Thirteen-year-old equestrian archer Enzo has emerged as a rising international competitor, securing a second-place team finish for France at an international tournament in China and holding the seventh spot in world rankings.
Early Beginnings in Peyrat-de-Bellac
Long before competing on international circuits, Enzo and his 16-year-old sister, Eva, grew up immersed in horseback riding and mounted archery. Their early development took shape at the Domaine de Gauchoux in Peyrat-de-Bellac, where they spent several years living with their mother, Cécile. Enzo started the discipline at age eight, driven by a childhood ambition to combine riding with archery. Now an eighth-grade student (élève en 4e) at the collège de Bellac, he balances a demanding daily training schedule with his regular academic classes.
International Podiums in Barcelona and China
Despite their youth, both siblings regularly contend with senior-level athletes. In September, Enzo and Eva both claimed second place in their respective age categories at the European Championships in Barcelona. Following that event, Enzo traveled to China for an international contest broadcast live on Chinese television, where mounted archery commands a massive following. Facing elite competitors on unfamiliar mounts, Enzo managed an agile performance against targets set at 45 meters, helping the French squad secure second place in the team event. “We tried the horses in the morning, just after our arrival, and the competition started in the afternoon,” Enzo noted of the fast turnaround.
Balancing Rankings and Global Competition
Enzo currently ranks as the second-best French competitor, seventh globally, and the top junior competitor in the world. He has represented the French national team for two years. Meanwhile, his sister Eva holds a global ranking of 100th and is also a member of the national squad. “In this sport, we have a sensation of freedom and a particular relationship with the horse,” Eva said. While Eva began riding at age two and picked up archery at eleven, both siblings ride horses whenever they are away from their classrooms.
Family Logistics and Funding Realities
Maintaining competitive schedules requires significant coordination and financial commitment. Cécile manages her children’s schooling and accompanies them to most competitions, while constantly pursuing grants and financial aid to cover expenses. A single competition can cost around 1,500 euros, prompting the family to rely on camping arrangements and self-catered meals during trips to keep costs manageable, despite modest support from the French federation.
Upcoming World Championships in Turkey and China
The siblings will continue their international campaigns in the coming months. Enzo is scheduled to compete in the Kids World Championship in Turkey next year, while Eva will travel to China to contest the under-17 world championships.
Worth a look
