Jean-Alexandre LeGras went from last-minute call-up to team hero as France took gold at last weekend’s FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth event in Compiègne.
LeGras – in his debut at the famous French venue – scored a double clear on his impressive partner Cashmia de la Bonn to ensure the home team took Young Riders’ victory without their anchor leg even needing to go.
It was a career high to date for 19-year-old LeGras, who is coming to the end of his first year at the prestigious EM Lyon Business School.
“I was not supposed to take part in the Nations Cup as I was the team reservist. However, I was asked to compete late on the Thursday,” he told FEI.org. “I was excited and nervous about it, especially as I had never been to Compiegne before.
“I wanted to show that I had earned my place in the team. Every rider of the team, including Eden Leprevost, Ilona Mezzadri, and Ramatou Ouedraogo, was very experienced at this level. It was good to be in such a strong team for my first Young Riders’ Nations Cup.”
Double Clear
France were already in a strong position through Mezzadri and Ouedraogo, but Belgium and Great Britain were still in contention.
However, there was no stopping LeGras and Cashmia as they became the only partnership out of the 27 starters to record a double clear around Yann Royan’s course.
LeGras said: “Anything can happen in a Nations Cup until it is over, but in this case, after my second clear, we had already won the Nation Cup as they keep the top three scores, which was enough to win. Eden did not have to take part in the second round, which was a good thing as she was clear in Sunday's GP!
“I knew I had the right horse to be clear, and from the moment I entered the arena, I was in a calm state of mind with a clear plan in my head. Being the only double clear in the Nations Cup was so satisfying, and it is my best memory to date.
“However, the season is not over yet, and I need to keep my focus on the next shows.”
More Chances
The victory cemented France’s place at the top of qualifying for this year’s FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Final in Belgium in September. In three outings they have won two, having also triumphed in Gorla Minore, and come second in the Opglabbeek leg.
France are not competing in this weekend’s Lamprechtshausen, Austria round, but LeGras is hoping for the opportunity to appear again as he targets a place at this summer’s FEI Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, Juniors and Children in Gorla Minore.
“Regarding my future plans, I would love to participate in upcoming Nation Cup events, but it is the federal staff that will decide which riders are ready for these events,” he said. “I want to thank them for the opportunity to compete in the Nations Cup and hope that there will be more chances in the future.
“I still have more than two years of Young Riders’ eligibility, and my objective is to participate in the European Championship and to jump clear at 150cm+ level. There is still a lot of work to do, but I am quite happy with the system I have put in place.”
No Partying
LeGras has made quick progress during his teenage years, moving swiftly from 1m to 1.4m jumping under coach Eric Muhr. He did not come from an equestrian background, but has fully committed himself to the twin demands of his academic studies and a fledgling sports career.
He added: “I have had busy days throughout the last three years. It is a lot of work and organisation to combine both lives – no smoking, no partying at the weekend, but instead going to the gym, running, reading, meditating and other professional projects outside school and horses. It is a sacrifice, but I love what I do.”
LeGras competes two horses, Cashmia and Narena Z, and has developed a robust philosophy concerning their well-being which perhaps belies his years.
“One day, I went to Gilles Bertrand de Balanda's stable for a week,” LeGras explained. “He taught me the discipline and rigor I needed to become a top rider, and it completely changed my approach to the sport. I am still frequently in touch with him.
“My riding changed a lot last year, as I have my horses barefoot to allow proper function of their feet. I am looking at the horse from a different perspective. I love the philosophy of Peder Fredricson and Victor Bettendorf. It is important to go with the horse when you try to explain something and not against them. Otherwise, how can you take pleasure in riding a horse? It is the responsibility of young riders to remedy this problem if we want this beautiful sport to continue in the future.”
source: FEI
