French Grand Prix Rider Michel Palun Passed Away

Sat, 06/19/2021 - 08:02
France
Michel Palun and For Fortune at the 2013 CDIO Vidauban :: Photo © Astrid Appels

French Grand Prix rider Michel Palun has passed away on 17 June 2021. He was 48 years old. 

Dressprod posted the news of Palun's passing.

Palun found his life comfort and passion in horses. He has worked at a series of equestrian centres across France, including at CHIAP, the equestrian center of Carnoux, the equestrian club of Villeneuve Loubet, the stables of Christian Forlini, and at the yard La Finca, before going independent in 2015 in Annemasse, France.

He began his competitive career at national level in France in 2005 aboard Falcon III.  He rode in the national young horse classes with the then 4-year old Limelight at the  CDI 2008 Vierzon, before making his actual CDI debut at small tour level aboard Jeronimo Brecourt at the 2010 CDI Vidauban. 

In 2012 he returned to the international arena in Vidauban with a new ride, the Oldenburg bred For Fortune (by Future x Rinaldo), whom he showed through 2014. In 2013 he once competed Yann Mouillot's Holsteiner Amaretto (by Aljano x Lorentin) at the CDI Vierzon.

Michel Palun
In 2016 Palun made a come back to the international stage with Tani Kramer's Hanoverian mare Priceless (by Prince Thatch xx A Jungle Prince). Trained by Hubert Perring, he competed the mare internationally in 2016 and 2017 up to medium tour level. 

Palun never competed outside France. His last start was in April at the national show in Macon on Priceless. 

He passed suddenly from a suspected heart attack. He will be greatly missed in the dressage community.

Photos © Astrid Appels

Related Links
Scores: 2010 CDI Vidauban - Week One
Scores: 2008 CDI Vierzon