In the world of show jumping, Julien Epaillard stands out not only for his exceptional riding skills but also for his unique approach to horsemanship. As he famously states, “My main goal is to be as fair as possible with my horses.” In a sport where precision and care are paramount, Epaillard has adopted an unconventional yet successful strategy that has been turning heads in the equestrian world.
Epaillard’s journey into the realm of barefoot horses began with a simple yet profound shift in perspective. In an interview with Marie-Hélène Blanchet, he shared, “All of them. Now they are all barefoot. It all started with Michel Hécart, who started sending me horses who were barefoot. It’s a completely different approach. We find that the horses are better and that they need less veterinary care.”
This revelation led to an intriguing transformation in his stable, where more and more of his equine partners went barefoot. The results were astonishing—healthier, happier horses that required fewer veterinary treatments. Epaillard’s commitment to this approach is unwavering, emphasizing, “It is suitable for all horses. It’s just a matter of time. Some horses take two days to get used to it, and others take two years. Some took longer than others, but currently all my horses are barefoot and they are all doing very well.”
His dedication goes beyond simply discarding horseshoes. It involves meticulous trimming and vigilant follow-up, making it a holistic approach to horsemanship. Epaillard’s philosophy is clear: “My main goal is to be as fair as possible with my horses.”
But the barefoot journey is only part of Epaillard’s intriguing story. He also stands out for riding many of his horses in a hackamore—a system that emphasizes simplicity, trust, and communication. “You can only jump the shows your horses can jump” he asserts, highlighting the harmony between rider and horse that defines his approach, even at home.
In a sport where tradition often reigns supreme, Julien Epaillard is a trailblazer, redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in show jumping while keeping the well-being and happiness of his horses at the forefront of his mission.
To delve deeper into Julien Epaillard’s remarkable journey, don’t miss this exclusive interview (4:36 – 6:36) with this show jumper who wins everything with horses without shoes. Watch the interview and witness his unique approach in action, where every jump is a testament to the power of trust and partnership between horse and rider.
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Source of the image: https://www.ffe.com/actualites/euro-2023-julien-epaillard-decroche-le-bronze
