Australian Simone Pearce and French Pauline Basquin became the winners of the two dressage classes held at the inaugural CDI 4* during Jumping Bordeaux on 5 - 6 February 2026. Bordeaux' show organizer Sabrine Zaegel finally added dressage to her programme, much to the delight of the French Equestrian Federation.
With 12 competitors lined up, Australian Simone Pearce took out the win in the Grand Prix aboard her 10-year old Spanish sport horse bred Will Marq (by Rio Marq x Lanciano) with 71.130 % although the judges panel, which included Matthiesen, Maknami, Lehrmann, Trimborn, and Saleh, had a score spread of approximately 4% (68.913% to 72.065%). Basquin and her seasoned ride, 16-year old Zangersheide registered Sertorius de Rima Z (by Sandro Hit x Voltaire) were second with 71.065%.
In the Kur to Music on Friday 6 January 2026, Basquin reigned supreme, cracking the magical 80% barrier, with a winning freestyle score of 80.465 %. The pair performed to a new floorplan with music by John Dada, the composer for the Cadre Noir de Saumur, and the tunes were accompanied by African drums inspired by Lamomali. Their performance began with an extended canter followed by a transition to a passage and then canter half-passes interspersed with a double pirouette. It was a winning start to the year for the pair, which has set its sights on the World Championships in Aachen (GER) in August.
"“I am really delighted to have won in front of the French crowd," said Pauline. "Yesterday, it was a very close call, so I was determined to win today, or at least to do my best. I am also happy to have scored over 80%, especially as it was the first time I had performed this freestyle. There are still a few small things to work on, but I'm happy with my horse, who is with me and happy to be on the track. I tried to create a floorplan that suits Sertorius, placing the tempi changes so that they are easy for him, as are the pirouettes. There is less piaffe too."
Basquin was thrilled that Bordeaux now stages a CDI as well. "I'm delighted that there's an international dressage competition in Bordeaux, with carriage driving, show jumping, indoor cross-country and dressage," she said. "The arena is large and magnificent, and the atmosphere is like in Lyon, with spectators all around. Now we're waiting for another FEI World Cup stage."
French team trainer Jean Morel stated, "It's great that a Frenchwoman has won a new competition in France. It really highlights the organisers' initiative. In sporting terms, Pauline Basquin's victory confirms what we saw in the Grand Prix, her horse is coming back well. We are still a long way from the World Championships, but we are putting in place a competition strategy to get her there, knowing that she is in great shape. We have changed Pauline's riding style a little, adapted her freestyle routine, and we are moving in the right direction."
Related Link
Scores: 2026 CDI Bordeaux