In 2026 again, the Val Porée equestrian stadium will wear its traditional pink outfit for the Dinard International Jumping. From July 30 to August 2, the Emerald Coast will be at the heart of all attention for this major event on the international calendar just a few weeks before the world championships in Aachen.
Like every year for almost 115 years, Dinard will once again vibrate to the rhythm of great sport. On the program, four labels (CSI5*, 3*, 1* and CSI YH reserved for 7-year-old horses) in which some 150 riders and 380 horses representing around twenty nationalities compete. Thus, the grass track of Val Porée establishes itself as the theater of very high level, attracting show jumping legends like the Swiss double winner of the Rolex Grand Prix Martin Fuchs and his compatriot, Steve Guerdat, the Germans Christian Ahlmann and Daniel Deusser, the Belgians Grégory Wathelet and Jérôme Guery or the British Scott Brash and Ben Maher and the American McLain Ward.
On the French side, Julien Épaillard, Kévin Staut, Roger-Yves Bost, Nicolas Delmotte, Mégane Moissonnier, are also among the faithful at the meeting and have made it their garden over the years. Supported by an exceptional field, the Jumping International of Dinard, integrated into the Rolex Series circuit, confirms year after year its status as an unmissable event where every rider dreams of putting their name there.
Last rehearsal before the Worlds
A few weeks before the world championships in Aachen, which will take place in Germany from August 11 to 23 (all disciplines combined), the Dinard International Jumping will take on a very special dimension this year. For many riders, it will constitute one of the last major international events before the world deadline.
Last minute adjustments, checks on the shape of the couples, the smallest details will be scrutinized and particularly by the national selectors. This is particularly the case of Edouard Coupérie, for the French team. “We will announce the selection just a few days before the International Jumping in Dinard, and it will be the same for all the nations because the World Championships entries will close on Monday July 27. The competition will therefore have no impact on the selectors’ choices. On the other hand, it will be an opportunity for the couples to rehearse their scales one last time in similar conditions, both in terms of the configuration of the track and the atmosphere. Dinard is a magnificent competition that riders are always keen to attend. This year, it will be the only 5* this week, which will make it an even more important stage for the selected riders.”
“A very high level as always”
This proximity to the Worlds therefore promises an edition where the stakes will be even greater and where each course will count on the road to Aachen. “If all goes well, the Dinard competition should be part of my program, explained Nina Mallevaey to the press service of Jumping international de Dinard. It’s a special competition, with a magnificent grass track and a great atmosphere. The fact that it is in France, with a very present audience makes it even more special for me as a French rider. As the championships approach, this type of terrain and conditions is obviously very interesting in the preparation, with a level which will be, as always, very high. HAS”
Many highlights
Several highlights will punctuate this Breton weekend. Starting with the CSI YH events, which, in the land of horses and enthusiasts that is Brittany, will be particularly observed. Always highly anticipated, the Derby de Bretagne which saw the German Sophie Hinners win in 2025 will also be one of the high points of the four days of competition. Final bouquet, the Rolex Grand Prix of the city of Dinard at 1.60m, and endowed with 500,000 euros, will, like every year, be the subject of all desires for riders. In 2025, he saw the American anthem ring out with the victory of Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25.
In parallel with these very high-level events, this competition is also that of the first great thrills, budding ambitions and high-level dreams. The CSI1* will thus occupy a special place, offering many riders the opportunity to evolve in the unique atmosphere of Val Porée. On this legendary track, enlightened amateurs and professionals also come to fully experience the Dinard International Jumping.
“The whole audience supported me, I even saw Richard Vogel there.”
In 2025, Zoé Vageon Ledy’s victory in the CSI1* – Grand Prix Laiterie de Montaigu at 1.40m is the perfect illustration of the great sporting stories associated with the event. With her mare Arkana Messipierre, with whom she has just won the title of French Junior Ace champion, she had flew over the event, offering the public a Marseillaise and above all a memorable awards ceremony.
“I remember it like it was yesterday, confides the young rider, only 16 years old. It was my first 1.40m with my mare, and on a tricky track, so winning it was quite unexpected. Victory was one thing but what particularly struck me was the atmosphere during the prize giving and the victory lap. The whole audience supported me, I even saw Richard Vogel there! It was a great moment. I can’t wait for the 2026 edition where I will be present again in the 1* with Arkana. HAS”
In an atmosphere worthy of the greatest achievements, the young French rider knew how to seize her moment, reminding us how these events leave indelible memories for those who experience them. For more information, go to the Jumping international de Dinard website.
(With press releases)
