Getting in the saddle from a very young age, Grégory Cottard began riding as an amateur, following in the footsteps of his uncle, who owned an equestrian center. His passion grew, and he became an instructor before eventually competing as a professional rider.
The pinnacle of his career came in 2013 when he was crowned French champion with his top horse (and especially his horse of the heart) that he had raised, Pepyt des Elfs.
He took a few minutes to share his passion with us; a meeting with a rider as courageous as he is grounded.
"I’ll take it as it comes."
Grégory Cottard, when will you resume competing?
G.C : I’m starting the season in Royan, where I’ll be present for two weeks, before heading to the Villeneuve-Loubet Tour for another two weeks. Regarding my horse team, I try to organize two groups with several top horses and some younger ones to compete as much as possible.
What preparation has been done for the 2018 season?
G.C : The horses had a break after the Longines Masters of Paris (Nov 30–Dec 3), which concluded the 2017 season. For about a month, I have gradually resumed their training, doing exercises like cavaletti jumps. In recent weeks, with frost and bad weather, outdoor work was not easy to organize. Ultimately, Royan will serve as a training competition for me, a warm-up to get back into the competition rhythm.
What are your goals?
G.C : We’ll start gradually with CSI 2*, 3* competitions, moving toward 5* and perhaps CSIO events or Nations Cups. After that, it will depend on my horses, myself, and of course the other riders! (laughs) I don’t really have specific goals; I’ll take it as it comes.
"I’m even better than when I was twenty!"
Grégory Cottard is often associated with balance — why is that?
G.C : It’s true that I do long-term, daily work on my balance, which directly affects my position on the horse. It’s important to be aware of the movements we make and their impact on the animal. A rider’s posture communicates information to the horse, and if you want good dialogue, you must maintain proper posture.
For this, I work with a sports coach, who helped me alleviate back pain before implementing balance exercises through biomechanics (the study of the body’s mechanical functions). We also focus on hip and shoulder movements, which directly influence balance.
You mentioned back pain — what about that?
G.C : Three years ago, yes, I had major back problems and had to restructure my entire pelvis; now I’m fine, even better than when I was twenty! (laughs)
So your coach is an integral part of your sporting career today?
G.C : Yes, that’s true. We’ve been working together for three years, and everything is going very well; he helps me progress. We meet one to two times a week at the gym to work on different exercises, including cardio sessions like cycling.
Also, since I didn’t know this field well, we work together using photos and videos to improve my placement and posture. You could say he’s my daily ally.
Is this concept of balance also applicable to horses?
G.C : Yes, balance is very important for the horse as well. It’s daily work that I do with them. For example, exercises on two tracks, sequences of cavaletti, or small courses help us control the horse’s balance immediately after landing from a jump.
"I feel as comfortable as in my pajamas!"
What made you a Horse Pilot ambassador?
G.C : Undoubtedly, it’s the comfort. You feel good in the clothes and are free to move as you wish, whether in jackets or shirts. You can naturally follow the horse’s movements.
In reality, the team has modernized the equestrian clothing sector; there’s a real change compared to the uncomfortable outfits we used to wear just a few years ago.
I became an ambassador shortly after my French Champion title; now I wear Horse Pilot from morning to night and feel as comfortable as in my pajamas! (laughs) (Note: Grégory Cottard, like Cédric Angot, also emphasizes the unparalleled comfort — pajamas, maybe a sector to explore?). They also offer revolutionary products for our safety.
When you talk about safety, are you referring to the airbag vest?
G.C : Yes, exactly. I will now wear this product on the track. For this season, I decided to wear an airbag for additional safety alongside my helmet. Professional riders sometimes remain too lax with their protective gear; habits that should become more widespread. It’s better to wear a helmet and an airbag than risk being sidelined due to a bad fall. It’s not about fear but common sense, I think.
© photos: Dans la foulée / Alexandre Lourenço (photos 1, 2, and 4) – Séverine Moronval photographer (photo 3)
