Pierre Volla and Badinda Altena.
© Eric Knoll
By Equestrian Life
France has shocked dressage fans and riders alike with the French Equestrian Federation announcing they will not send a team to the World Equestrian Games next month.
France did send a list of nominated entries for WEG, however when it came to naming a team they have opted to keep their riders at home.
A statement from the Federation explains that with the withdrawal of their top rider Pierre Volla the team is no longer strong enough to achieve a top six finish at WEG and qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics — and the thus they’d rather not send a team at all.
The statement (translated) reads:
“The French Riding Federation set at the beginning of the year, for the French team of dressage, the minimum score of 70% to reach for participation in the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
This technical contract has been established to rank honourably in the nations standings and attempt to win the qualification of France for the next Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Following the withdrawal of the only couple having already obtained this 70% and no other couple having reached this score in the Grand Prix event in the last three months, the necessary conditions are not met to constitute a group capable of reaching the average required.
Given this, and despite the unprecedented efforts made by all in favour of dressage, the French Horse Riding Federation will not engage dressage riders at the Tryon World Equestrian Games in the US next September.”
Nominatively entered for WEG and in the running for French team selection were Pierre Volla (Badinde Altena), Morgan Barbançon Mestre (Sir Donnerhall II), Marie-Emilie Bretenoux (Quartz of Jazz), Anne Sophie Serre (Vistoso de Massa), Arnaud Serre (Ultrablue de Massa), Alexandre Ayache (Zo What), Barbara Clement Klinger (Dirbini) and Bertrand Liegard (Star Wars).
Pierre Volla was the sole rider to achieve a 70%+ score in an international Grand Prix over the past three months, however he has reportedly withdrawn from WEG citing financial reasons.
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