Charlotte Casiraghi's equestrian career

[CasiraghiTrio]

I hope we can share and learns lots of information from this thread. I was inspired to make this thread from a discussion about horses with Empress Merel in Charlotte's current events, and I hope it's OK.

Charlotte's latest horse:
GI Joe, bay gelding, age?

Here's a list of some horses, with pics, Charlotte rode in her teenage years:

Tempete du Midi (Grey gelding or stallion?)
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9608/spsjr0.jpg (worldroots)
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/18/tdmtj7.jpg (worldroots)

Danube (chestnut)
Charlotte test rode this horse on 14 May 2001. She was still under the training of Philippe Rozier (Thierry's brother).
http://i29.tinypic.com/2als20.jpg

Hestia Delta (bay mare)
Charlotte rode this horse in the Stars Race, October 2001.
http://i31.tinypic.com/5mz8zs.jpg (ABACA)

Folka du Parc Marionnaud(chestnut mare, born in 1993, parentage: Laudanum x Polka de l'Isle)
This horse's career dates to April 2001 (at least, maybe earlier) and Charlotte began to ride him/her in February 2002. After 2003, she wasn't seen riding Folka anymore but Folka continued in competition with other Marionnaud riders, like Valentine Pozzo di Borgo & Thierry Rozier.
http://i29.tinypic.com/29tl52.jpg (IBL/gamma)

Dumba Marionnaud (bay)
http://i30.tinypic.com/33davl0.jpg (IBL/gamma)

Claire Chen (bay mare, supposedly owned by Madame Clerc, wife of singer Julien Clerc)

Aber Hallo Marionnaud
White/"grey" mare she rode (not in competition, just practice with Thierry Rozier & Pierre) in October 2004.. She rode Aber before @ the Bois le Roi/Espace Rozier jumping in December 2003, and apparently did very well then, placing first in one of the competitions. Also rode this horse @ Bois le Roi jumping on 20 November 2004. This was presumably her last competition before the hiatus.
http://i44.tinypic.com/9tn1jd.jpg (eternal muse)

 

[kells]

Wonder why nobody thought of this before. But thank you for starting this. Anyway, I hope we can ask questions here as I don't know much about the sport. What type of training does Charlotte have to do in preparation? I read something a little while ago about weight training? Can anybody be more specific and does that have something to do with the abs she's got (I would love to have abs like that) or is that non-horse related?

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

Charlotte was about ten years old when she began to prepare for jumping. Apparently, her first trainer was Eric Wauters, the father of her friend Wendy, but he committed suicide in 1999. Then her trainer was Philippe Rozier, but after 2000, I guess he had to focus entirely on his own career, because his brother Thierry stepped in as her trainer. When she went on hiatus in 2004, Thierry focused on his own career, but as of this year, he seems to be her coach again.

 

[Horseygal]

Wonder why nobody thought of this before. But thank you for starting this. Anyway, I hope we can ask questions here as I don't know much about the sport. What type of training does Charlotte have to do in preparation? I read something a little while ago about weight training? Can anybody be more specific and does that have something to do with the abs she's got (I would love to have abs like that) or is that non-horse related?

English seat equitation (quite different from Western) involves about every muscle in your body, since you are mostly out of the saddle on two-point (balls of your feet, your calves), and use your hands, lightly, to control direction. You, of course, need your abs engaged when cantering (either full seat contact, or in two point) as you approach a jump. Your body is tight in the two point position because you have balance in a slightly bent position over the horse and maintain that contact at high speeds and over jumps - IT'S GREAT!!

 

[Empress Merel]

Indeed it is. Even though I'm a dressage maniac, nothing is as exciting when Meredith, Jessica or Albert (Even more his horse. Powerhouse) enter the ring. Amazing. Too bad the sport get's ruined so much with doping and jury's.

 

[hibou]

English seat equitation (quite different from Western) involves about every muscle in your body, since you are mostly out of the saddle on two-point (balls of your feet, your calves), and use your hands, lightly, to control direction. You, of course, need your abs engaged when cantering (either full seat contact, or in two point) as you approach a jump. Your body is tight in the two point position because you have balance in a slightly bent position over the horse and maintain that contact at high speeds and over jumps - IT'S GREAT!!

