It's easy to love Jumping International de La Baule. This traditional show attracts the world's best horses and riders for numerous reasons – great facilities, excellent footing even when the unpredictable coastal weather hits hard, a super schedule, and an enthusiastic audience which is second to none. To top it all, the international horses and riders are offered an opportunity to ride at the beach every morning – what more could you ask for?
With these images, we take another look back at last weekend which was well spent in La Baule.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No screenshots or reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Local police horses accompany the international group every morning, leading the way through the couple of blocks from the FEI stable area to the beach.
Follow the leader!
Each year, grooms and riders take to the beach to enjoy the unique opportunity.
Nick Skelton opted to join the group on foot with his dogs...
...while his partner Laura Kraut took Baloutinue for a beach spin.
Snorkeling...
Sean Vard and Leone Jei enjoying a morning at the beach.
Happy faces all around!
Some cantered around cool, calm and collected...
...while others went a bit more wild.
Nicola Philippaerts and Daniel Deusser were among those that chose to take their morning exercise to the sea.
Wait, what? A local swimmer got some unexpected company.
Best way to start the day...
Can't go anywhere without the paparazzi...
Happiest here... Even when the coastal weather surprised with a torrential rain shower, Richard Vogel could not stop smiling.
Erika Lickhammer Van Helmond and Vivi's Diamond VHL.
While some focused on enjoying the view... others made sure to document it.
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Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
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Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
One of the longest in Europe, the beach in La Baule runs from Pornichet to Pouliguen, and measures a 9 kilometer strech.
Only. Happy. Faces.
The weather on the coast is unpredictable, though... it goes from sunshine to torrential rain in a matter of seconds.
Soaked but happy – Petronella Andersson was all smiles even after riding through some heavy rain.
A large group of both locals as well as the equestrian media covering Jumping International de La Baule gathered at the beach to witness the morning activity.
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Can we stay forever? Just like Stephan De Freitas Barcha, we would not have wanted to leave La Baule either...
Then