The very first Lami-Cell Pony Masters of Paris goes to Jeanne Hirel
Courtesy of Longines Masters
It was Christophe Ameeuw’s strong wish to include pony showjumping in the program of the Longines Masters of Paris. His goal? To allow tomorrow’s talents to rub elbows with today’s greatest figures of the sport and to use one of the most prestigious shows in the world to link generations.
Fifteen pairs from France, Ireland, Great-Britain, The Netherlands or Norway were selected to take part in this very first Lami-Cell Pony Masters. At the end of the day, France’s Jeanne Hirel put in the best performance in the Grand Prix. Aboard Vedouz de Nestin,she jumped off in 32’’67, over 4 sec. faster than Britain’s Hannah Barker on Ammanvalley Santino (36’’82) and Norman Romane Orhant on Quabar des Monceaux (38’’89).
“The Longines Masters of Paris was just… wow! I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of the very first Pony Masters and to compete in this arena!” commented Jeanne Hirel. Last to jump clear in the initial round and last to go in the jump-off, she kept her cool under pressure. “Olivier Bost (French pony team selector) told me to ride the jump-off in a good rhythm and to ride tight turns. I was determined to win”, she added. Aged 13 and already selected this summer for the pony European championships, she is definitely one to watch for the future. Will she be able to follow in the footsteps of her favorite riders Laura Kraut, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Jessica Springsteen ? Time will tell!