FH&C
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NICHOLAS TOUZAINT |
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Nicolas Touzaint, born 10 May 1980, is a French professional horserider specialising in three day eventing. He was born into a family already known for its performance in equestrianism: his father, Jean-Yves Touzaint, was champion of France eventing in 1975 and 1976. His uncle, Thierry Touzaint, was a national coach in the same discipline. On 4 May 2008 he became the first Frenchman to win the Badminton Horse Trials. |
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Nicholas Touzaint 'Nico' is a most talented professional horseman and yet as a person is gently spoken, sensitive and very unassuming. Having achieved the honour of being the only Frenchman to win Badminton Horse Trials 
and holding the title of European and French Champion, plus so much more, you would expect quite a different character. Not so, nothing was too much trouble when we interviewed him, despite the absolutely frozen temperatures outside. He showed a great sense of humour with genuine conversation. A thouroughly likeable chap.
Nicholas had been training students at Le Haras de la Mouline at Vernoil all afternoon. The weather had been appalling, with snow still on the floor and minus degree wind chill. Many an instructor would have pulled out but not Nicholas. Not once did he complain, instead he quietly and thoroughly helped his students and their horses through all three disciplines of eventing. He was still happy to spend considerable time with us afterwards and answer our questions and talk enthusiastically, even though he had spent the previous hour signing autographs and inspiring grass roots riders to follow their dreams. For all thoses present it was an experience of a lifetime, educational, fun and encouraging. Possibly life changing to some.
Here are a few of the questions we put to Nicholas and his responses.
Q. "What do you think is the best breed of horse for Eventing in the future?"
A. "Undoubtedly the Selle Francais. Not just because of the French connection but because the breed is genuinely made for this sport. Strong, athletic and brave. it is agile enough to perform in the dressage with lighness and power and also has the stamina to be trained for the cross. The show jumping is becoming very influential in the results and you need a horse that can score excellent points in all disciplines, calmness with power and expression in the dressage, brave accurate and with good rhythm for spped in the cross and still be agile and go clear in the more technical show jumping courses of the future. the Selle Francais is the event horse for sure of the future."
Q. "From all the horses in the world, which horse would you choose to ride and own?"
A. "I have him! Galan! - Galan de Sauvagère, he is the star of my yard and the best horse in the world. I am very honoured to ride him."
Q. "Who is your Hero and inspiration?"
A. " Without doubt Mark Todd. he is the most extraordinary horseman the world has seen. i am totally inspired by him."
Q. "Which discipline of the three do you prefer?"
A. "This is definately the Cross. I love the adrenalin it provides. For me I event because I love all the training and the changes the horses go through as you work with them. i appreciate the demands on the horses and how they work for you. The training and schooling and flatwork are so needed to produce good all round results. personally though for me there is nothing better than the feeling of jumping a good cross country round and each jump hoping that all is going well. Adrenalin for the cross, yes that is what I adore."
Q. If you did not take the path of Eventing, what other job do you think you would have done?"
A. " This is easy because I know it would be like your English National Hunt Horse Racing. The jumping at speed over the fences, yes that I would love to do. if I did not event then I would be a jump jockey."
Q. "Do you see yourself at the Olympics in London 2012?"
A. "Yes I hope so all being well with the horses and everything else. The Olympics yes are very important but in the horse world we have other top level competitions which are also goals for the future."
Q. "What words of advice would you give to up and coming riders or thoses hoping to start out in the sport?"
A. "I will think a little on this because it is a very important question and the answer is important. OK yes you must be willing to put in lots and lots and lots of hard work. You will not achieve unless you are willing to put this work into your sport. it is not easy. You must be prepared to work hard and keep working hard even when you begin to achieve. if you keep working you will continue to realise your dream. It is a hard sport and you have to be committed and expect it will not be easy."
Nico was very enthusiastic and passionate with his reponses, which were delivered with thoughtfullness, animation, laughter and obvious delight. It is clear that he adores his horses and his sport and he is a wonderful ambassador for his country. Popular, dedicated, charming and genuine. He deserves the excellent reputation that he has earned himself totally.
France is justifiably proud of Nico and he is one of their best marketing and PR assets.
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