In creating R.I.D.E. (Rencontres Internationales des Disciplines Equestres), Amaury Sport Organisation (Tour de France, Dakar, Open de France de Golf, Paris Marathon, etc.) proposes an alternative vision of equestrian sports. The idea is to promote three disciplines among the general public: jumping, eventing and driving. For its second edition, from the 20th to the 23rd of September 2007 in Deauville, R.I.D.E. becomes « R.I.D.E. Normandy ». The association with the leading equestrian region in France is voluntary: the objective is to create a long-term event with a view to Normandy being selected to host the World Equestrian Games in 2014.
In collaboration with the Conseil Régional de Basse-Normandie and with the backing of the Conseil Régional de Haute-Normandie, the event will be held in the enchanting Deauville-Clairefontaine Hippodrome from the 20th to the 23rd of September. The ambition is to make R.I.D.E Normandy the landmark event in equestrian sports in France.
The first edition of R.I.D.E., organised in the Paris region in 2004, was approved unanimously by those primarily concerned: the competitors. Whatever the discipline, jumping, eventing or driving, riders and drivers appreciated the original concept of the competitions and their technical quality. This was clearly expressed during the press conferences by the winners: Belgium’s Karin Donckers in eventing, Germany’s Joseph Zeitler in driving and Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs in jumping. They also emphasised their enthusiasm for a repeat performance. They will hence be present in Normandy next September at the Clairefontaine Hippodrome, which will open its doors to equestrian sports. This hippodrome is renowned for its pleasant July and August summer meetings. Alterations will be carried out in order to host R.I.D.E., the most notable being the installation of an all-weather arena, a cross-country course and a marathon-driving course.
All three disciplines have been redesigned, within the framework of FEI regulations, to create a livelier, more spectacular and more entertaining event. What was true for the participants in 2004 was also true for the public who appreciated the diversity of styles as one competition followed another without overlapping. This allowed fans – and sportsmen and women – of one equestrian discipline to appreciate another discipline. 23.300 spectators, including 40% of novices, were hence present at this first R.I.D.E
R.I.D.E. Normandy will be preceded, on Wednesday 19th of September, by the « mini R.I.D.E. » with the same three disciplines open to young talent from the region. All of those involved in the world of horse riding in this region, recognised as an important « pole of competitiveness » in this sector, will be present. Deauville is already reputed world wide for its equestrian activities: racing, trading, polo and the birthplace of horse breeding. R.I.D.E. Normandy will be the ultimate addition to this upmarket list.
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