The 13-year-old Donatello d’Auge, bred and raised at Haras de La Bosquetterie in Normandy, has dominated the WBFSH Breeder Rankings throughout 2025, topping the list for six consecutive months and finishing with the highest points tally of any jumping horse in the world. His performances—including a landmark victory at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2025 in Basel and other top results in 5* and 4* Grand Prix competitions—have been central to Susana’s success as a breeder. Donatello d’Auge contributed 1,911 points to the final 2025 WBFSH rankings, leading all horses worldwide and helping the Selle Français studbook secure its position as the number one jumping studbook for the third year running.

Susana reflects on Donatello’s enduring excellence: “Two years later he is still there, among the best… I’m really proud of the management.” She emphasises the importance of careful upbringing, allowing horses to enjoy paddock life and starting them late under saddle to support longevity in sport.

Susana’s collaboration with husband and rider Julien Epaillard has also been key to Donatello’s sustained performance, with Julien’s horse-centred approach ensuring peak condition season after season. In addition to Donatello, Susana continues to develop his younger full brother and a talented nine-year-old sister competing at 1.40 m, underscoring the depth of her breeding programme.

Susana attributes her success to patience and a holistic approach: “Patience is the big secret… let them grow, and once they are doing the sport, then patience not to ask them too much, too often.” Her second Longines WBFSH Breeder Award stands as a testament to this philosophy and to the enduring legacy of one of modern show jumping’s great athletes.