Young Archers Fine-Tune Skills at French Equestrian Center
LAMOTTE-BEUVRON, France – Twelve of France’s most promising young equestrian archers convened at the Parc équestre fédéral in Lamotte-Beuvron earlier this month for an intensive training camp, marking a key step in their preparation for the 2026 competition season. The camp, held in early March, brought together athletes under the age of 22, selected by the Fédération Française d’Équitation (FFE), to refine their skills and prepare for a busy year that includes the World Nomad Games and European Championships.
The four-day camp provided a crucial opportunity for the FFE’s technical staff to assess the current form of both the riders and their horses following the winter months. It wasn’t just about physical conditioning. the focus extended to technical precision and strategic planning for the season ahead. For four of the archers, this marked their first inclusion in a Groupe France élargi stage, a significant milestone in their development.
A Holistic Approach to Training
Under the guidance of national coach and selector Alan Le Gall, the young athletes engaged in a comprehensive training program. The camp wasn’t solely focused on archery from horseback. The initial phase involved rigorous footwork drills designed to hone their archery technique. This foundational work was then seamlessly integrated with mounted training, emphasizing horsemanship skills such as one-handed control, refined aids, and effective leverage of the rider’s seat and legs.
The archers practiced all three key tests within the discipline: the imposed figure, the technical test, and the hunt. Beyond the physical aspects, the camp too incorporated mental preparation sessions led by Franck Larrey, and physical conditioning work overseen by Charles Le Navenec, a specialist in athletic rehabilitation. This holistic approach underscores the FFE’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes.
Jaouad Boustani, the FFE’s national technical advisor for the discipline, highlighted the collaborative nature of the camp. “We chose to combine the sessions with the Young Endurance and Children’s Jumping stages that were taking place in parallel,” he explained. This integration fostered a shared learning environment and allowed for cross-disciplinary insights.
Competition Simulation and Season Preview
The final day of the camp coincided with a training session for officials involved in equestrian archery, culminating in a simulated competition. This provided a valuable opportunity for the young archers to experience the pressure of a competitive environment and refine their performance under scrutiny.
The camp also served as a platform to present the 2026 sporting season to the riders, outlining the selection process, financial support options, and intermediate objectives. This transparency is intended to empower the athletes and provide them with a clear roadmap for success.
Athletes in Attendance
The following riders and their horses participated in the training camp:
- Angélina Cerutti-Chaix & Yoryo
- Titouan Coucoulis & Dream Du Rial
- Emilie Chaigneau & Belle De L’augerie
- Chloé Simons & Eden De Kerbotin
- Aymeric Baudry & Jaïko De Nogal
- Jade Daniault & Blackfield Ruby
- Enzo Daniault & Killaspic Lady
- Eryn Gusse & Mariana
- Ilan Borruel & Moreno
- Raphael Malet & Jive La Beige
- Eva Coli Jung Ong & Fox Trott
- Enzo Coli Jung Ong & Féline D’ok
The Parc équestre fédéral, located in Lamotte-Beuvron, has become a central hub for equestrian sports in France. As noted in a press release, the facility hosted the Grand Tournoi in May 2024, featuring horse-ball, pony-games, and equestrian archery. The venue’s 400 hectares of terrain provide ample space for training and competition.
Equestrian archery, a discipline rooted in Asian traditions, combines the skill of horseback riding with the precision of archery. As the FFE explains, the challenge lies in accurately hitting targets while in motion, demanding both speed and accuracy. The sport’s aesthetic appeal and the strong symbolism of the horse and bow contribute to its growing popularity.
With the 2026 season rapidly approaching, these young archers are poised to represent France on the international stage. The training camp at the Parc équestre fédéral has provided them with a solid foundation and a clear sense of direction as they prepare to compete against the best in the world.
The next major event for many of these athletes will likely be national qualifying competitions, the dates of which will be announced by the FFE in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the FFE website for the latest updates and schedules.
