Jean-Maurice Bonneau has left us

The news is, for many, difficult to believe, difficult to accept. While he was still walking with his usual smile at Saut Hermès last weekend, Jean-Maurice Bonneau left us this Monday, March 18, 2024, at the age of sixty-four.

A true horseman, international rider and member of the French team from 1987 to 1996 – in which he was a team bronze medalist at the 1995 European Championships – Jean-Maurice Bonneau then, from 2000 in 2006, was in turn coach and selector of the Blues in show jumping. This French team that he led to be gold medalists at the 2002 world championships, then silver at the 2003 European championships, and alongside whom he won several Nations Cups in 2003 and 2004…

From 2011 to 2015, it was then to the Brazilian team that Jean-Maurice Bonneau provided his advice. Thanks to him, the riders in the green jacket were team silver medalists at the Pan American Games, placed eighth at the London Olympic Games and even fifth at the World Equestrian Games in Caen. A leader of men like few others, in short, and a golden coach. A status once again confirmed by the Olympic title of Kévin Staut and Philippe Rozier – of whom he was the private coach – in 2016 in Rio. Since 2014, Jean-Maurice Bonneau had also chosen to devote himself to the younger generation, by being an active member, technical advisor and team leader of the Young Riders Academy.

Jean-Maurice Bonneau dedicated his life to horses and sport, which he discovered from a very young age.thanks to the teaching of Gérald and Michel de Béjarry“, as he himself wrote. At eighteen, he then joined his older brothers, Jean-Pierre and André, already professional riders, before continuing his journey with Hubert Thiroin, then Daniel Constant and setting up his own business in 1984. “Meeting Jean Rochefort, a few years later, opened up new horizons for me that I would never have suspected“, he also wrote. So much so that in 2022, Jean-Maurice Bonneau published the book We’ll be there one day, big guy, in which he looks back on his journey, from his native Vendée to the Rio title and explains in detail the path traveled with all the actors: horses, riders, owners, grooms, etc., without whom the story would not have been possible. occurred. “It was important for me to write this book for my three daughters, my grandchildren, and to give hope to all young people who may doubt. With passion, will and work, we can achieve it“, he underlined at the time of the release of this book.

Rider, trainer, selector, true figure of equestrian sports in France and throughout the world… Jean-Maurice Bonneau, a horse lover and a man of many hats, was also a breeder and bred his protégés at the Haras de Saint Linaire. A great horseman has thus left us. His philosophy, his simple but always accurate words, his keen analyses, his presence and his laughter will certainly be missed by many of us. “He was a role model for many, his energy and good humor took many of us to the top. He illuminated our lives with his presence, he leaves an immense void“, as his family wrote.

The writing of The Spur extends its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Jean-Maurice Bonneau.