First a big thank you for starting this thread!!!

For those who do Pilates workouts, riding tightens your core at the same time, it works as an isometric for your legs. You also need muscle strength in your arms. Then there is the brain function. Riders must be able to multi-task quickly. In one horse's stride length you may need to change your game plan. That's a nano-second. Life skills-- in order to do this sport and maintain a high grade point average, you have to learn to be very organized, master time management, and handle pressure. Unlike other team sports, riding requires you to "read" your teammate (horse) since he only speaks in body language. You learn to be a very keen observer. All this skills help later in life. Lastly, falling off a horse, especially on a cross country course is like being pushed out of a car at 10mph. In terms of risk, it ranks right up there with alpine ski jumping. It's not for the faint of heart.

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

I edit my first post. I had listed a horse as unknown, this horse turns out to be Aber Hallo Marionnaud, listed as a grey mare. Aber's father was Archipel, mother was Wanda, and father of mother was Wagner.

There's a picture of Charlotte riding Aber on this article: Bois le Roi fait place aux jeunes! | Cavadeos.com - C’est tout le monde du cheval

I found an old TRF post about a success Charlotte and Aber had together.

Originally posted by Sassy285@Dec 5th, 2003 - 2:32 pm
Kittencrews you were wondering if charlotte was going to be competing at the Bois Le Roi this weekend and she is. She placed first in the Prix hotel pavillon royal - juniors B, on the horse Aber Hallo Marionnaud. Thats all i know about it so far

Maybe the horse Charlotte bought last weekend we will see at the GCT final in Doha?!

Charlotte & Claire Chen (bay mare) on 30 April 2004 @ L'Etrier Club
http://i28.tinypic.com/xf515l.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/mi1mz8.jpg

Charlotte with Danube & Wendy Wauters, and trainer Philippe Rozier, 15 May 2001
http://i32.tinypic.com/2s142g0.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/wi0mdv.jpg

Charlotte & Folka in Fontainebleau on 3 May 2002
http://i29.tinypic.com/9s5qbl.jpg

Charlotte & Aber Hallo in Espace Rozier on 20 November 2004
http://i26.tinypic.com/2aaleux.jpg

Charlotte & Dumba in Bois le Roi on 21 September 2003
http://i31.tinypic.com/2libk3l.jpg

HESTIA DELTA? Presumably a bay mare?
I don't know what Andy's horse was called, but I think Charlotte's was called Hestia Delta.
Charlotte & Andrea in jockey school to prepare for the Stars Race @ La Solle, Fontainebleau (6 October 2001)
http://i26.tinypic.com/mh99ol.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/10rs8z7.jpg
Charlotte & Andrea actually competing in the Stars Race, 13 October 2001
http://i25.tinypic.com/1zl4313.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/2410802.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/29kpcnt.jpg

Finally, Charlotte & her majestic GI Joe:
http://i28.tinypic.com/2w326gk.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/2rqkdop.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/4jkpd1.jpg
GI Joe carrying a canine passenger, hehe
http://i29.tinypic.com/28i3fa8.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/ozcdd.jpg (precious)

Photo sources: IBL, BEW, ABACA and Korpa

 

[dragonfly]

Charlotte one lucky girl she gets to ride horses and she as a cute pup..she has an extraordinary life.

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

I don't know whose pup that is. It is surely not Charlotte's dog, nor is it Romeo, the family french bulldog. I guess it's Daphne, Tatiana's boston terrier?

 

[Sereta]

Thx for all the pics CasiraghiTrio. I didn't know Andrea used to ride too. Shame he didn't stay with it.

 

[Empress Merel]

She always has a toned body when she is riding so much, hasn't she?

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

Thx for all the pics CasiraghiTrio. I didn't know Andrea used to ride too. Shame he didn't stay with it.

It is a rare picture when Andy or Pierre are on horseback but here is a pic of Pierre on a black beauty during the family hunting trip in Extremadura, Spain, in November 2002.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b120/Chewster05/monaco/pc/carolina7a.jpg
The source: hola.com

There was another time I saw Pierre on a horse. He rode with Charlotte in Bois le Roi in October 2004. She rode the white beauty Aber Hallo and he rode beside her. It was on ABACA Press. I'll try to find it.

