The Equestrian Stop

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OFFICIAL’S DIARIES: STEWARDING AT THE EUROPEANS YR/J/Ch

 

Hello everyone!

This time I want you to come with me to the European Championships for Young Riders, Junior and Children 2018 on Fontainebleau Le Grand Parquet, France.

The event was organized by Grand Prix on the Showgrounds of Le Grand Parquet, Fontainebleau. It was the European Championships for jumping, dressage and eventing. Between the 3 disciplines there were over 600 horse/rider combinations over 7 days of competition. There were 7 arenas + the cross country, canteen, restaurant, bar and 80+ shops … needless to say it was a massive show. 

I was steward only for the Dressage part, but was an amazing experience being part of a such big show. I want to thank Didier Ferrer and Aurelie Naidja for the invitation and my fellow stewards Walter, Kasia, Natalia, Francisco, Valeria, Jean-Louis, Michaël, Magalie and Isabelle for all the things that I learned & then fun moments we had.  

Soooo, let’s begin!

RELATED: STEWARDING AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES LONDON 2012

 

July 7th

I arrived in the afternoon. This day was dedicated to get my accreditation, knowing the venue and the stewarding team. 

The show office and chef d’equippe meeting room

 

Entrance to the Carrier Des Princes Arena (aka the dressage warm-up and 10 min arena)

 

The Spring Garden Arena – Competition arena for Dressage

 

July 8th

The first thing in the morning was a round to the stables and the warm-up arena for some free training. In the afternoon I was at the free training arena and the warm-up again with a break in the middle. 

The Puits Comier Arena – Free Training for Dressage and Horse Inspections

 

Lorries for daaaayyyysss

 

Familiarization for the jumpers on The Terrain d’honneur Arena

 

July 9th  

On Sunday I was on stable duty all morning. Then familiarization on the warm-up and at the evening helped with the Nations Parade. 

Familiarization on the main arena

 

Dressage Horse Inspection

 

Parade of Nations

RELATED: STEWARDING AT HARTUPY’S FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE 

 

July 10th

In the morning I got stables and free training. And for part of the afternoon the warm-up. 

Rider watching at the warm-up for the Juniors Team Competition

 

Final prep for Maddy Whelan and Diamond Design

 

Norway’s stables

 

July 11th

In the morning I was on stables for a bit and in the afternoon again stables and warm-up for Juniors

Junior Team award ceremony

 

Warm-up for Juniors

 

In loooovvveeeee

 

July 12th

On Thursday in the morning I was on stables and bit control. In the afternoon stables for a bit. 

Happy winner

 

Le Derby canteen

 

Shop ’till you drop

 

July 13th

In the morning I was on noseband control and the afternoon free training. In the evening the Dressage officials were invited to a BBQ by judge Isabelle Judet.

Free training on the Carrière des Princes arena

 

We had to do it … From left to right Me, Francisco, Natalia, Kasia

 

BQQ at Pamfou Dressage

 

July 14th

In the morning I was on the 2nd part noseband control for Juniors and in the afternoon free training (that was next to the XC!!). 

Team GB stables

 

Team France at XC

 

In my eyes this is a masterpiece

RELATED: LGCT MONACO 2018

 

July 15th

On the last day I was on the warm-up and bit/noseband control in the morning and stable control in the afternoon.

Esmée Donkers & Chaina after winning the freestyle

 

Packing to go home  

 

From left to right: Magalie, Michaël, Valeria, Natalia, Didier, Walter, Jean-Louis, Me, Kasia, Francisco, Isabelle Photo via: Łukasz Kowalski

 

Bonus July 16th

My train back home was on the afternoon so a few of the stewards got the chance to visit Fontainebleu Chateau. It was so beautiful and totally worth it!

Main entrance

 

View from the lake

 

You can view the results here  and watch the competitions of Juniors Team Part 1, Team Part 2, Individual Part 1 & Individual Part 2, and Young Riders Team Part 1, Team Part 2, Individual Part 1 & Individual Part 2.

Thank you for coming along! What do you think of the experience? Do you want me to share more posts like this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  2. Ashley K says

    I Always thought it would be so cool to be in equestrian competitions. I love horses, but due to a back surgery when I was 9, it kind of killed any dream i had of getting into it because of the risk of injury being so high. it’s so neat that you got to experience this. It sounds like it was a great week!

  3. Dr. K. Lee Banks says

    My oldest daughter has competed in events like this in the past. thanks for sharing all the photos. The horses are such majestic creatures and the outfits the riders are wearing look so pristine.

  4. serin quinn says

    Such an interesting article, sounds like you had an amazing time! Really love all your photos!

  6. RAZENA says

    The FOUNTAINBLEU CHATEAU LOOKS VERY ELEGANT. THE CLOSEST i came to riding a horse was actually on one of those fair rides when i was a child. as much as i loved watching equestrian competitions on tv I HAVE ALWAYS SHIED AWAY FROM HORSE RIDING.

  8. Rosey says

    Spending time in the stables is my daughter’s favorite place to be. Well one of them. she loves all thins equestrian.

  9. Rhea says

    KUDOS TO YOU FOR A GOOD JOB! I KNOW IT’S NOT EASY TO HANDLE SUCH EVENTS. The primary role of a steward is to assist with the delivery of an enjoyable and safe experience for all. WELL DONE!

  11. Dave Miller says

    Hi Guys
    I have published the full schedule of events for the World Equestrian Games in Tryon starting next week.
    I have also included a few links where you can get all the TV times in the UK and USA, as well as a few websites that will be streaming most of the events.
    So it’s pretty much all you’ll need to keep up with the action. I hope that helps ease some of the FOMO
    Here is the link, it’s yours to use as you please
    http://clear-round.com/index.php/2018/08/25/weg-tryon-2018-schedule/
    Cheers
    Dave