The French equestrian federation has announced the long-listed riders up for team selection for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen in August.
For FFE President Frédéric Bouix, “The World Championships are a very important milestone for our federation. hey take place every four years, alternating with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and offer direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Games."
New and Old
Bouix added, "following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, we have chosen to open up the national teams to facilitate access to the highest level for more athletes and thus renew the pool of talent.”
For dressage three new riders have been submitted to the long list, alongside three of its team riders at the 2025 Europeans in Crozet.
Big absentees are Morgan Barbançon, who retired Sir Donnerhall II from sport, as well as French duo Corentin Pottier (Gotilas) and Camille Judet-Cheret (Herelja Higgins) who for years have clashed with the selectors at the French Equestrian federation. Gotilas only recently returned to the CDI ring in Mariakalnok after a 13-month absence from international competition. Higgins has shown in Gossendorf and Mariakalnok in April-May of this year.
Also last year's French team rider in Crozet - Anne Sophie Serre - is not on the list as she passed the ride on her top horse Jibraltar onto daughter Mathilde Juglaret.
Long List for WEG Aachen
The French long listed riders are:
- Alexandre Ayache - Ruling Olivia
- Pauline Basquin - Sertorius de Rima Z
- Rachel Bastady - Quintesse
- Bertrand Liegard - Ginger
- Alizee Roussel - Bel Amour
- Pierre Volla - Malcolm X de Massa
French team selectorJean Morel commented, "“From the long list, we have six qualified pairs so far. Nothing is set in stone; there are also a few pairs awaiting qualification in early June who could be added to the list in the coming weeks. Then, we will try to send all these riders to one or two competitions to see how they are judged by the same panel of judges. This will ensure fairness when making the selection. Being on this long list is a mark of recognition for the true skill of our riders and the commitment of the horse owners. Not all of them will be selected for the World Championships, but I think it's an important step that should be valued."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Mathilde Juglaret Tries the Waters at Grand Prix Level with Mom's French Team Horse
Corentin Pottier Declined to Ride on French Team
French Team Announced for the 2025 European Dressage Championships