 

[Mandy]

Just cleaned thread. Let's set some ground rules. We are here to discuss Charlotte Casiraghi's equestrian achievements. That does not include our personal accomplishments and personal conversations. Please take those to Members' Corner.

Thanks for your cooperation,

Mandy
Monaco Moderator

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

Tempete du Midi & 2001 Monte-Carlo jumping event

Charlotte was 14. Her teammate was Tempete du Midi.
See pictures:
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9608/spsjr0.jpg (worldroots)
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/18/tdmtj7.jpg (worldroots)

Results
7th Jumping International de Monte-Carlo @ Espace Fontvieille
Thursday, 13 April 2001
PRIX DE LA CHOCOLATERIE DE MONACO (90cm pony jumping)
Charlotte rode Tempete du Midi & ranked #14 out of 21 riders.

PRIX BCM / POMELLATO (pony/horse relay)
Charlotte participated in the relay with Wendy Wauters, Charlotte on Tempete du Midi and Wendy on Goldika. They won 1st ranking out of 10 riders.
Source: Jumping International de Monte-Carlo

Friday, 14 April 2001
PRIX DE LA CHOCOLATERIE DE MONACO
Charlotte & Tempete du Midi did the 90cm pony jump.
They ranked #18/21 riders.
Source: Jumping International de Monte-Carlo

Saturday, 15 April 2001
GRAND PRIX DE LA CHOCOLATERIE DE MONACO (1m pony jumping)
Charlotte competed in the 1m (or 1.00 m) jumping for ponies. Her final ranking was 6/20 riders. Her teammate (horse) was Tempete du Midi.

PRIX BCM / POMELLATO (pony/horse relay)
She teamed up with Wendy Wauters. Charlotte rode Tempete du Midi. Wendy rode Goldika. They ranked @ 9/10 riders.
Source: Jumping International de Monte-Carlo

Thursday, 26 April 2001
PRIX DE LA CHOCOLATERIE DE MONACO (International Pony)
Charlotte & Tempete did the 1m20 (with clock). They ranked @ #10/15.
Source: 7 éme Jumping International de Monte-Carlo 26 avril

Same day, they did the 1m10 pony (2 phases) for the same prize. They ranked #7/13.
Source: 7 éme Jumping International de Monte-Carlo 26 avril

Friday, 27 April 2001
PRIX DE LA CHOCOLATERIE DE MONACO (international pony)
Charlotte & Tempete du Midi did the 1m10 (with clock). They tied with another rider @ 13/13 riders.
Source: 7 éme Jumping International de Monte-Carlo 26 avril

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

31 May - 2 June 2002, Compiègne jumping
On the 31st May, Charlotte ranked #6/20 riders.
On the 1st of June, Charlotte ranked @ #10 (right behind Sandrine Roussel).
On the 2nd of June, Charlotte & Folka participated in the CSIJ-B (junior level) jumping in Compiègne, France. They were on the list to compete for the Grand Prix Cogedim but were among 5 eliminated riders. Like the other eliminated riders, they were awarded 4 points.
Valentine Pozzo di Borgo (riding "Gavroch des Chenes") and Sandrine Roussel (on "Echo d'Ora) ranked, respectively, #1 and #2 for the same prize.
Source: Fédération Française d'Equitation - La FFE - Lettre federale - Lettre ffe47

8TH JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE MONTE-CARLO
Thursday, 25 April 2002
Charlotte & Folka finished #2 in the Chocolaterie de Monaco/Friends Cup.

Friday, 26 April 2002
1m10, Table A, against clock, class B
Charlotte & Folka did very well, rankin 6/15.

