For the first time the show organizers of the CDIO Saumur decided to run two tours at FEI pony level at this year's prestigious international dressage competition at the National Equestrian Centre in Saumur, France, held 28 April - 1 May 2011.
With a CDIO and CDI tour for FEI ponies, a large number of European pony riders got the opportunity to ride their ponies at the first outdoor CDI competition of the season.
French pony chef d'equipe Alizee Froment selected a big group of riders to compete in Saumur and was very pleased with the results of her young team. "The French team did a good job," she said pleased. "Riders gave their best, the ponies were in good form and the team finished 3rd; their first time on the podium at the first CDIO-P in Saumur."
2010 French Pony Champion Joy Albeck and the experienced schoolmaster Tim were the top French pair, backed up by team mates Florian Aubin, Liza Cez and Morgane Euriat. Six other combinations (Caroline Dufil, Joy Albeck with her second pony, Clarissa Rufin, Cecile Merglen, Caroline Faujour and Gabrielle Flament) competed for France in the CDI-P tour and produced good results as well.
"There was a first rate team spirit with the full team and supporters (parents!) turning out in the new team jackets and waving flags," Froment added. "This is a very young team with only two 16-year olds and with two 12-year olds. It is a team building for the future."
The French pony riders will be traveling to two more international shows (Moorsele and Compiegne) as well as to the French Championships in July before the definite team will be chosen for the 2011 European Pony Championships in Poland.
Photo: Poney As
Related Links
French Pony Riders Prepare for Jardy and Saumur at Hartwig Burfeind Clinic near Paris
French Youth Riders Meet with Hartwig Burfeind