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DINARD, A SHARED PASSION

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DINARD, A SHARED PASSION

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The CSI 5* Jumping International de Dinard will welcome the world's best riders from 30 July to 2 August 2026. Riders are always delighted to return to the Emerald Coast and to compete at an event where the passion of the Mars family, at the helm since 2013, together with that of all the volunteers, is at the heart of a truly unique competition.

Few competitions leave such a lasting impression. Few equestrian events are as instantly recognisable. The Jumping International de Dinard is one of those rare exceptions. Its rich history spans more than a century and has seen it host, among other prestigious events, the European Championships in 1985 and the French CSIO from 1988 to 1992. Its setting, in the heart of Val Porée, is one of outstanding beauty, where the event's signature pink blends perfectly with the green of the arena and the colours of Rolex, the competition's main partner. Finally, there is its soul, embodied by the Mars family, who have led the organisation since 2013, and shared by all those who, year after year, devote their passion to making this unique event so special.

“Even when it is empty, this arena is absolutely magnificent,” says Danièle Mars, President of the competition. “It has a remarkable charm. Pink is what best complements the green of the main arena. This colour helps the Jumping remain bright, even when the sky is grey. This pink also recalls the hydrangea, the emblematic flower of Brittany. The City of Dinard plays a major role in enhancing the beauty of this setting. The arena belongs to the city, and it is the municipal gardeners who maintain it throughout the year. The Jumping International is the showcase of their work.”

Another source of pride is the loyalty of the sport’s greatest champions, as well as all riders competing in the CSI1*, CSI3* and young horse classes. “Dinard holds a special place in riders’ hearts because it is a truly sporting competition, thanks to the quality of the arena but also the exceptional public,” continues Danièle Mars.

A loyal competitor for many years, Steve Guerdat, one of the greatest riders of the past two decades, never stops expressing his attachment to the competition. “I fell in love with it straight away,” admits the 2012 Olympic champion. “It is a competition that brings everything together. First of all, there is this large natural grass arena with its undulating terrain. It brings back the authenticity of our sport, with challenges to manage and balances to find. There is also the history of the competition, the venue which is a true arena, and an extraordinary crowd made up of horse people and knowledgeable spectators.”

CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE

A few days are enough to digest the latest edition before getting back to work, driven by the same ambition: never to rest on the laurels earned by all the stakeholders of the competition and the equestrian world. The objective remains unchanged: to best meet the expectations of the riders and their grooms, to provide the best possible conditions for partners, officials, volunteers and, of course, spectators. “We are now proud to be part of the Rolex Series, alongside some of the most prestigious events in the world. It is a wonderful recognition of the work accomplished. We are fully committed throughout the year, as a small family team where everyone has their place and puts their expertise and skills at the service of this event. We are not a professional organisation. Within the organising committee, we are all from the same family (Samantha Mars, Axel Mars, Grégory Mars and Frédéric Tarder). Ultimately, this competition is like another child in the family.”

Over a ten-month period, exchanges multiply with both institutional and private partners, efforts continue to attract new economic stakeholders, and work intensifies with the various service providers (sound systems, timing, etc.). These discussions are often conducted in a true family spirit, where authenticity remains the very DNA of a competition proud to rely on nearly one hundred partners, whose loyalty is one of its greatest strengths.

90 PASSIONATES VOLUNTEERS

During the event period, 90 volunteers also contribute their passion and dedication. Among them, Pauline Graff will once again be present. For the 11th consecutive year, she will leave her native Alsace to travel to Brittany.

“It is my favourite event,” says Pauline Graff, who, as every year, will be stationed at the in-gate. “I had already been a volunteer at other competitions and at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. A friend invited me to come to Dinard. I didn’t even know where it was. It was quite an adventure. I immediately fell in love with it. Today, there are a few of us from the early days. We have become friends. The atmosphere here is unique, with all these spectators. When I walk onto the arena before the Rolex Grand Prix of the City of Dinard and see all these spectators, it always gives me goosebumps. And the Mars family is wonderful and makes sure we are in the best possible conditions.”

THE CITY OF DINARD AT THE HEART OF EXCELLENCE

The City of Dinard to Brittany is what Saint-Tropez is to the French Riviera. An iconic seaside resort on the Breton coastline, it offers an exceptional quality of life, set against an ocean backdrop and magnificent Belle Époque villas. The Jumping contributes to the city’s and the region’s attractiveness and provides it with international exposure. “Our city is proud to host an event of this scale, which gives it a high-quality international image and reinforces its identity as a seaside resort,” explained Martine Guénégant, Delegate for Attractiveness and Influence of the Municipality, in charge of events, communication and external relations for the City of Dinard, during the previous edition. “We share the same values as the organising team: elegance and excellence.” The loyalty of the riders and their attachment to the competition each year reflect their pleasure in coming to this extraordinary venue. It is highly rewarding. Over four days of competition, the Jumping welcomes between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators, representing a very diverse audience. Free admission is very important to us, as it allows everyone to come and watch the champions. A luxury clientele is also present each year. Dinard Airport also records its highest traffic during this period. This is important for the city as well. The impact of the Jumping is measured above all in terms of image and visibility. The economic impact is more difficult to assess, but many spectators also stay after the events to dine in town. The Jumping places our resort firmly within excellence.”

HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday 1st August