The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
International Jumping Riders Club
ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Julien Epaillard
JULIEN EPAILLARD (FRA) - 24/07/1977 -
For the third year in a row, Julien Epaillard is one of the stars in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final. In 2022 and 2023, he finished in 8th place with Caracole de la Roque and Dubai du Cedre respectively.
In the limelight since he was a boy (European Young Rider Champion in '96), he has joined the French team in the top international events only in recent years. 2022 was the year of his consecration in the jumping Gotha with his participation in the World Championships in Herning, where he finished 6th and entered the top 10 ranking. In his first European Championships (Milan 2023), he stood on the podium for the first time to receive the bronze individual medal.
In 2024, Epaillard added another special bronze medal to his trophy cabinet. Riding Dubai du Cedre in a decisive clear round, he was the main architect for the French team third place on the podium in Paris Olympic Games. In the individual competition, however, a mistake prevented him from reaching the podium and he finished fourth.
Julien is considered to be the number one when it comes to speed classes and that's why he's nicknamed "the flying Frenchman".
A passionate motocross enthusiast, he lives in Le Pré-d'Auge where he runs the Haras de la Bosquetterie together with his wife Susana, a Spanish rider who has also competed in Word Cup classes.
Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final and why?
«I will ride Donatello d’Auge which is my best horse at the moment. He had a very good season, he jumped very well in Riyad and he is a very special horse to me. My wife and I bred him...».
What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart?
«The Olympics off course. I was part of the French team that took the bronze medal in Versailles and that was a super moment for me. I also carry great memories of my second place in the World Cup™ Final in Riyadh. That was a great moment too».
What plans do you have for 2025?
«As usual... Go to show, come back home and go to show again. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t... But that’s life. One of my goals will certainly be to qualify for the World Cup Final in Basel. And then there is the European Championship in La Coruña».
They say the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final in Geneve is special... What is the added value of this competition for you?
«It’s true. The Rolex IJRC Top Ten is a special class and its added value is that it sums up a year of success. Which is exactly what you need to be among the top ten riders in the world. It comes at the end of the season and being there is a fantastic way to look ahead to next year.».