Saturday, 27 April 2002
1m20, Table A (one jump off against clock), class C
Charlotte and Folka ranked #11/14
Their clock time was 69.95
They took 5 penalties.
Source: Friends Cup

28-30 November 2003
Jumping International de Paris @ the Porte de Versailles
Source: Caroline et Charlotte de Monaco, marraines du Concours Hippique International de Paris 2003 (communiqué) - Communiqués de presse - Equitation - Sport.fr

Some info. from CCBI

CSIJ-A Barbizon
September 27-29, 2002
Charlotte participated in yet another equestrian this event this summer. She rode both Dumba and Folka during the competition. But, judging by the results, Folka hasn't been to good to her. Her best results have, on average, occured while she competeted on Dumba. Charlotte placed was 12th this time around.
****
Bois Le Roi Jumping
September 17, 2002 - Looking more relaxed than usual, Charlotte and her family waved to the flashing camera's before taking part in this show jumping tournament. Charlotte looked spectacular in her black coat, dark green t-shirt and grey cashmere scarf. After spending almost the entire summer training, Charlotte was able to claim the 7th place spot this year.
****
CSI-J Le Touquet, France
June 28-30, 2002
Charlotte competed in this event this month. Her coach, Thierry Rozier, was there during all of her events coaching her on. I donít have much information about this event at the moment. But, one thing I do know is that Charlotte seems to be losing a lot of weight. She looked very skinny in the photos from this event, and by looking at her face you can note the difference. I hope that she doesnít lose any more weight, she looks great the way she is.
On the last day of competition, Charlotte fell of Dumba, the horse she was competing on. It looked pretty bad, and she seems to have injured her jaw, which she was cradling right after the fall. Her older brother Andrea and coach Thierry Rozier rushed to her side to comfort her soon after. Click here to see a picture of the fall and here for a collage.
I just learned from Laura from FCC that Charlotte did indeed injure her mouth pretty badly, She chipped a tooth in that fall and went to the dentist with her mother on July 1, 2002 to get it fixed.
****
May 4, 2002 - Charlotte Casiraghi competed in Jump Bost today on her mare Folka, ranking at number 36 out of 48 riders with a time of 79.61 and recieving 9 penalties.
****
CSI Lacanau, France
March 25, 2002 - For the first time this year, Charlotte competed in the CSI Juniors et Enfants, Lacanau . Riding what looked to be her new horse Folka, Charlotte looked gorgeous in her jockey uniform made by Marionnaud (notice the "M" on her uniform). Not only was Charlotte competing in the show, she was also spotted conversing with yet another unidentified male.
Charlotte was not the only jet-setter at the event. Other jumpers were Valentine Pozzo di Borgo and Sandrine Roussel. Charlotte participated in the Ep 3 Juniors B on the 22 of March (she placed 41), Ep 7 Juniors B on the 23 (placing 6), and the Ep 14 Juniors B on the 24 (coming in at number 8).
After the show, Charlotte was clad wearing her casual outfit, which consisted of a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, and a dark blue shirt with a charcoal sweater wrapped around her shoulders.

She also rode Dumba in a competition @ Chantilly, but I don't know anything about that event.

9th Jumping International de Monte-Carlo
Friday, 12 April 2003
Charlotte & Folka ranked #2/24 in the Friends Cup by Cavalier/1m10, class A against clock. Their time was 28.37

CSIJ-B jumping in Bois le Roi
5-7 December 2003
Charlotte rode Aber Hallo in the Grand Prix Marionnaud. They ranked #11/11, took 4 penalties and clocked 75.67

She and Aber participated in the Bois le Roi jumping on 19 November 2004.
They did the 1m30 and the 1m25.

****

After a four-year hiatus (mostly engaged in studies, writing, and social events) Charlotte mounted GI Joe for a horse show in Barbizon, France in April 2009.

She went on to join the GCT @ Valencia, Estoril, Monte-Carlo, Rio de Janeiro, and Valkenswaard (Global Champions Tour)

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I don't know whose pup that is. It is surely not Charlotte's dog, nor is it Romeo, the family french bulldog. I guess it's Daphne, Tatiana's boston terrier?

I think it looks like Daphne...who was featured in Vanity Fair along with Andrea and Tatiana...simply adorable!

Maybe the horse Charlotte bought last weekend we will see at the GCT final in Doha?!

Charlotte & Claire Chen (bay mare) on 30 April 2004 @ L'Etrier Club
http://i28.tinypic.com/xf515l.jpg
...

