Nicolas Deseuzes takes top spot

The GL events flag flew high as the team's rider won the Grand Prix Land Rover, the showcase CSI 2* class. Nicolas Deseuzes from the Rhône-Alpes region, who has been competing at Equita for several years now, produced the best performance in this class, which had no fewer than 50 couples in the starting line-up

The French rider had the fastest time, among the five double clear rounds in the class. "I am really happy because Feyah has only been competing in this type of class for a few months. And this weekend in Lyon, it's really the first time I've asked her to go fast. In the jump-off, I pushed the forward movement. As the jumps went on, I noticed that she was still really responsive. So, I went for it! And the horse did amazingly well," said the rider shortly after his victory. With a time of 32''78, he finished ahead of the Swiss rider Janika Sprunger, who was also very fast on her grey mare Carlotta in 33''00. Third place went to Noa Verel on 3q Qalisya (33''17), just ahead of Max Thirouin on Uthopie Villelongue (33''39).

For Nicolas Deseuzes, his mission is accomplished. "Equita, is the ultimate prize, the Holy Grail. I had geared my preparation towards this competition, since it is obviously one of the highlights of the season," he added. "We prepared ourselves well and it paid off," he concluded, with a smile.

1. Nicolas Deseuzes & Feyah 0/0 32’’78

2. Janika Sprunger & Carlotta 0/0 33’’00

3. Noa Verel & 3q Qalisya 0/0 33’’17