Corona Times: Hit & Run with Camille Cheret-Judet

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 19:50
Hit & Run
Camille Cheret-Judet and Duke of Swing at the 2020 CDI Lier :: Photo © Astrid Appels

In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely. 

French Grand Prix rider Camille Cheret-Judet came through the system of from ponies through junior/young rider to Under 25 and then to make her big break through at Grand Prix level in 2019-2020 aboard the Thai owned Duke of Swing. She represented France at the European Pony Championships in 2003 and 2005, the European Junior Riders Championship in 2006 and at the European Young Riders Championships in 2008 and 2009. She did her first international Grand Prix aboard Warkantos in 2008. As of 2013 she competed in the Under 25 division and as of 2017 she is steadily showing in the senior Grand Prix divisions. She runs a sales and training facility with her mother, French 5* judge Isabelle Judet, in Pamfou, France.

Hit & Run - Camille Judet-Cheret

What is your earliest memory? 

Five years old. Dancing like nobody’s watching with my cousin at my grandma’s. Not my greatest talent !

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

My fiancé (Corentin Pottier) for putting up with me 24/7 for the past seven years. 

When were you the happiest?

When my mom finally accepted to buy me my first pony Titou, he changed my life forever. 

What is your biggest fear?

Mice ! Unfortunately my cat is a great hunter and loves making me presents !

What was your first thought today?

Sun. Cup of tea. Astrid’s « Hit and Run » to complete. This day off sounds kind of fun !!!

What is your most annoying character trait?

I can never let something go, I have to express out loud any thought that crosses my mind and get a clear cut answer

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Inability to apologize. A genuine "I’m sorry" can fix a lot. 

What is your dearest possession?

My teddy bear ! Can’t sleep without it, and I am 30 years old

If you look into the future, what do you see?

Me 80 years old, my fiancé Corentin 76 years old and telling our grandkids about the crazy pandemic that hit the world in 2020 ! Feeling like an old history book. 

What makes you unhappy?

Watching the news. It’s distressing to become aware of so many tragedies around the world. Our own lives seems so protected and happy. Like in a bubble. 

What is the love of your life?

Don’t tell my family but my 28 years old pony « Titou » goes right there with them at the top of the list ! 

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

Graduating in politics and communication after six years of studying but then deciding to join the equestrian family business.

What's your guilty pleasure?

A glass of whole milk before bed time with a piece of dark chocolate

What do you owe your parents?

More than words can describe. I owe my dad his sense of humour, entrepreneurship and hot-tempered character. I owe my mom to be passionate about everything I do, to never give up and being really bad at keeping my dressing room tidy !

Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?

Bill Gates, Queen Elisabeth II and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). But the reality dinner table of my family and friends actually seems much better !

What was the worst job you ever did?

I’ve never worked a day of my life as the only way I have ever earned money has always been with horses and let’s face it, that’s more like a hobby !

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

Never meeting three of my four grandparents who passed before I was born. 

What would you change if you can go back into the past?

Being on time to say goodbye to my only grandma. 

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

People being more straightforward, trustworthy and positive. 

What is your biggest achievement?

Not burning down my own kitchen which I nearly did already three times !

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

You can never force a person or a horse into anything, your best chance is to convince them.

Where would you like to be right now? 

In the middle of a super crowded, yummy and noisy restaurant after fighting off Covid19. 

What's your favourite scent?

Any bouquet of flowers (hope my fiancé reads this!)

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

I never did much better than your usual Casper the Friendly Ghost : white sheet with two holes for the eyes ! The maximum of my sewing abilities. 

To whom would you like to say sorry?

Anyone who drives behind me, I’m pretty slow. And anyone I’ve hurt or been unfair to in the past but hopefully I’ve apologized already. 

What does love feel like for you?

Being super excited to reunite with my family each morning. I am always afraid of separation or an accident. I nearly forbid my mom riding into canter, you never know !

When are you most relaxed?

In my bath with a good book. 

What super power would you like to have?

Telekinesis. Too lazy to go back to the kitchen because I forgot the salt after a long day of riding. 

When did you last cry, and why?

Peeling onions last night ! But it was worth it : best home made dinner ever ! I’m actually a regular crier on happy and sad occasions, real or fictional...

When were you closest to death?

Luckily never happened yet but just asked my fiancé for the third time to clean up his mess so please pray for me ! 

How do you want to be remembered?

For my "Hit and Run" on Eurodressage 

Related Links
Wagner, Hermes, Koschel Sweep Big Tour at 2019 CDI Waregem
French Grand Prix Squads for 2019 Expanded
Hel and Judet Cheret Win Gold at 2009 French Youth Riders Championships
Pinto, Chevanne, Ducos Blanchet, Judet Cheret Win 2015 French Youth Riders Championships
Astley Academy Honours French Dressage Figures of the Year 2008
Norbert van Laak Trains French Riders to Focus on Seat and Quality of the Basics