Pauline Basquin: "The Essence of Dressage is Harmony"

Focus

F.O.C.U.S.

- Riesenbeck International press release, text edited by Eurodressage

France's Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z were considered the shooting stars of the 2023 European Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany. The pair already showed incredible development and form at the CDIO's in Rotterdam and Aachen, but their work of years culminated in three very impressive performances in Riesenbeck.

Vanlandeghem

The 44-year old Basquin is not a new face on the international show scene.

Known previously as Pauline Vanlandeghem, the Cadre Noir rider made her international show debut more than a decade ago on Hanoverian Liaison ENE (by Londonderry x Gralswachter). Shortly after the chestnut's retirement from CDI sport in 2017, Pauline premiered her current top horse, the now 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding, Sertorius de Rima Z at CDI level in 2018.

Still the petite rider has quietly stayed in the background, never disappointing but also not truly getting the opportunity to stand apart... until Riesenbeck.

Versatility

Basquin's equestrian journey began in the world of showjumping with her parents running a pony club near Rennes. She was in the saddle before other children took their first steps and a career in horses felt natural for her.

She did her riding instructor exam in Saumur where the National Equestrian Centre (ENE) and Cadre Noir are based. She seized the opportunity to participate in an entrance test for the Cadre Noir, a move that marked the beginning of a long journey within this prestigious institution. Her affiliation with the Cadre Noir commenced in 2007 and has since been a significant part of their team since.

Basquin used to ride showjumping horses, training and competing them up to a 1.35-meter level. However, after the birth of her two sons, she decided to shift her focus to competitions and towards more equestrian galas, particularly the performances with the Cadre Noir.

Shrimp

Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE came in Pauline's care as a minute 3-year-old "very small, like a shrimp."

He is bred in France by Marine Ferte and was registered in the Zangersheide studbook. Sired by Sandro Hit, the dark bay is out of Siolita, a KWPN mare line by Voltaire x Renville x Amor. He is named after the Roman general Quintus Sertorius.

Winning the 2017 French Championships for 7-YO
(Photo © Les Garennes)

"He was bought by the establishment (IFCE - Institut Français du cheval et de l'equitation) because they loved his energy, but he definitely was too small for the high school. They thought of making him part of the sauteurs, but because he was too small they confided him to me because I'm smaller than the boys. First they thought he could later on move to the sauteurs with one of the boys. When he was five, he really started to trot well and then they told me I could keep him."

Basquin explained that he did no showing as a youngster and he only started going really well as a 6-year old. The pair made its mark by winning the 2017 French Championships for 7-year olds and it was the start of their illustrious show career. Sertorius was unfortunately stopped in their tracks by colic after he moved to developing PSG level at the age of 9. It set them back by two years bur in 2021 they picked up where they left off and slowly worked towards Grand Prix. He did his first GP test in 2021.

"I've always loved riding him because he's so intelligent and has so much energy," Basquin said. "With his colic episode, he showed us that he is a warrior, that he wanted to get through it, and to continue. This horse is a life lesson. While respecting life, we try to reach the highest level. He reached it, because he has an incredible mind."

Basquin credits veterinarians Xavier Goupil and osteopath Isabelle Burgaud for their good work on the horse. Training wise, Pauline keeps an open mind and worked with Guillaume Lundy and Thibaut Vallette at the Cadre Noir, as well as with Bettina Drummond. Nowadays she is coached by Jan Nivelle and Carlos Pinto.

The Rise

The plan to "ride fewer shows" was short-lived and proved unsuccessful as Sertorius proved talented and willing.

In 2022 they already impressed the discerning dressage sport fan at the CDI Le Mans early in February and went on to win the French Grand Prix Championships. They were nominated on the French team for the 2022 World Championships in Herning, where they finished 38th with 69.938% in the Grand Prix.

After the French claimed a historic Nations' Cup victory in Rotterdam and was 17th in the Special (71.915%) at the CDIO Aachen, Basquin was back on the French team for the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck, where they posted 72.189% in the Grand Prix (23rd), 73.328% in the Special (18th) and 79.561% in the freestyle (13th).

Harmony

Many spectators felt that Basquin's performances on "Serto" deserved even higher marks. The pair embody the essence of dressage, which, for Basquin, is all about "harmony" and that is a quality that defines their partnership.

For Pauline her primary goal in Riesenbeck was to savour the experience and relish the moment.

In her quest for the perfect freestyle music, Basquin delved into the depths of the internet, listening to countless tracks under the keyword "epic music." This meticulous search took her several hours. Ultimately, she discovered a piece of music that resonated with her and Sertorius' embodiment of the Cadre Noir tradition, as well as with the gelding's graceful movements. It was further arranged by a friend to suit their performance.

With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the French will be coming full blast out of the starting gaits and Basquin and Serto are on the rise to become a national beacon for French dressage sport.