The first day saw the 35 drivers perform their dressage exercises in the new Orne arena at the heart of the Pôle International de Sports Equestres at Haras Du Pin. After taking the lead midway through the day, Picardy’s Anne-Violaine Brisou had to settle for a logical victory over world n°5 Kelly Houtappels-Bruder (CAN). She is now ahead of Laure Philippot (BEL), the world n°6, who concedes her almost 5 points. Anne Violaine Brisou, 3rd and 6th (she’s competing with two horses) stays in touch.

CAI Le Pin au Hara 2023 -Dressage Results

Dressage Day

This first dressage test put on a great show for the public, with some of the world’s best drivers taking to the track. While Anne-Violaine Brisou from Picardy, one of the most experienced riders on the circuit, held the provisional lead for a while with her first horse Haronica, Laure Philippot (BEL) struck a blow after the lunch break by becoming the first rider to break the 45-point barrier.

World #1 Mario Gandolfo (SUI) was unable to steal the show. We had to wait for Canadian Kelly Houtappels-Bruder to finally score under 40 points…39.99 to be exact. The battle between the two leaders promises to be thrilling! Even if keen observers know it will be difficult to beat them, the French resistance is getting organized with Anne-Violaine Brisou (3rd and 6th), Tony Ecalle (4th), Clément Deschamps (6th) and Didier Mathis (8th).

The reaction of Kelly Houtappels-Bruder (CAN), provisional 1st in the 1 horse category «This is the 6th time I’ve come to the Haras du Pin. We always love this competition, the welcome, the bread, the wine, all those wonderful French specialities (laughs). It’s the best dressage test we’ve done this season. We’re really happy, especially as it’s one of the last competitions of the year.

Flip (her horse, editor’s note) felt good right from the warm-up, so it was looking good. ”

Kelly Houtappels-Bruder (CAN)

“We’ve taken part in three competitions since January: Wetteringen (GER), Windsor (GBR) and Bühl (GER). It’s a bit of a transition here, as we’re trying out a few things like a new bit, and sometimes that influences your results. But our major objective is the 2024 World Championship (at Haras du Pin, editor’s note). Changing certain settings doesn’t always give good results, but it allows us to improve and fine-tune our preparation.

Flip is always better on the marathon. We’ve mainly worked to improve his dressage skills over the last seven years, but this has diminished his quality on the marathon. We’re trying to find the right balance between the two and make him competitive on both tests. It’s an exciting adventure and never easy. On the marathon, he’s always focused, always willing, even if sometimes he makes his own decisions, which isn’t easy (laughs). We know each other really well, he’s my best mate! Le Pin is one of the few real marathons on the calendar.

Tough Course

I think it’s going to be a tough course, with a lot of pitfalls. The obstacles are very similar. It’s as hard on the horses mentally as it is physically. Fortunately, with the new facilities, there’s no need to worry about the horses’ comfort, the tracks are extraordinary, plus we have a free day tomorrow to enjoy!”

Anne-Violaine Brisou’s reaction (FRA), 3rd et 6th, best French 1 horse-driver

“I’ve only had Guillaume Swing (provisional 3rd) in my stables since last November. We had to find each other. The horse was already experienced, but I changed the codes and requirements. There are no first and second horses in my piquet, it depends on the competition. When you show two horses, you always have to choose the one that goes first.

Sometimes the scores can vary throughout the day, which explains the difference tonight. I’ve been leading Haronica for longer, while I’m still researching with Guillaume. I benefit from the help of Sébastien Goyheneix, with whom I work in winter, and who was able to come along this week. We were able to fine-tune the dressage in the last 48 hours and it paid off. I’ve been rubbing shoulders with Kelly (Houtappels Bruder, 1st provisional, editor’s note) for a few competitions where I’ve been, even without taking part.

I’ve watched her a lot, and what she’s doing is beautiful, but it’s achievable. Yes, we’re under pressure, but that’s the game. Especially as my horses belong to different owners, Didier & Annick Garcia for Guillaume Swing, and Yannick & Sylvia for Haronica. It’s their adventure too, and I love sharing these moments with them. They’re friends who follow me closely, who even provide the stewardship.

Both my horses have points of strength. Guillaume Swing is a cat and a real galloper, while Haronica embodies strength…sometimes he’s quicker than me when it comes to making decisions (laughs). They’re very different, but both competitive. The marathon is reputed to be difficult here, which is something that a lot of foreign leaders, unaccustomed to this hilly topography, dread.

I’m confident, especially as I can rely on a loyal and solid team, notably my husband Jean-Pierre, my driver and logistics manager, Olivier Gagneux my marathon groom who works my horses at home, and Melissa, who takes care of everything at home, a wonderful young woman, a real nanny for my horses.

Beautiful Le Pin

Le Pin is a beautiful competition that has always met the expectations of drivers, with a real marathon and competition. It has kept pace with the evolution of our sport, which essentially brings together non-professional enthusiasts who go to competitions instead of going on vacation. The Haras du Pin has been able to adapt, unlike others. Of course, with the PISE, we’re in incredible comfort, but the quality of the welcome, always warm, really weighed in the balance.

CAI Le Pin au Hara 2023 -Dressage Results