mon 21.03.2011

Different testimonials:

Michael Jung – four-time winner in Compiègne and the current world champion

“Compiègne has held an important place for me at the beginning of the season for a long time.

As the competition is situated in a magnificent region in the heart of the forest, it boasts a ground that is favourable to creating cross country obstacles.  The wide variety of obstacles on the course, including the combinations in the water make it an interesting event to start off the season and test our young horses on a two star level competition.
I am sure that there will be many spectators and supporters this year once again, for what I hope will be a successful weekend.
Lastly, I like competing in Compiègne as the organisation is perfect and all of the people involved in the event are very friendly.”

Laurent Bousquet – the French National Selector

He has experienced the CCI of Compiègne as a rider, the national trainer of Japan, Belgium and France.
“Compiègne is a competition of great quality thanks to its facilities, its friendly welcome and its grounds, especially that of the cross country course. Its other advantage is its position on the calendar. This allows young horses to be seen not long after they competed in the Lion World Championships for 7-year-old horses at the end of the previous year.”

Jean Teulère – World Champion in 2002, Team Olympic Champion in 2004

“The selection criterion to choose a competition remains the technical quality of an event. In Compiègne, this has always been very satisfactory at all levels. All of the grounds are good, from the dressage arena to the cross country course to the show jumping ground.
When we used to take part in long-format events, it was also very pleasant to ride the steeplechase phase on the racecourse which was an ideal ground! And additionally, I have some real friends among the organising team who have managed to remain dedicated to the competition allowing it to continue over time.

Guy Otheguy – Honorary President of the competition, a course designer and an official international judge

“I think that I have carried out almost all the positions at the CCI. At the very beginning, the cross-country course went through the middle of the forest allowing riders to prepare for the French Championships and the selection for the Olympic Games in Australia. I was the course designer for the French Equestrian Federation at that time. Pre-built obstacles did not exist in those days and with Mr Delahaye, we were the chainsaw aces!
Monique Marini had great ambitions for Compiègne. Her determination to succeed allowed us to have access to the Beaux Monts grounds and to organise a CCI***, the European Young Riders’ Championship, which contributed to making the CCI renowned throughout Europe.  Thanks to the help of the town hall, its flower greenhouses and all of the team from the parks and gardens department, I have been able to create the courses which are the most decorated with flowers of the circuit. I remember that one morning I discovered that all the flowers were frozen, creating an unsightly display for the spectators… But this did not prove to be a problem, as in just a few hours, fresh plants had brightened up all of the flower beds! The team is always very available and efficient. Every year the organisers refuse entries as it is an event that is very suitable to start the season. Lastly, I won’t forget to mention what everyone speaks about on the European circuit: the event’s fabulous canteen in the marquee!”

Vincent de Brichambault – Chief Steward, in charge of applying the FEI rules

“It is always a magnificent competition. I remember that in 2008, in accordance with the rules, I had to cut a few whips which were too long including those of Zara Philipps and Pippa Funnel. At the prize giving ceremony, I came with two new whips which were the correct length. I offered one to Pippa, and as Zara Philips had not completed the show jumping test and was absent from the prize giving ceremony, I kept the other one for myself.”