The record of Nina Mallevaey at only 16 years old is enough to make anyone dream.
European Children’s Team Champion in 2013, European Pony Team Champion in 2014 and seventh individually, winner of the Bonneau International Pony (BIP) Nations Cup in 2016, tenth individually at the 2016 European Pony Championships, current French Riders Champion …
Almost a year after this report and a week before the 2017 Bonneau International Pony, where we will see her former pony Rominet de Bruz under Jeanne Sadran’s saddle (last year’s Grand Prix winners), it is time to take stock for this young, colorful rider.
Horse Pilot : Hello Nina Mallevaey, first of all congratulations on your great results at the GPA Jump Festival!
What has been the main change in your riding career since last year?
N.M. (Nina Mallevaey) : After alternating between ponies and horses for several years, I have definitively switched to horses following the last European Pony Championships. Since I could only compete in one European Championship last year, I chose the Pony Championship without hesitation, knowing it would be my last.
Did you face any difficulties when combining pony and horse riding?
N.M. : Not really in my way of riding because I have been riding horses for a long time and then moved to ponies. I think the transition to horses is probably more difficult for those who only rode ponies when they were young.
I have always had ponies with a lot of scope, so it did not change much for me. What was the most difficult in the end was organizing the competition schedule!
Your former pony Rominet de Bruz will participate again in the BIP next week with Jeanne Sadran. What can you tell us about this partnership that has been performing for more than two years now?
N.M. : I think Jeanne is doing great because Rominet is not a typical pony. He is not easy, and you really have to ride him to bring him over the fences. He does not forgive mistakes, and she manages him perfectly. I wish them more victories, and why not another BIP win!
Your top mare today is Solitude au Vent, with whom you notably won the French Riders Championship. Who is coming up next?
N.M. : There is Vendredi un Prince following right behind. He is a great horse with whom we still need to make some adjustments, but I have a lot of faith in him. I also have a seven-year-old and three six-year-olds to ensure the future.
You already have an impressive record. What are your goals for 2017?
N.M. : I would like to perform as well as possible in CSI 2* competitions and of course qualify for the Junior European Championships.
At the national level, I would be delighted to bring Vendredi to the Grand Prix of the FFE Grand National circuit, but we still need to work a little.
Last year you said you did not yet know what you wanted to do later. Has your idea become clearer?
N.M. : It will of course depend on the opportunities, but I really want to compete at the highest level.
And if, unfortunately, you do not make it?
N.M. : I will continue my studies and get a job that allows me to buy good horses. For me, it is top level or nothing. I am happy to have reached where I am today and would be very pleased to achieve great things at the 2* level, but I aspire to even more.
Speaking of your studies, you are in your first ES year this year. How are the Bac preliminary exams going?
N.M. : I took a round-trip flight from the GPA Jump Festival on Tuesday just to take my TPE exam (laughs). And it went very well!
What a schedule! What are your next competitions after Cagnes-sur-Mer?
N.M. : The horses will get some rest, then we will go to the CSI 2* in Barbizon at the end of the month, then the CSIO in Fontainebleau (Grand Prix Classic) at the beginning of May, and finally Opglabbeek.
A determined young rider full of promise who has nothing to envy from the top riders. We have not finished hearing the name Nina Mallevaey.
© report: Horse Actu
