This weekend, the last international 5* equestrian 3 day event of the season will take place at Pau.
Naturally the weather has turned so it will be a bit of a mud fest but they’re used to that.
I looked at the entry list.
34 GB entries
5 French entries
Another host of entries from other countries.
It hasn’t got the kudos of the events in the UK but it is a lovely setting.
5 étoiles de Pau
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Blaze
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5 étoiles de Pau
I find the events in France more informal/laid back and familial than the UK where there seemed to be an awful lot of posing !! That said, I haven't been to anything like that in the UK for nearly 30 years so perhaps things have changed !
Pau is the only 5* site in France while the UK has Badminton and Burghley. Pau doesn't have quite the history of Badminton !
I was very fortunate to meet and photograph some of the top French riders at a local eventing course. It was ideal for initiating their young horses in concours complet. It's great to see how they've evolved (horses and riders). I have to confess I know little about the British riders as I don't follow them.
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Headers
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5 étoiles de Pau
@Blaze I used to call them all the Bs (Badminton, Blair Castle - now defunct, Burleigh - the biggest in my opinion, Blenheim perhaps that’s a 4*? )
I had a dobbin and decided that eventing was the thing for us. He was a riding school pony and worked very hard. I wasn’t very good but my friend managed to get him up to Intermediate level. I did the grooming. We did about 10 compétions a year and always seemed to get put into sections with the pros like Ginny Leng, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt on their youngsters so we never had a chance really.
The sport has changed a lot since then and is much more difficult for beginners to get into. Safety regs are also much improved!
I had a dobbin and decided that eventing was the thing for us. He was a riding school pony and worked very hard. I wasn’t very good but my friend managed to get him up to Intermediate level. I did the grooming. We did about 10 compétions a year and always seemed to get put into sections with the pros like Ginny Leng, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt on their youngsters so we never had a chance really.
The sport has changed a lot since then and is much more difficult for beginners to get into. Safety regs are also much improved!
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Blaze
- Posts: 5141
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:06 pm
- Location: Ille et Villaine (35)
5 étoiles de Pau
@Headers I never got into competing in the UK other than small shows when I was younger. When we came to France I was more interested in western riding - reining, trail etc. - I even won enough points to qualify for the French championships 
But I didn't want to take it all so seriously as it becomes too much of a commitment, training etc. I much preferred going off on my own in the forest (no mobile coverage !) with a picnic, just me and my horse ...
I was once very fortunate to be asked to groom for a friend who was one of the top French pairs carriage drivers and we went to Poland for an international. Fabulous experience, hard work - I loved it.
Sadly I find kids here are pushed into competing, getting their Galops etc but I see that in all sports here. I'm not terribly impressed by the way they're taught to ride here, but that's quite a different topic ....
The obligation to wear a back protector was a real game changer in cross country/sj. As a first aider, I've seen the number of accidents reduce dramatically since their introduction.
But I didn't want to take it all so seriously as it becomes too much of a commitment, training etc. I much preferred going off on my own in the forest (no mobile coverage !) with a picnic, just me and my horse ... I was once very fortunate to be asked to groom for a friend who was one of the top French pairs carriage drivers and we went to Poland for an international. Fabulous experience, hard work - I loved it.
Sadly I find kids here are pushed into competing, getting their Galops etc but I see that in all sports here. I'm not terribly impressed by the way they're taught to ride here, but that's quite a different topic ....
The obligation to wear a back protector was a real game changer in cross country/sj. As a first aider, I've seen the number of accidents reduce dramatically since their introduction.