SHF : the star horses of the future are already shining bright in the arena at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International

The future champions, the horses that will be competing in the world's greatest show jumping events tomorrow, were presented in the arena at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International on Saturday, during the indoor finals for 5- and 6-year-old horses organised by the Société Hippique Française (SHF). After an initial obstacle-jumping test on Friday, the future elite horses, carefully selected from the best heritages, competed for the top spot amongst French-bred horses over a course with 12 obstacles designed by Jean-François Gourdin. However, above and beyond their actual jumping performance, the young champions were also assessed by a panel of judges as regards their « manner and aptitude », i.e. their style and ease around the course.

In the 5-year-old category, Ipanema des Lotus, the daughter of the Holsteiner stallion Canturo, took first place, ridden by Alejandro Hernandes Herrera Farid. Owned by Stéphanie Alexandre, Ipanema des Lotus finished ahead of the son of the Selle Français Ceira D'Ick, Ixora des Forêts, presented by Thomas Lévêque and owned by Fabrice Paris. Ridden by Alain Fortin, third place went to Michel Frigot's mare Itopaze MF, the daughter of the Selle Français stallion Quartz du Chant.

In the 6-year-old category, Habibi V'Gas is the future star who shone brightest on the course. The daughter of the stallion For Pleasure, owned by S.C V'Gas BC, took first place ridden by Teddy Thellier. Havane des Baleines, the son of the Holsteiner Casall, came a close second, ridden by Pedro Junqueira Muylaert. This future champion, owned by EARL des Baleines, finished just ahead of another stallion, Halifax du Barquet, who was third on the podium. This handsome grey, the son of Lauterbach, was ridden by Sofian Misraoui.