry and its elite officers . The influence of military events , which long outnumbered those reserved for civilians , has significantly contributed to the growth of race riding , particularly in jumping .
Since 1945 , the Club has allowed amateur jockeys , known as Gentlemen- Riders et Cavalières , to excel in this spectacular discipline . Today , the circuit is organized around a challenge of 35 events per year , sponsored by WTW Hipcover through the collaboration of Benoit Magnien . These races , as demanding as they are impressive , enable about thirty amateurs — out of 130 annual licensees — to compete at iconic racetracks such as Auteuil , Compiègne and Fontainebleau , during exceptional meetings like the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris or the National-Hund 48H . Since 1955 , Gentlemen-Riders et Cavalières have also had the opportunity to travel thanks to the The Gentlemen ’ s League Fegentri circuit during various stages in Merano ( Italy ), Pardubice ( Czech Republic ), and Waregem ( Belgium ).
But these events are not reserved for men only . Since the opening of NH to women in 1972 , talented riders such as Barbara Guenet , Tracy Menuet , and more recently Hélène Sourbé ( the only woman to win the Cross-Country Prix Guy Lefrant at Pau twice ) have shown that passion and performance transcend gender . Barbara Guenet , with 168 victories to her credit , has set a new standard by becoming the only woman to top the list in jumping three times . Today , the future is assured with riders like Earine Dubourg , Loeiza Hayères-Fouchard and Camille Dory , all of whom have transitioned from pony racing .
NH is not just a passion ; it embodies commitment , a tradition of excellence , and a quest for self-improvement , passed down from generation to generation .
ON THE TRACK
Thomas Guineheux , 30 , is a key account manager at Socopa ( food distribution ). Licensed for over ten years , he has a record of 56 victories in France , including 36 in NH , his favorite discipline . In 2017 , Thomas represented France at the World Championship for Amateurs ( Fegentri ), which he won in both flat and NH categories . A discipline well-established in the West and closely linked to the Craon racetrack , NH also shines through its prestigious Parisian events : the Prix de France at Auteuil , the Prix du Colonel d ’ Englesqueville at Compiègne , and the Prix Colonel Bernard Marlin at Fontainebleau , races in which Thomas has managed to win .
AQPS
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MICHEL BOUGNEUF ’ S “ THAIX “ STAND THE TEST OF TIME
A leading figure in AQPS breeding in central-eastern France , Michel Bourgneuf inaugurates a column dedicated to the breeding of half-breds , the “ Autres Que Pur-Sang “ ( AQPS ), known across the Channel as “ French Chasers ,“ where their quality is now highly
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