The Grand Tournament is back! From Thursday May 9 to Saturday May 11, 605 teams will compete for the French team equestrian sports championships, at the Lamotte-Beuvron federal equestrian park, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
There are therefore 2,500 riders registered for the three scheduled sports: horse-ball, pony games, and horseback archery. The latter was not present last year and is therefore making a return.
Rising numbers
The general delegate of the French Equestrian Federation, Frédéric Bouix, explains this choice: “Archery was temporarily absent. Last year he was entered in several championships, including the Generali. To respond to sporting progression, and depending on the age groups, we position it in this or that championship. »
Last year, the park hosted 508 teams. Rising figures, which delights the federation: “The championships are working well. The numbers are increasing, which is very encouraging. It has started up again since Covid. »
A sign according to him that team equestrian sports “are doing well in the country” : “These championships are the result of the qualifications beforehand, it shows that things are going well. »
A somewhat “special” calendar
Usually, the Grand Tournament takes place from Friday to Sunday. This year, with the May 8 bridge, the calendar is a little ” particular “.
“These three days will take place from Thursday May 9 to Saturday May 11. This will allow riders to recover on Sunday and limit travel times. And for the youngest who have school the next day, it helps limit absences”explains Frédéric Bouix.
The first horses will therefore arrive this Wednesday, for the start of competition Thursday morning.
Two Loir-et-Chériens teams involved
On the Loir-et-Cher side, two teams are registered. The first is the Vieux-Château Equestrian Center (Nouan-le-Fuzelier), which will participate in horseball and archery.
The second club is the Écuries des Marcons (Contres), which is also involved in horseball. No club in the department is therefore involved in pony games.
Note that the French equestrian sports champions will be present during the Grand Tournament, with one signing session per day for fans…
The Grand Tournament, from Thursday May 9 to Saturday May 11, at the Lamotte-Beuvron Federal Equestrian Park.
Finals of the Mixed French Cup and Women’s Horseball French Cup: Friday May 10, from 8 p.m.
2024-05-07 15:41:28
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