From teaching beginners... to Badminton: Hélène Vattier and Jubal

I just learned this afternoon that another rider and a very special horse, will be sporting some ECOGOLD gear at Badminton.

According to our secret source, French rider Hélène Vattier and her horse Jubal ride in our ECOGOLD Cross-Country Boots. And they are heading to the Badminton Horse Trials CCI****! So we'll keep our eyes on his legs...

I always find it very exciting to hear that our products are used by riders in different parts of the world. Until this afternoon's email, I had never heard of Hélène Vattier so I was intrigued and did a little research to learn more about them.

This pair has quite a story... which started 10 years ago.

Jubal was initially bought as a 3-yr-old to teach beginners at the Carillon Equestrian center, where Hélène worked. But as soon as they realized his potential, they started competing him nationally and he progressively moved up the levels until... 4* international competitions! How cool is that?!

In 2003, he placed 13th in the 6-Year-Old Championships, did his first CCI* in 2004, competed in the Pau CCI** in 2007. In 2009, he was 23rd at Blenheim CCI***, and the following year, he placed 27th at Burghley CCI**** with a clear cross-country round.

In a French article, Helene said: "Jubal is really reliable in the cross-country, but he is a heavy horse, who performs better on a flat terrain. At Blenheim and Burghley, the cross-country courses are very hilly, but Badminton is flatter, so my objective will be to be as close to optimum time as possible."

Here are some videos - 2009 Blenheim CCI*** Show Jumping Round

HARTPURY 2009 - CIC*** : Hélène Vattier and Jubal

So there you go. We have another rider and her very special horse, to cheer for at the Badminton Horse Trials! Click on the image for more information about our fantastic ECOGOLD's Cross-country Boots that Jubal should be sporting as he gallops around Badminton, proudly cheered on by those beginners who learned to ride on him.