The French Pony Championships, also known as the Generali Open de France, are a must-see event for young riders in France. Each year, the town of Lamotte-Beuvron welcomes thousands of participants from all over the country to compete in this prestigious competition. This article traces the history and evolution of this exceptional event.
The Beginning of the French Pony Championships
The French Poney Championships were created to provide a platform for young riders and their ponies to compete against their peers in various equestrian disciplines. Since their inception, these championships have played a crucial role in promoting equestrianism among young people and have helped to develop a love of the sport in France.
Arrival at Lamotte-Beuvron
It was in 1994 that the French Pony Championships found their permanent home in Lamotte-Beuvron, a small town located in the Loir-et-Cher department, in the heart of Sologne. The choice of Lamotte-Beuvron is explained by the presence of the Federal Equestrian Park, an exceptional and unique site in Europe of more than 400 hectares, perfectly suited to host an event of such magnitude.
The Federal Equestrian Park: An Ideal Setting
The Lamotte-Beuvron Federal Equestrian Park has become the venue for the French Pony Championships, offering state-of-the-art facilities for competitions. With its 520 boxes, 200 beds, 25 hectares of sports tracks, 25 hectares of cross-country, 3 riding schools of 4,000 m2, 20 hectares of parking, more than 5,000 m2 of administrative premises, 3 restaurants, 15 modular and equipped meeting rooms, the park allows young riders to fully express themselves in various disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, eventing, and many others.
Exponential Growth
Over the years, the French Pony Championships have grown exponentially. From a few hundred participants at the beginning, the event now welcomes more than 15,000 riders and more than 25,000 ponies each year. This increase is a testament not only to the appeal of the event, but also to the growing enthusiasm for horse riding in France.
A Family and Festive Event
The French Pony Championships are not just about the competition. It is also a family and festive event that attracts thousands of spectators. During the championships, the park is transformed into a real ephemeral city with food stands, entertainment for children, equestrian shops where you will find saddle pads, bonnets, saddles, riding pants, etc. and various leisure activities, not to mention the famous riding evenings! Families can enjoy a friendly setting while encouraging young riders.
The Values of the French Pony Championships
Beyond the competition, the French Pony Championships convey essential values such as respect, solidarity, and fair play. They encourage young people to develop their sportsmanship, build friendships, and learn to surpass themselves. These values make the championships a real vector of personal development for young riders.
The Role of Championships in Rider Training
The French Pony Championships also play a crucial role in the training of future high-level riders. Many riders who have participated in these championships have gone on to have brilliant careers in the world of equestrianism, whether at the national or international level. They are a real breeding ground for talent for French equestrianism.
In conclusion
The French Pony Championships in Lamotte-Beuvron are much more than just an equestrian competition. They represent a true festival of equestrianism, celebrating the talent and passion of young riders from all over France.