The atmosphere is very pleasant this morning at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles during the Terranea Resort Trophy (1.40m). Everyone knows each other and congratulates one another as the riders are used to competing together in west coast competitions. And almost all discovered here, together, the ambiance of international competition.

It was also the occasion to discover new talents and observe the future of the equestrian sports evolve in the Long Beach Convention Center arena, in the same conditions as the professional riders. One in particular has stood out since Thursday: a certain rider by the name of Estelle Navet. This morning she once again proved that she has talent and a strong spirit, just like her father, by riding a perfect round with precision and grace. “I just rode with my feelings and as fast as the horse and I could do it in the safest way. I didn’t look to win, I just wanted to be quick. It was a nice round but I didn’t want to push him. I tried to make a perfect round and it ends up well for me. He’s done for the week; he’s done three days in a row. That’s enough. I don’t want to push too much. I think he did his job well enough. He won twice and finished fourth the first day – we can call it a good weekend,” said the smiling young French rider.

At only 19 years old, the rider couldn’t have dreamt of a better way to succeed at her first international competition. She was even a little surprised herself. “It’s a really good start. I’m a little surprised because usually the classes I ride here are nationals. The horse is really successful but we’re only amateurs and juniors doing it together, and this weekend we are with the professionals. I’ve never competed against them. I just thought about making clear rounds, but I never imagined being fast enough to beat them.” Yet, we can bet she is one to watch in the future. A champion in the making who makes her dad really proud, and emotional during the prize giving ceremony. “He is kind of my pillar. Before going into the arena, he always advises me to ride as I feel. He never pushes me or forces me to do something I don’t want to do. It’s really nice to have him around so supportive”.