This weekend in Fontainebleau, France, Le Grand Parquet was a bustle with the small patter of hooves, high pitched whinnies and an excitable crowd who gathered at the world class equestrian center for the cutest, fiercest competition in show jumping—Bonneau International Pony (BIP). Established in 2001, BIP has become one of the most highly anticipated pony jumper events of the year. Over the course of four days, riders from France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands pointed their best ponies at obstacles ranging from 70 cm to 1.30m in hopes of leading a fiery victory lap and hearing their national anthem playing over the loudspeakers. 

This year riders had an extra initiative to jump clear. BIP partnered with JustWorld International (JWI), an organization which supports nearly 10,000 children in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States through comprehensive education, healthcare and nutrition programs. Inspired to help, BIP generously dedicated Sunday’s CSIP - 1.15m class with a 500 Euro donation in the winner’s name. 

There were no shortage of entries, with 50 energetic horse and rider combinations drumming up an ultra competitive atmosphere as they careened around the speed course designed by Arnaud Richoufx Monet. Riders kept their eyes on the fences, and legs active, but their minds were on the clock. In the end, it was Chloé Tehami (FRA) with Chupachups Des Littles who couldn’t be caught. They emphatically crossed the timers in a blazing 56.13 seconds. It was nearly four seconds ahead of runner-up Cleo Tessier with Arsouille De La Me, who clocked in at 59.74 seconds. Rounding out third position was Zoe Mamarot aboard Theia Mythique with a respectable time of 60.16 seconds. 

Storm clouds loomed during the awards ceremony, but nothing could damper the smile on Tehami’s face as Chupachups was fitted with a distinguished BIP cooler and the 500 Euro donation to JWI programs was secured in her name. Yet BIP’s commitment to JWI extended beyond the 1.15m class, offering invaluable opportunities of engagement and visibility throughout the entire week. Le Grand Parquet served as a platform to share JWI’s mission, and as visitors and participants alike joined in the stands with warm coffee and patisseries from the restaurant Brame, they sparked important conversations about giving back. Riders of all ages were introduced to a bright future of equestrian philanthropy, with the message that every stride counts—no matter how big or small.

*Feature Image: BIP / PSV

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.