A total of 71 horse-and-rider pairs took the start in this ultimate showdown, bringing together a generation destined for the world’s most prestigious international stages. Every rider shared a single goal: to shine one last time over a 1.35m course with a jump-off on the Terrain d’Honneur before concluding this developmental stage of the competition.

For the occasion, course designer Jean-François Gourdin designed a demanding yet fluid track, where the quality of the canter and boldness made all the difference. The course was crafted to test the maturity of these young horses, who are still developing but already capable of remarkable performances.

At the end of the first round, 31 pairs managed to find the key to a clear round and secure their ticket to the jump-off.

First to go in the second round, Equita rider Megane Moissonnier delivered a double clear with Thilly van Het Lindehof in a time of 40.46 seconds, setting the initial benchmark. To stand a chance in this highly competitive class, riders had to tighten their turns and give it their all at every obstacle.

In this high-stakes game, Victor Bettendorf was the first to overtake the Rhone-Alps rider, signing a perfect round in 38.76 seconds with Jumbo de la Roque. The Luxembourger’s performance held the lead for a long time—until Mathis Vallat entered the ring. Aboard Jordan du Chalet, the Equita rider shaved another 0.27 seconds off the leading time (38.69 seconds). It was a blistering pace that no one would catch.

With tight lines, long strides, and sharp turns, the rider—who is not yet 22—extracted the very best from his stallion. It was a dazzling performance. For both horse and rider, the new generation has truly made its mark.

A final look at these promising young horses before attention shifts to this afternoon’s GL events Grand Prix, the grand finale of this Printemps des Sports Équestres.

Final Rankings: 7-Year-Old Final CSIYH1, Prix FFE*

  1. Mathis Vallat (FRA), Jordan du Chalet, 38.49 seconds

  2. Victor Bettendorf (LUX), Jumbo la Roque, 38.76 seconds

  3. Christian Ahlmann (GER), Toemme de Regor Z, 39.62 seconds

In Their Words:

Mathis Vallat (FRA), winner of the 7-year-old final (Prix FFE) with Jordan du Chalet:

"This victory was quite unexpected. Jordan was truly superb. He doesn’t have a huge amount of experience yet; he did one CSI at the beginning of the year and a 7-year-old Grand Prix in Cluny, but otherwise only 1.30m classes. However, since arriving here at the Grand Parquet, he has behaved perfectly and jumped beautifully. He didn’t touch a rail all weekend and we finished with a win. Apparently, the grass suits him well, even though it was his first time on this surface. Now, we’ll try to maintain consistency throughout the season to reach the 7-year-old final. He’s a horse my father’s best friend bought as a 3-year-old at the Fences auctions, and I’ve been riding him since he was five. We feel he’s a horse capable of reaching the very top level. Winning here is fantastic for me, especially since I joined the GL events Equestrian Sport family this year. To perform like this here—I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better."

Following the 7-year-old final, Mathis Vallat (FRA) claimed victory once again in the CSI1 Big Tour – Grand Prix Laiterie de Montaigu*, partnered with Ilico de l’Herse.

"I am obviously very happy with this second win of the day. It wasn't necessarily a victory I expected. The horse wasn't fully with me; he is a bit sensitive in the mouth and I sometimes struggle to stay in control, but he still jumped very well. Usually, he jumps a bit higher than this, but I wanted to drop the height slightly for his first time on grass, and in the end, he was fantastic. I hadn't planned to go very fast in the jump-off. He’s a horse that doesn’t always turn easily, but he is incredible over the fences. So, I rode a careful jump-off and it was ultimately enough to win. Ilico didn’t touch a single rail the whole show. The grass seems to suit him too."

Meanwhile, on the Carrière des Princes, the Amateur Gold Tour FFE - Vicomte A Grand Prix took place. Riding Hoover, Mélodie de Ponnat (FRA) won the class, while Allegra Peardon (FRA) won the Best Amateur Rider challenge presented by Stephex.

Mélodie de Ponnat (FRA), winner of the Amateur Gold Tour Grand Prix – FFE Vicomte A with Hoover:

"I am so happy today. Hoover was particularly attentive and responsive throughout. For my jump-off, I decided to go as fast as possible by leaving out strides in every line, which I managed to do. Great course, great class, great atmosphere. Truly, it’s the perfect day!"

Allegra Peardon (FRA), winner of the Best Amateur Rider challenge presented by Stephex and 3rd in the Amateur Gold Tour FFE - Vicomte A Grand Prix with Galoubet des Tamaris:

"This is a fabulous experience for me. It’s the first time I’ve come here with him, and we haven't been together for very long. On the first day, we were already eighth in the opening class, and yesterday he was fifth, so I knew if I did well today and stayed clear, I’d have a chance to win the challenge. I didn’t win today, but that consistency over the five days paid off. This whole show has been incredible."