In under 10 days, the doors will open at the Hespérides Stadium, revealing one of the most glamorous events on the Croisette, the 37st Jumping International de Cannes. In what is the seventh stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour, Cannes will again welcome, from the 7th to the 9th of June, show-jumping’s big names. Alongside them, talented rising stars of the sport, like Lilli Hymovitz, winner of the 1*CSI Grand Prix in
2017, a worthy representative of an up and coming American generation, and Jessica Arene-Denon, a local rider who combines her very busy professional life with top level competition.
Lilli, coming from the USA, does the Jumping of Cannes has a special taste for you?
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes is such an incredible venue. The city of Cannes was most definitely a highlight of my time in Europe- not only because it was the most amazing weekend in the ring, but also because the city is such a beautiful venue. It is so clear how excited the crowd of spectators in Cannes are. Their energy is palpable every time you walk into the ring. The excitement that people there have about show jumping makes the horse show feel that much more important. I believe that the added pressure and excitement of the venue encourages riders to, including myself, to perform at the best of their ability- making the sport reach its peak level of competition.
We remember your great win in the CSI 1* of Cannes last year, can you tell us more about it?
It was the most incredible feeling winning the CSI 1* last year in Cannes. Whenever I am asked what win I am most proud of in my riding thus far, I always say my win in Cannes. Winning that class on such a big stage, against such a competitive group of riders, with my whole family there and the national anthem playing, was a moment that I will never forget. I am lucky enough to also have the most amazing team behind me that made the win even more special. Working day in and day out with my trainer, Brianne Goutal, our Barn manager, Martina Natali, and the rest of our team, while we were in Europe, is a privilege, in and of itself. Walking out of the ring after winning, and having my team standing there with my family, everyone with a smile on their face, was the highlight of that day.
What are your goals for this season?
My goals are to consistently ride well, keep my horses happy, and continue moving up divisions with them. Then, by August, I am aiming to jump the Saturday 2* Grand Prix, at one of my biggest shows on our summer schedule, The Hampton Classic. I will actually be hoping to jump that class on the horse I won Cannes on- so hopefully, we have the same sort of luck!!
Can you tell us about your horses? Are you focusing on one in particular? Do you have a favourite or a leading horse?
Currently, I have four horses showing! I have Verdi, who I won with in Cannes, and who I also hope to jump in the 2* this summer – if all goes well!! I would definitely say that he is my leading horse, and maybe possibly secretly my favorite! Verdi is just the most amazing animal that I’ve ever ridden. His power, his confidence, the feeling you get when you are on him, it is incomparable…Then Zernike, who I’ve had for a while now, is the most fun, dependable, and my ideal horse to ride. He has given me more confidence than I ever could’ve imagined going into the bigger classes- no matter which horse I’m on. I also, now, am riding Cylana thanks to my sister Cloe- which is very exciting!! She really is a dream. I have only gotten to show her a handful of times so far, I am still getting used to her and figuring it all out! And then I have a more new horse named Rio, I just leased him at the end of WEF so I’m also just starting to get to know him! He will be one for me to have fun on this summer, in the mediums and highs, helping me practice!
How do you manage your life between your riding career and your daily life and other activities?
Although it can be a challenge sometimes to balance riding with my other pursuits, I am incredibly fortunate and grateful also to be able to spend time with the people I love and pursue different interests of mine. If I ever get stressed about not managing my time correctly or worry about not reaching all of the goals that I set for myself, I try to remind myself to come back to the present moment. That way I am able to be fully present in each activity, to pay attention to each moment that I am in and perform at my very best. Not only, then, does each activity become more successful for me, but also, those experiences become much more enjoyable, because I truly am much less stressed.
Besides the showjumping, do you happen to have time to enjoy the city of Cannes? Do you have any favourite places? Any advice for spectators?
My family and I definitely made time to enjoy the amazing city of Cannes! We had a great time, during the day, walking around Le Vieux Port. Head there and just take a stroll along the walkway and enjoy the views and walk into one of the amazing boat restaurants right there. The sunset there was incredible, and I felt like I never wanted to leave!
Lilli, coming from the USA, does the Jumping of Cannes has a special taste for you?
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes is such an incredible venue. The city of Cannes was most definitely a highlight of my time in Europe- not only because it was the most amazing weekend in the ring, but also because the city is such a beautiful venue. It is so clear how excited the crowd of spectators in Cannes are. Their energy is palpable every time you walk into the ring. The excitement that people there have about show jumping makes the horse show feel that much more important. I believe that the added pressure and excitement of the venue encourages riders to, including myself, to perform at the best of their ability- making the sport reach its peak level of competition.
We remember your great win in the CSI 1* of Cannes last year, can you tell us more about it?
It was the most incredible feeling winning the CSI 1* last year in Cannes. Whenever I am asked what win I am most proud of in my riding thus far, I always say my win in Cannes. Winning that class on such a big stage, against such a competitive group of riders, with my whole family there and the national anthem playing, was a moment that I will never forget. I am lucky enough to also have the most amazing team behind me that made the win even more special. Working day in and day out with my trainer, Brianne Goutal, our Barn manager, Martina Natali, and the rest of our team, while we were in Europe, is a privilege, in and of itself. Walking out of the ring after winning, and having my team standing there with my family, everyone with a smile on their face, was the highlight of that day.
Jessica, as a locally based rider, does the Jumping de Cannes have a particular appeal?
I come to the Jumping de Cannes every year not only because it’s close to where I’m based, but above all because it’s a genuine opportunity to be able to compete alongside very high class riders. By design the Jumping de Cannes is special, it’s a show built from scratch, on an exceptional site set between land and sea.
What’s are your aims at Cannes this year? And for the 2018 season in general?
Normally at Cannes I take part in the Big Tour and the 1*CSI Grand Prix, but my mare was injured last year and only returned to work in March. Therefore the objective this year is to quietly get back going again, have fun, and perhaps even aim for a placing. On the whole, professionally the year is going to be a busy one for me, and I risk being extremely occupied. I’ll have do everything I can to maintain my level, the horse, well she already knows how to do it all! Otherwise, I do have plans to buy another horse very soon.
How do you manage work and top-level equestrianism?
My stables are at home, which is a considerable advantage! Besides that, my trainer Cécile Bouzinac works the mare for me, she does 90% of the work, including work on the ground. If I find the time to ride once during the week in addition to competing, I’m happy. In the years to come, I hope to be able to free up more time.
Where do you think you’ll be going after Cannes?
Probably Megève, Cagnes-sur-Mer and perhaps San Remo, but nothing’s yet definite.
Can you tell us about Rolex du Lavoir, your mare?
I bought Rolex at the end of 2015, after the sudden loss of my previous competition mare. Very quickly Rolex and I formed a winning partnership. Rolex is an exceptional mare but has health problems. She’s extremely generous whilst competing, sometimes even exceeding her own physical capabilities. I need to be careful with her!
Outside of the show, will you take the time to enjoy the town of Cannes?
No, not really, I live here, so I know Cannes like the back of my hand. Primarily I prefer to make the most of the event. But for those who don’t know it, eat at the Bobo Bistrot, relax at the Posto Pubblico and go shopping on the rue d’Antibes or along the Croisette! I also recommend the market at Forville on Sunday morning and of course, you must visit the Lérins islands and the Suquet quarter!
