Number one, he’s adorable. Number two, he oozes Gallic charm, and number three, he totally deserves it. While Roger-Yves Bost’s style is ludicrously unorthodox, it has worked for the past 30 years.
This wealth of experience and his belief in developing a kindred spirit between horse and rider culminated in 2013 at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark, where he rode Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois to the championship title.
Complicity and trust are key words in the Frenchman’s vocabulary. “Bosty” is fond of saying that he prefers a horse that is with him, not just under him. “You have to have presence with the horses, and not just during training. You have to have a relationship with them.”
At Haras des Brulys he trains his steeds (currently around a dozen in his show string) among the woods and trails of the neighboring Fontainebleau Forest, for he is a firm believer that nature’s hills and textures build muscles and character. While Myrtille Paulois has been retired to her owner’s field in Ireland to produce future champions, Bosty is hoping he’ll get the chance to defend his European title in Aachen next month with Qoud’Coeur de la Loge or Pegasse de Murier. He’s also looking forward to a return to his beloved Spruce Meadows in September.
How did you get started with horses?
My father was a professional rider, so it was only natural that I became involved from a young age. So did my brother, Olivier. He is now the trainer for the national junior team. Together we organize four or five shows a year, one- and two-stars at Barbizon and the Senior French Championships at Fontainebleau.
Life must be pretty hectic for you. What is a typical day like?
I get into the barn around 6:30 a.m. and I am on my first horse [of 10 a day] at 7 a.m. I’ll also spend some time teaching young riders, including my children Clementine, 23, and Nicolas, 21. They are now helping me too with the young horses. My wife Cyrille does all the paperwork and writes the plans for each horse. I compete every weekend, apart from maybe two. I also allow myself two vacations of three or four days each a year. Mind you, being at a show is a little bit like being on holiday. Normally with only two horses at a show there’s lots of time.
Can you identify a turning point in your career when you said to yourself, “I can earn a living doing this and reach the top?”
No, not really a turning point, but my confidence was certainly higher after winning the individual gold medal with Jorphee du Prieur at my first European championships as a Young Rider in 1983. Every year after that, Jorphee and I won either team or individual medals, including both silver medals at Donaueschingen in ’85.
How significant was winning the European Championship in 2013?
The major difference, practically speaking, was that it pre-qualified me for grands prix for two years. Mentally it was huge for me. I knew that my peers thought that I could win any class at any show, but I was not a ‘championship’ winner. They look at me differently now – they have more respect.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
The horses. I love bringing them on the whole way from the beginning of their career to the end of their career. Normally that’s how it works. For example, Qoud’Coeur de La Loge, my current grand prix horse, is by my stallion Ideal de La Loge, with which I had many successes. I started with Coeur when he was four; now he’s 11. Last November he won the five-star grand prix at Lyon. The following day we formally retired Myrtille. It was a very emotional weekend.
How would you describe your personality?
I guess I am one who always wants to do better – better, better, better – every day better; and every day learning something new.
If life hadn’t taken you where it has, would you have had another profession?
When I was younger I thought about becoming a veterinarian.
Of all the great shows around the world, do you have a favourite?
Spruce Meadows! I will never, ever forget winning the Nations Cup there in 2011 with just three riders on our team. It was one of the most memorable times of my life. There is such a good, family atmosphere there, too. La Baule is also a special place and the Global Champions Tour as a whole is very good for our sport. It has brought in new owners and a lot of prize money for us.
Do you have a fitness regimen?
When I turned 50 last year I decided I really needed to get into shape in order to remain competitive with all the young guys in our sport. I gave up drinking Coca-Cola and lost 15 kilos in three months. It’s good for me and the horses! Now I only drink water and I also run for an hour twice a week. We have a beautiful forest here, so it’s enjoyable exercise.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love pasta. I would eat it every day … and chocolate too.
Medals or prize money – what’s most important to you?
Medals. Money is important too, of course, because it helps you maintain your business.
You have had some wonderful horses over the years: Norton de Rhuys, Souviens Toi, Ideal de La Loge, Nippon d’Elle, and of course Myrtille Paulois. Have you got a favourite?
I am very lucky to have had the horses I have had. I had many victories over four years with Ideal de La Loge, including the Nations Cups in Calgary and Aachen and the Global Champions Tour final in Abu Dhabi, but I would have to name Myrtille as the best, since she gave me the medal. I’m lucky that I have good owners. It’s very motivating to know that when I sell a horse, they will buy me a new one!
