“I started riding my first ponies at the age of 3”

“I started riding my first ponies at the age of 3”
“I started riding my first ponies at the age of 3”

On the program, an immersion in the equestrian world, where shows, competitions and activities combine, in the heart of the largest ephemeral stable in Europe.

Since its first edition, the -Eurexpo Show has become an unmissable event for horse enthusiasts, this year offering even more than 140,000 m² of activities and entertainment, from October 30 to November 3. Visitors will be able to enjoy the Longines Equita Lyon, International Horse Show, as well as numerous riding demonstrations, various exhibitors, and activities for young and old.

On this occasion we met Mégane Moissonier professional rider, French Ponam D1 Excellence champion.

At only 26 years old, the young woman, originally from Lent, embodies passion and perseverance. Her childhood was surrounded by horses, with parents managing a breeding farm and a stable for young horses, she took her first pony rides at the age of 3. This natural environment for her has shaped a career marked by remarkable performances and an unwavering passion for this animal that she considers a true partner.

A graduate of a scientific baccalaureate followed by a BTS in accounting and management, Mégane has always wanted to have a solid foundation in the event of a change of direction. “I wanted to try my luck in the world of horse riding, but also to have an alternative, because an accident or a desire for change can happen quickly,” she confides.

Although Mégane did not follow pure dressage training, she recognizes the importance of this discipline, which she practices in winter to strengthen the bases necessary for show jumping competitions. She particularly enjoys attending dressage tests at prestigious events like Equita, where the excellence of 5-star dressage is a real spectacle.

A rise to 5 stars

Mégane has reached the 5-star level, the highest echelon of show jumping competitions, reaching heights of 1m60. She also participated last year in the senior European championship, a great source of pride for this rider, already accustomed to European championships since her years as a pony rider and as a young rider. “Winning a championship as a senior is different. The pressure is more intense,” she explains.

Mégane now works with a horse dealer, where she promotes the horses intended for sale, ensuring that they are accessible and versatile for all types of riders.

She insists on the importance of creating a bond of trust with her horses, “I spend time in the stable with my horses, even if my groom takes care of a lot of things, I find it essential to develop a close relationship. “Horse is intelligent, and he will give more if he feels that you are close to him,” she emphasizes.

The place of women in equestrian sports

In this mixed environment, Mégane explains that there are more women in amateurs, they remain less represented at high level. However, she considers that skill takes precedence over gender: “whether it is a man or a woman, everything depends on the horse. Strength is not the only way to succeed. With my horse Cordial [En 2022, Cordial lui offre sa première sélection en équipe de Seniors à l’occasion du CSIO 5 étoiles de La Baule.NDLR]renowned for his strength, I have proven that exceptional results can be achieved using something other than my strength.”

For her, more and more women have distinguished themselves in major championships in recent years. A promising trend which paves the way for increasingly visible equality in the biggest international championships.

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