From May 3 to 5, it was Jumping International 4*de Canteleu!This world-renowned show jumping event opened its doors to UniLaSalle Rouen students. Over 40 veterinary students volunteered to help organize the event.
Jumping International de Canteleu is 200 athletes, 500 horses and thousands of visitors. This year, the competition has gained a fourth star (an additional level of competition, but also a new course designer).Indeed, the course was imagined by Grégory Bodo, renowned ringmaster and creator of the courses for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. So the competition took on a whole new dimension, as it was seen as a test run before the summer games. A unique opportunity not to be missed by our young veterinary students!
On site, the student volunteers got a behind-the-scenes look at a top-class horse show. Their missions were varied: taking horses' temperatures, welcoming riders, setting up the track, controlling access, maintaining the site and much more.
“Very happy with this weekend, not the most relaxing, it's true, but it was interesting to see how the competitions work behind the scenes and then we had the opportunity to see and meet some very famous riders!”, testifies Lisa.
2 students at the head of this collaboration
Capucine Gerfaud-Valentin and Zoé Autenne, both veterinary students, organized the mobilization and coordination of students on site, and according to the organizers' needs. It was a new experience for these two horse-loving girls. Last year, Capucine herself competed in the event, so this time she was behind the scenes:
"As I want to go into equine veterinary practice, it made sense to get involved in a project like this to learn even more about the field. I'm also happy to have made my contribution to this event! ".
This hands-on experience gave the students an insight into the logistics of an event like this, as well as the role of the veterinarian.Finally, for our young horse enthusiasts, it was an opportunity to meet many of the key players in the international equestrian world, and to see some of the riders in action.
Photo credit ©Ecary
