The French equestrian federation (FFE) has announced the team that will represent France at the 2023 European Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck (GER) on 4 - 10 September 2023.
Team trainer and chief selector Jean Morel made a rather unexpected choice, but the FFE press release explained the decision by using the header "the team above everything."
As host nation of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, France has been meticulously preparing a squad of Olympic potentials so that the country can reach a peak performance on home turf next year. The 2023 European Championships are the penultimate highlight for Grand Prix riders one year before Paris.
"I have chosen combinations that function and are committed to the team of France," Morel explained.
Morel has therefore chosen for Riesenbeck:
- Alexandre Ayache - Holmevangs Jolene
- Morgan Barbançon - Habana Libre A
- Pauline Basquin - Sertorius de Rima Z
- Arnaud Serre - James Bond de Massa
The Collective
Morel further explained that horses such as James Bond, Habana Libre A, and Jolene need more experience and exposure in a Championship atmosphere, while Sertorius is always very consistent.
"We shouldn't be ashamed. We aren't fighting for medals (in Riesenbeck). We are building a team with Paris in sight. I need to broaden this Olympic group to have more chances on our side."
He suggests that Riesenbeck will be a platform for the younger Olympic team potential horses to grow as France doesn't need to fight for a Paris team spot anyway.
Corentin Pottier
The pair was nominated on the French Nations Cup team for the CDIO's in Compiegne, Rotterdam, and Aachen, where they have been scoring 71.369%, 72.326%, and 72.065% in the Grand Prix. Ayache's Jolene is currently scoring round 70-71% in the Grand Prix, Serre's 9-year old James Bond de Massa has been scoring between 67 - 70% in the Grand Prix. Serre and James Bond won the French Championships in Vierzon with two 70% marks.
Pottier chose not to ride at the final team observation trial in Crozet, but instead supported his girlfriend, Camille Judet Cheret, at the World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo. The French federation had entered him for the CDI Ermelo Grand Prix tour but only two spots were available and they were given to French riders who also competed young horses at the same show (Judet, Collard).
Judet has also been competing Grand Prix horse Herelja Higgins this year and has been scoring between 68 - 71% in the Grand Prix.
The Collective
Morel explained that more horses will enter the A-squad in September.
"We focus on the collective," he stated. " We need to have riders committed to the flag and to the team. We will use these championships to improve the combinations and to build a team in which only recurring performances will validate the selection."
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the European Dressage Championships