Stars of 76 Years CHIO: Julien Epaillard

At a young age—he is now 48—Julien was introduced to the basics of horse riding when his parents took him to the Haras de Siva stables. Years later, he got the opportunity to compete internationally when Mr. Bideault, the director of the national stud farm in Saint-Lô, provided him with a few quality horses. This was followed by a period of intensive training with the legendary French rider Hubert Bourdy, during which Julien further honed his skills. For years now, Julien has been among the elite in French show jumping and holds his own internationally as well. Last year, he won team bronze in Paris. Twice he won team silver in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona (2022 and 2023). 2023 was a strong year for him, as he also claimed individual bronze at the European Championships in San Remo.

First time on grass

Julien apologizes for not remembering exactly when he first competed in Rotterdam. Julien: “It must have been in 2004 or 2005, and it was definitely still on grass back then. Since then, I think I’ve competed there about five times. It's important to ride well in Rotterdam because it's always the last or second-to-last event before a major championship, and after CHIO, the national coach decides who makes the team. When I think of Rotterdam, that's what comes to mind—but also restaurant De Tuin, where we always go to eat with the team. It's a great place, and the food is excellent.”

Europian Championships

“I have good memories of Rotterdam. Last year we won the Longines League of Nations™️ and I jumped double clear. Three years ago, I was second in the Grand Prix, and I’ve also finished second or third in several other classes. In 2022, I won the Rotterdam Championship. I hope to be there again this year, although Paris is also on the calendar. But if I want to be selected for the European Championships, I’ll have to ride in Rotterdam—so I’m really hoping for a weekend at your event.”

Positive vibe

“Our win in the Longines League of Nations™️ last year in Rotterdam was really important for us. Things hadn’t been going so well until then, and that event was our final rehearsal before Paris. That victory gave us a real positive vibe, and I have great memories of it. I enjoy competing in the Netherlands in general. You have many great shows, there’s always a good atmosphere, and you have excellent riders I enjoy watching and competing against. Also, you treat both riders and horses very well. I always want to keep improving, and that matters. I love competition—that’s what you work for every day. Of course, it’s wonderful to spend every day with my horses and work with them, but competition is a big part of it for me.”

Motorcross

“In addition to riding, I also do motocross, which is a big hobby of mine. I also love good food. Of course, I spend most of my day at the competition grounds in Rotterdam, but if there’s an opportunity, I enjoy going into the city for a nice meal.”

Barefoot horses

Some may already know this, but Julien is known for having his horses go without shoes—in other words, barefoot. Julien: “In my opinion, they like it and perform better that way. My horses go out in the field together; I believe horses need a social life too. When they play around with each other, the risk of injury is much lower if they’re barefoot.”

“To everyone reading this, I’d like to say: please keep following our sport. Without spectators, there’s no sport. And when there's a big crowd, it gives us riders a real boost—we push ourselves even harder.”