FRANCE has a fantastic pedigree of equestrianism going back through the annals of history. It has been a force to reckon with in modern sports with many great riders and some wonderful horses.
There is however one name that stands out above them all, a legend that lives on in the memories of aficionados of showjumping – and that is Jappeloup.
This little horse’s partnership with rider Pierre Durand fired the equestrian world of the 1980s and took them both to the pinnacle of success – an Olympic gold medal. It was a far cry from the uncertainty of their first meeting.
“I did not know what to make of him,” says Pierre, now 69. “When you are looking for a good potential showjumper you are expecting to find something that could be called a big horse.
“Jappeloup was not a big horse, he was 15.2hh, which is only a few inches more than a pony. Could a horse of this size really cope with the challenge of major jumping courses? I admit that I was doubtful. In fact, I decided against him at first.”
Jappeloup certainly had an interesting background as he was part-thoroughbred and part-Arabian through his dam, while his sire was a French trotting horse. He had the aristocracy of the thoroughbred and the speed and stamina of an Arab.
It was an interesting combination – a risk waiting to go wrong or a marvellous mix heading for the top. History provides the answer.
Breeder and owner Henri Delage was a friend of Pierre’s father and a year later he again brought Jappeloup to meet them.
“I was not convinced, but my father urged me to take him, so we did,” Pierre says. “I didn’t actually ride him for a little while. I wanted to get to know him first.
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
