ENGLISH TEXTS
Highest Honor . Those years hold wonderful memories for me . Later , I took on the role of Director at the Fédération des Éleveurs de Pur-Sang ( Thoroughbred Breeders ’ Federation ), where I learned a great deal . During these experiences , I was struck by the lack of biosecurity measures . Everyone recognizes the importance of managing health risks , but no specific protocols had been implemented and no one was taking the time to address them . Yet , an infectious disease in a stud farm can jeopardize all your investments . That ’ s when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and focus on this issue I knew well . I was fortunate to have the support of Dr . Bénédicte Ferry , a former veterinarian at the National Stud Farms and a thoroughbred enthusiast . Together , we developed the method and launched my company , Equiways . I quickly gained the trust of major owners and institutions like ARQANA , which gave me the boost I needed .
G . Your company is a reference in the racing world both in France and abroad . How did you end up being invited to contribute to the Olympic and Paralympic Games ? CV . I started from scratch in 2017 and in 2024 , I was the Biosafety Manager for the Olympic and Paralympic Games - it ’ s simply incredible . It ’ s a huge accomplishment to take on this role in the world ’ s most prestigious competition , especially considering that six years ago , most people didn ’ t even know what “ biosafety “ meant . Viruses and bacteria have no borders , and biosecurity is the only common denominator across all equestrian disciplines and breeds . The International Equestrian Federation ( FEI ) played a significant role in my appointment to the Games , as I am recognized as a biosafety expert . Organizers have become aware of the financial impact of an outbreak during major events , as seen in Valencia in 2021 . This biosafety role was introduced for the first time at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games . I was also fortunate to work with Dr . Anne Couroucé , the lead veterinarian , who wanted me in this position . I ’ m deeply grateful for her trust and for the FEI ’ s support in securing my place on the team .
G . Did you have to adapt the methods you typically use in horse racing ? CV . The Olympics present a unique set of challenges . On one hand , the event involves relatively few horses — about 200 on-site — compared to the 800- 1,000 I ’ m used to managing . These horses follow strict health protocols and are closely monitored by their veterinarians , so any sign of infection is usually detected very quickly . On the other hand , because it ’ s a global event , we had to account for every potential disease worldwide , with the highest risk matrix possible . No contagious disease could be overlooked . Additionally , the venue posed challenges . For instance , the large water feature — the Versailles canal — attracted many mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases to horses . We set up numerous traps and conducted regular checks on mosquitoes , flies , and horseflies . Furthermore , since the site is near the Versailles forest , the area was secured three months prior to prevent wildlife from entering the stables and posing a transmission risk . These factors required me to adapt my methods significantly .
Galorama . How did you catch the horse racing bug ? CV . I didn ’ t come from an equestrian background , but I ’ ve always been passionate about horse racing . I lived in Paris , but we were lucky enough to have a vacation home in Deauville , which is where my passion really took root . I ’ m an agricultural engineer and I began my career in the United States , where I completed my studies . I initially worked for a broker , Peter Bradley , before joining Castletown Lyons . There , I met the Head family and joined Haras du Quesnay upon my return to France . I was very fortunate to be quite young and already met legends like Anabaa , Bering and