French Grand Prix rider Serge Cantin has lost his battle against cancer on Thursday afternoon 8 January 2015. The 45-year old died peacefully in the hospital of Toulon surrounding by his family and closest friends.
Cantin was first diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in December 2013. After three months of chemotherapy he recovered and returned back to the saddle to win Grand Prix classes on Laocoon. In the summer of 2014 Cantin relapsed but continued to compete until September, booking three more second places in the big tour. At the end of November he was hospitalized with only two more weeks to live, but he bravely battled for his family and friends and died in his sleep after saying goodbye to his loved ones this afternoon.
Cantin was born on 29 March 1969. His equestrian career started through the French army where he was a member of the cavalry of the Garde Republicaine in Paris for 22 years. He was a silver medalist at the 2000 French Small Tour championships on Actif du Fresene and became the 2001 French Small Tour Champion. In 2005 and 2006 he won gold at the French Military Championships.
He was a certified dressage instructor and in 2010 he became an independent trainer and rider moving to Vidauban, France, where he began working at Bernadette Brune's Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins. In 2012 he competed in the international big tour on Brune's Laocoon and small tour on Brune's Deborah.
He showed numerous horses throughout the levels at national and international shows, including Smoky, Wisdom, Herztanz, Semper Fidelis, and Don Hot Chocolate. He represented France on Brune's Trakehner licensed stallion Grand Passion at the 2011 World Young Horse Championships. He was an assistent trainer of horses in Vidauban and taught numerous of clients.
"It fills me with great sadness that I have lost my friend, colleague rider and our idol," said Bernadette Brune. "I saw him yesterday and he still gave us a big smile! He gave the impression that he was saying, 'don't worry. I'll be alright.'Serge was always humble and polite, had never a bad day. Was always there for everyone. Worked very hard with the horses to succeed."
Brune tried to raise money for Serge to spend his last Christmas at home in Vendée, France, but his condition had deteriorated too much. Over 500 people had donated money, which will now go towards Cantin's funeral.
The funeral ceremony will be held in the church of Sainte Etienne du Bois in Serge's home town Vendée on 13 January 2015 at 14h30.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Serge Cantin
French Horses Selected for the 2011 World Young Horse Championships
Scores: 2011 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses
Rock N Roll Star, Socrate de Hus and Wodan are 2009 French Young Horse Champions
Scores: 2003 French Dressage Championships