While it’s been a long while between blogs, I have been far from idle… In fact, life has been incredibly full on and I’m bursting with excitement about what’s happening here.  There have been several twists and turns along the way in my European adventure but finally, after months of planning, I have exciting news to share, so read on… But first a little background on what I’ve been up to.

International in Deauville last year with Gordon in the Grand Prix 1* 1.35m

After almost 2 years working with Amy Graham and gaining valuable experience training and competing I had the opportunity last year of working with UK’s Jessica Mendoza at her stable in Holland. Jess is certainly making her mark on the world show jumping stage picking up the Longines Rising Star award and now preparing for Rio. I worked with her father Paul training young horses and was grateful for his expert guidance with my own horse, Gordon RV Riloo. Paul’s focus and success seems to be all about making the young horses more rideable and finding horses that are highly suited to the individual rider. Their training methods certainly confirmed the need to focus on quality dressage training along with the very best of horse management practices including expert veterinary and physio care to ensure peak performance and minimise injury.

Taking Wan Architect for a hack out, one of Jessica’s jumping 1.45/1.50 previously campaigned by Eric Van Der Vleuten 

Jess training Toy Boy, a scopey 7 year old recently started 1.45m classes

I also managed to squeeze in a quick trip back to Ireland for the Go for Gold Sale where the peak horse ‘Dougie Douglas’ sold for a cool 1.4 million euros to an American client.

A nice four year old in the Goresbridge Go for Gold Sale

My experiences in Europe to date have certainly given me the confidence and skills to launch into my next exciting venture.......so here goes……

I am so proud and excited to announce that I have embarked on an amazing opportunity to set up my own new equestrian enterprise!  In February I moved to the beautiful Chateau Les Trois Brioux in central France.  Since then we have been on a huge journey planning and building new stables, refurbishing fantastic existing facilities including a large indoor arena, fields and guest accommodation all within the picturesque grounds of a charming 19th century chateau!

Now where I very excitedly get to call home! Chateau les Trois Brioux

The vision we have for this boutique equestrian facility at Chateau Les Trois Brioux has evolved as a result of my personal experiences coming to Europe to pursue my riding career. I want this to be a place that offers visiting riders from Australia, US and elsewhere a caring, well-organised, professional and safe base to explore the European equestrian world with like-minded people. While not a commercial dealing barn, our facilities offer horses, riders and visitors the perfect place to ride, train and explore. We are endeavoring to create a supportive, friendly learning environment for riders, making the big step to Europe easy, enjoyable and as stress free as possible. 

The superb indoor facility at Chateau les Trois Brioux

The set up will suit a wide variety of visitors and clients. For the rider wanting to make a first time trip to Europe for work, training or just a look, there will be opportunities to take part in the daily running of the stables, visit local and international shows, with options to ride and train. It’s also a perfect base for those wishing to visit Europe to purchase a horse: I am currently sourcing horses from various part of Europe to add to our stable and by leaving here very early I can be in Holland or Belgium trialing horses by 9 am! Should you buy a horse and wish to compete in Europe for a season or get to know your new horse before shipping it home then we can offer the perfect solution. For a limited number of riders we will be offering self-service apartments and the convenience of living on-site with their horses. I am negotiating with some of the best coaches available to visit regularly and work with myself and other riders, plus there will be lease horses available and transport options. 

Some of the lovely gardens at the Chateau

Picking up the new truck in the snow!

With the website almost ready to launch and stable extension due for completion by the end of April you can imagine how busy life here has been!  First visitors from Australia are booked for the beginning of May and I look forward to welcoming other Aussies soon!  

Gordon supervising the new stable construction (telling the boys where he would like his window!).

Just coming into Spring now so all the leaves are coming back!

I dearly hope that Chateau les Trois Brioux becomes a real haven for visiting overseas riders! I’ve fallen in love with this area and this sport and could not think of a better way to combine the two. The Loire valley chateaux and vineyards are on our doorstep and Paris only 2 hours away.  The chateau is within easy reach of many of top show venues such as Dinard, Fontainebleau, Paris and Chantilly. So watch this space for the unveiling of the new venture Chateau les Trois Brioux.

Last year at Fontainebleu  1* 2** only an hour and a half from Chateau les Trois Brioux

Words and photos supplied by Jacqui Ridley