Thanks SO much for posting these...GI Joe is a magnificent horse, and Charlotte looks magnificent on him as well!

But I loved Tempete as well...I wonder what ever became of him? Charlotte rides beautiful horses.

And I am sooo happy that Charlotte has resumed her riding career...I was very disappointed when she took a break. She is so awesome on horseback.

 

[scooter]

More than likely, Tempete has been retired. If you think of a competiton jumper's prime years, it's 7-15. It's been 7 years since we really saw this horse at it's heyday. Also he sems to have run out of jump at 1.20 meter. The Grand Prix/high amateur division is 1.45-1.60m.

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

When she rode Tempete du Midi, her sponsor was the company Fortis (Swiss watches, www.fortis-watch.com). Then in early 2002, she was riding Folka from the Team Marionnaud, sponsored by the perfume company of the same name (Marionnaud). Now she rides GI Joe, apparently under the sponsorship of the Principality of Monaco. But maybe she will ride a new horse, purchased at the Fences auction, at the GCT final in Qatar.

 

[Horseygal]

When she rode Tempete du Midi, her sponsor was the company Fortis (Swiss watches, www.fortis-watch.com). Then in early 2002, she was riding Folka from the Team Marionnaud, sponsored by the perfume company of the same name (Marionnaud). Now she rides GI Joe, apparently under the sponsorship of the Principality of Monaco. But maybe she will ride a new horse, purchased at the Fences auction, at the GCT final in Qatar.

It helps improve your skills to switch horses over time so that you grow and are challenged. I'm sure it's nothing against the horses or trainers (although, sometimes new instruction helps to grow, too) - more that she needs to grow and continuously improve upon her current skills to get to the next level. I wish her the best, and will continue to follow her equestrian career. Maybe we'll see more wins and interviews in the future!

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

^With the exception of Eric Wauters & Phil Rozier in her childhood riding days, she's had the same trainer, Thierry, since she was 15! Maybe Eric would have stuck longer but he committed suicide in 1999....

 

[scooter]

Well, Thierry is, as we say in America, a big name trainer. I find it interesting that she has never trained in Germany or Holland, where there are many to choose from. Perhaps the family prefers to have her close by.

 

[Horseygal]

Well, Thierry is, as we say in America, a big name trainer. I find it interesting that she has never trained in Germany or Holland, where there are many to choose from. Perhaps the family prefers to have her close by.

Well, unless she's truly going professional, or for the Olympics, it may not be worth the investment (not that they can't afford it); or, maybe there is a political or long-standing relationship they have w/Thierry, and it wouldn't go over well to replace him.

 

[scooter]

I cant imagine Thierry is dramatically less expensive than say Ludger Beerbaum. Once you're at that level, they are all around the same price point.

 

[Horseygal]

I cant imagine Thierry is dramatically less expensive than say Ludger Beerbaum. Once you're at that level, they are all around the same price point.

Probably true - then, you're looking at political or familial relations and whether it would damage relationships to switch coaches....politics are everywhere - well represented in the equestrian world!!

 

[trepstrep]

I wouldn't see the point in Charlotte moving to germany to train with anyone.
She's not a pro. She's not even that good as an amateur (specially considering the money she has at her disposal. money that allows her to have the best trainers and brilliant horses)
GI-Joe is an experienced 11 year old gelding. He has been running at 3 stars CSIs in Italy, and he had very good results at 1'45 m. And Charlotte doesn't even get good results with him at 1'20 m.
She's nothing more than an amateur with a lot of money, big trainer and expensive and brilliant horse, but even among amateurs she is a rather mediocre rider.
I know plenty of people with cheap horses, cheap trainers and a 40 h/week jobs who do much better than her.
I'm not attacking her, mind you, she is under no obligation to be a brilliant horse woman, and she is very talented in other fields, like academics...

But it would had made no sense for her to go abroad to train since she's not specially talented (with her economical means and horse relationships, I think that it is even safe to say that her equestrian talents are bellow average. most riders in her place would do much better).

