THE Stade Equestre du Grand Parc has to be one of the most picturesque venues on the FEI Youth Nations Cup circuit. Nestled in the state forest near the charming town of Compiègne, it offers a carnivalesque feel with artisan food tents offering local food and wine, sun loungers, rustic tables and twinkling fairy lights at night. It almost felt like being at a music festival with horses rather than some of the more commercial venues.

The Nations Cup classes started on Friday in the Decarpentry Arena with the U18 CSIOJ 1.40m competition where 11 teams took on Xavier Trouhilet’s flowing course which presented some inventive lines that overall rode very well.