ENGLISH TEXTS
For children , the best start is with animals suited to their size . I make sure each pony is appropriate for the child . It ’ s essential to learn the right fundamentals from an early age , with respect for the animal .”
Committed Professionals “ The goal is to make it accessible to everyone ,” assures Christophe Soumillon . This project is made possible through the support of numerous partners , including France Galop , which immediately recognized the importance of the academy and provided its training facilities in close collaboration with Marin Le Cour Grandmaison , operations manager of the Chantilly site , and his team . Several industry professionals have also joined forces with SIPA , such as Gérard Augustin Normand , Juddmonte , Godolphin , Alain Jathière , Guy Pariente , and companies like Cambox and Connolly ’ s Redmills . These partnerships have a strong social dimension , ensuring a young trainee receives mentorship throughout the year . Christophe Soumillon also highlights the industry ’ s recruitment challenges : “ If we want to find staff or passionate individuals , we must start at the grassroots level with young children . Especially given the severe shortage of personnel in racing stables , which is truly alarming .” The academy is affiliated with the National Association of Galloping Ponies , which itself is connected to the French Equestrian Federation ( FFE ). While awaiting the opening of the Saint-Arnoult facility , SIPA organizes training camps during school holidays at two locations : in spring and autumn in Lamorlaye , and in summer near Deauville at Saint- Gatien-des-Bois . The jockey hopes to see pony racing expand : “ I would love to see pony races happening all over France , with between 500 and 1,000 young riders participating and developing this unique discipline . If , one day , children say they were inspired to pursue this career thanks to the academy , then the mission will be accomplished .”
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PEDAGO
� PAGE 110
By Céline Gualde
LIFE IN RACING , AND AFTER
After . Five letters behind which lies a change — one that can be as unsettling as it is profound , as it means leaving behind something familiar to embrace something new , often with uncertainty , whether by choice or necessity . The “ after ” is both inevitable and crucial for a high-level athlete , often experienced as a true identity shift following a career of intense physical , mental , and emotional demands , typically begun at a young age and limited in duration . This transition is an inherent part of an athlete ’ s journey and is equally significant within the horse racing industry , which must consider both human and equine athletes . Interestingly , horse racing itself can become part of the “ after ” ( or even the “ during ”) for some athletes , offering parallels to their competitive careers and providing that irreplaceable shot of adrenaline they continue to seek . What comes next for the key players in racing — whether on two legs or four — once the competition ends ? A look at a few life paths beyond the track .
� PAGE 111
By Céline Gualde
BOUNCE BACK
JOCKEYS : THE HURDLE OF CAREER TRANSITION
It ’ s not easy to plan for the future when , like many jockeys , you have to change careers — sometimes very suddenly . Career transition is a
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