Actually, it is a little bit absurd to see her travelling around the world with the globalchampionstour . Most of the amateurs compiting there are local riders. In valencia most of them were spaniards; in Brasil, brazilians; in france, french... It would make much more sense for her to stay home and enter some show at Fontainebleau, Barbizon, and such, where she would be competing with other amateurs like her, than following the globalchampionstour from one country to another. It was natural for her to compete in Monaco and Cannes, with other amateur french riders. But travelling everywhere with the tour like the pros... well, I'm sorry but she's making a little bit of a fool of herself...
I hope she at least has the sense not to travel to Qatar.

 

[hibou]

I wouldn't see the point in Charlotte moving to germany to train with anyone.
She's not a pro. She's not even that good as an amateur (specially considering the money she has at her disposal. money that allows her to have the best trainers and brilliant horses)
..

First thanks for the info on G.I. Joe. So he's a former eventer. Makes sense. I like him enormously. Your points are well taken on all fronts, but consider that her Uncle Albert may be pushing her because he wants a Monaco athlete. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought she gave up riding for a number of years. If she is just starting back, this was really pushing the envelope and it showed. I don't think she's a bad rider but inexperienced. She should not have been jumping the height she was doing for her first year back.

Also if Joe is an eventer, they are not as sharp in the ring. Right now in the US many event riders are turning to their show jumping counterparts for help. My daughter's coach is currently helping an Olympic eventer sharpen some of his up and coming event horses. The show jumping riders are seeking out the dressage riders to sharpen the flexibility etc. Anyway, Charlotte was jumping higher than she was ready for. I felt sorry for her. I also noticed that she doesn't own any of her last few mounts. So she must lease them. Either this is a temporary commitment or she hasn't found the right horse. JMO

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

Well, the Roziers have their espace right there in Bois le Roi, so near to the manor where Charlotte spent her teen years, at least the schooldays.
So you can see how the Roziers would be an obvious choice, from convenience, from friendship. And Thierry was once a great jumper, I think, in his 'heyday'. Didn't he have a major injury that prevents him from achieving that height again? I know he still does the sport but he's not what he used to be.

I agree with Treptrep but there is one thing she forgets! Charlotte is not trying to be "like the champions"! I watched her interview and I have the impression she means mostly to be an ambassador for the sport, which involves participation, and of course she wants to put her best foot forward. I don't think she looks foolish. I think she knows she is not Rodrigo Pessoa or Meredith BB! Please! She knows her limitations, but she has a passion for the sport and she is uniquely situated to be a good ambassador for it. If she has fun and tries her best, I don't understand where is the problem.

 

[Horseygal]

Well, the Roziers have their espace right there in Bois le Roi, so near to the manor where Charlotte spent her teen years, at least the schooldays.
So you can see how the Roziers would be an obvious choice, from convenience, from friendship. And Thierry was once a great jumper, I think, in his 'heyday'. Didn't he have a major injury that prevents him from achieving that height again? I know he still does the sport but he's not what he used to be.

I agree with Treptrep but there is one thing she forgets! Charlotte is not trying to be "like the champions"! I watched her interview and I have the impression she means mostly to be an ambassador for the sport, which involves participation, and of course she wants to put her best foot forward. I don't think she looks foolish. I think she knows she is not Rodrigo Pessoa or Meredith BB! Please! She knows her limitations, but she has a passion for the sport and she is uniquely situated to be a good ambassador for it. If she has fun and tries her best, I don't understand where is the problem.

I agree - she's not trying to go pro, she's just enjoying the sport, competing, and representing Monaco as an equestrian ambassador....

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

^I just feel that Charlotte seems to like the sport for itself and not for the competition and trying to be the best rider ever. One can argue, well, then let her jump for fun and stay away from the GCT, but that takes away the role Albert seems to be carving out for her. It would be one thing to be like Infanta Pilar or Elena and just hand out the trophies, but I guess it presents a good impression for Monaco's rep to be actually involved. It's like hands-on ambassadorship, I guess. "I'm not just a mannequin. I actually enjoy this and am here because I want to be here."

 

[Horseygal]

Right - she's not trying to train for the Olympics like Zara Phillips, or anything - she's devoted her life to riding. Charlotte has attending university, and has had professional internships - I think riding (like for her mother) will be more for recreational purposes than professional accomplishments.