French Championship triumph for Michel

Michel Assouline reigned triumphant at the French National Dressage Championship, winning the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Kr to take the French Championship title on his first attempt.

Riding the 12-year-old mare Annastasia, Michel gained an impressive 66.03 per cent in the Grand Prix, 67.93 per cent in the Grand Prix Special and 75.03 per cent in the Grand Prix Kr.

President of the five-judge jury, Bernard Mauler, said he was impressed with the mare’s consistent performance and way of going.

Michel was delighted with the win. “Annastasia loves to perform in front of a large audience. It makes her work much more extravagant and expressive. I think she went the best she has ever gone in the final test. It felt perfect,” he said.

The championships took place at the Ecole Nationale dEquitation from 26- 29 October, in front of more than 3,000 spectators and were televised across France.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.