From April 19-23, Le Grand Parquet and GL Events will host its highly-anticipated CSI4* championship for the second year in a row. The event revives the longstanding tradition of French Championships, and there is no location better suited to honor history through modern sport than Fontainebleau, France.

About one hour southeast of Paris, France lies the medieval village of Fontainebleau, a commune universally regarded as the land of kings. The sprawling and ornate Château de Fontainebleau housed an unbroken line of 34 French sovereigns over an 800 year period, and the surrounding Forêt de Fontainebleau was the world’s very first nature preserve. If you take a stroll through the forest, you might even hear the pattering of hooves in the distance as riders gallop along trails. That’s because it is not only the land of kings, but their horses too. Iconically dubbed the Horse Capital, Fontainebleau is the manifestation of an equestrian enchantment.

The word Fontainebleau is derived from the medieval compound noun Fontaine, meaning spring. Today, the French word for spring is printemps, yet riders share a certain universal language. To each of us, spring means one thing; the magical return of outdoor horse shows after a long winter. Once again, Le Grand Parquet has written the show jumping season’s storybook beginning, just open Le Printemps des Sports Équestres program.

World class athletes have already unloaded their lorries and set up their stables, eager to contest ultra competitive CSI4*,  CSI1*, CSI U-25, CSIAm-A and CSI Young Horse classes throughout the week. Though they’ll be counting their strides until Sunday for each division’s final and the event’s premier class—the Grand Prix GL Events. Not only will GL Events showcase the best of show jumping, but of dressage. The week’s CDI5* will welcome 2022 World Champion Lottie Fry (GBR), World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Isabel Werth (GER) and Olympic Gold medalist Dorothée Schneider (GER). The four top French riders will also be represented through Morgan Barbencon, Pauline Basquin, Corentin Potier and Alexandre Ayache.

With this caliber of international distinction up for grabs, numerous nations will seek to hear their anthem in the awards ceremonies. Thanks to the generosity of GL Events, JustWorld International (JWI) will unite those nations as the celebrated charity partner. Dedicated to fracturing the cycle of poverty in disadvantaged communities, Ambassadors will have the chance to further the mission at Le Grand Parquet through invaluable opportunities of visibility, collaboration and direct action. JWI is the title charity of the Federation Equestre International (FEI), and supports children in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States through comprehensive education, healthcare and nutrition programs. A powerful presence at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres means children will have continued access to the resources they need to build better futures. 

Show jumping stars including Olympian Pénélope Leprevost and Olympic Gold Medalist & JWI Ambassador Philippe Rozier are expected to step out with some of their best equine partners, while upcoming talent like JWI Ambassador Laura Rozier will look to bump competitors off the podium’s top step in the CSIAm-A classes. With names like Epaillard, Smolders, Levy and Whitaker decorating the start-lists, it’s sure to be a thrilling ride to the finish.

Spectators are invited to enjoy free access at their leisure, or explore elevated VIP experiences with top-notch hospitality and gourmet gastronomy. If you can’t join us in person this year, flick on Cheval TV’s livestream to instantly transport yourself ringside and be part of the French fanfare. To follow along with JWI Ambassadors, find us on our social channels. 

*Feature Image: Pénélope and Eden Leprevost / Le Grand Parquet - GL Events 

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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.