At home, in front of her family gathered in the stands, equestrian champion Jeanne Sadran set off into the clearing to thunderous applause. In a duo with Dexter de Kerglenn, her horse, the rider completed a double clear round in record time. Faced with the thirty-six other participants, she won on the complex course designed by course designer Grégory Bodo.
With this first victory in a 5-star Grand Prix, Jeanne Sadran now represents the next generation of French show jumping. She will fly to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Super Final in Riyadh next November. In the middle of a morning ride on Dexter’s back, the young woman from Toulouse answered our questions in rhythm with the hammering of her hooves.
Paris Match. You were the first in your family to take up horse riding before being quickly joined by your little sister Louise. How did this passion come to you?
Jeanne Sadran. I went to pony club for the first time when I was four years old. I was hooked straight away and never stopped. I ended up putting aside the other sports I was practicing to devote myself solely to horse riding.
Did you quickly move towards competitions?
Yes ! I did my very first competition at the age of 12, which is relatively late in this industry. Normally we take the competitive route around the age of eight.
Jeanne Sadran on Dexter de Kerglenn (1st) wins the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris presented by Ville de Paris during the 10th edition of the “Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping” at the Plaine de Jeux de Bagatelle in Paris on June 22, 2024.
Veeren-Perusseau/Bestimage / © Veeren-Perusseau/Bestimage
Your father, Olivier Sadran, was president of Toulouse Football Club during your childhood. You were therefore immersed in a certain competitive atmosphere, what have you kept from it?
Yes, he was the owner of the club for 18 years. What I remember most is the spirit of support and encouragement. My family comes to see me a lot during the competitions, they are very present for me.
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This weekend you triumphed in the « Longines Paris Eiffel »how did you experience this competition?
It couldn’t have gone better! I won my first 5-star Grand Prix, it’s really fantastic. Plus it’s a victory at home so it’s even better, the crowd was fantastic.
A double clear round at 22 is unusual…
Competitions of this type are normally taken up relatively late. Around the age of 30-35, riders present their first 5-star Grand Prix.
How did you prepare for such a competition?
I prepare continuously, every day, all the time. The physical condition of a horse, its training, its technique: it takes months or even years to build. To get Dexter ready I worked every day on his weak points, those who had fished in the last competitions.
Did you expect such success?
It’s been a few days since my horse was really in good shape and we were achieving good results together. I was waiting for it a bit I must admit, it’s a good reward for the work put in. Thanks to this victory, I moved up in the world rankings and several good competitions are open to us.
Jeanne Sadran on Dexter de Kerglenn (1st), Kent Farrington on Myla (2nd), Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen on Equine America Harwich Vdl (3rd) – Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris presented by Ville de Paris during the 10th edition of the “Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping” at the Plaine de Jeux de Bagatelle in Paris on June 22, 2024.
Pierre Perusseau / Veeren / Bestimage / © Pierre Perusseau / Veeren / Bestimage
You share this victory with your stallion Dexter. How did this strong bond between you two come about?
I got him when he was six years old, today he is eleven, so it was me who did all his training. He has been at home for some time now, we have developed him to reach the level he is now and it is a real success.
Grand Prix Hermes CSI 5 – Jeanne SADRAN (FRA) riding DEXTER DE KERGLENN – Saut Hermès 2024 at the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris on March 17, 2024.
Michael Baucher / Panoramic / Be
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© Panoramic
He has a good character?
He has a lot of personality! It’s quite funny. For example, his box is his territory. You shouldn’t go in there, it’s really his home. It’s a trait that we often find in stallions but with Dexter it’s a level above, he can become grumpy. Beyond that, he’s super nice, he has a very big heart and it’s a pleasure to take care of him. We complement each other very well.
What are the next goals? Your dreams ?
In two weeks, I will take part in a competition in Monaco, the “Monte-Carlo International Jumping”. Then, a little well-deserved summer break. On the dream side, I really want to participate in major championships and even the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
