6 March 2016
European international driving season kicks off in Lisieux
Lisieux in France kicked off the European international driving season last weekend. Despite the cold weather conditions, the well-organised event welcomed 49 international drivers from France, Belgium, Great Britain and the Netherlands.
The two-star competition took place at the Hippodrome in Lisieux, where the competitors could stable their horses inside and were able to use all the facilities, creating comfortable conditions for all.
Several competitors made their international debut in Lisieux. The 15-year-old Pierre Manuel Brasseur, son of Felix Brasseur, competed in the single horse class for the first time. Dutch pony pair driver Melanie van de Bunt competed for the first time abroad and won her class, ahead of Frenchman Jean Federic Selle.
Sébastien Mourier presented the four-in-hand good looking Arabo Friesian horses owned by France-based Dutchman Eric Bouwman for the first time at an international competition. We all know Maxime Maricourt and his fast single pony, this time he drove a pony team for the first time at international level. Maricourt finished second behind the 17-year old French talent Amandine Debove, who impressed with her nice team.
Apart from the international classes, Lisieux also hosted a competition for 5, 6 and 7 year old horses in order to prepare for the FEI World Driving Championships for Young Horses, which take place in Conty in September of this year.
Photo: Marie de Ronde-Oudemans
Photo: Marie de Ronde-Oudemans
