Once Astier Nicolas had convinced his mother to let him ride in the saddle with her, rather than traipse along on foot behind her, there was no stopping this Frenchman’s ascent of eventing’s Everest. He followed the familiar European trajectory of ponies, juniors and young riders, winning awards in all categories. He capped his young rider career in 2009 with the individual silver medal at the European Championships.
Long-listed for the London Olympics, at 24, Astier entered the big time, scoring his first senior medal in 2013 in his debut at the European Eventing Championships in Malmo, Sweden, and in 2015, his first four-star event at Pau. A spell in the UK honing his skills with Andrew Nicholson, among others, and studying Equine Science at Hartpury College, came to an end last summer. It was a move to prelude an astonishing Olympic debut in Rio where the French team was crowned Olympic champions, thanks in large part to the performance of Astier, who clinched the individual silver on Piaf de B’Neville.
How has life changed since your momentous trip to the Rio Olympics?
Life changed quite a lot for me before Rio, actually. I moved back to France last July after quite a few years in England. Coming home had been at the back of my mind for some time. I want to own my own yard and that was not an affordable option in England. Also, I was lucky to get some good owners in the UK, but not enough to sustain a high-level string. Before the Olympics I had consistent form; it was not like I came from nowhere, but now I am getting more calls from owners and more offers of rides.
What is a typical day like for you now?
At the moment I am renting stables near Deauville. My daily schedule is pretty much the same as it was in the UK – start riding at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. with no stop for lunch. After riding I look after the yard, sort out entries, make calls to owners, that sort of thing. There’s more pressure during the season of course with a competition at some level every weekend. At the moment I am short-staffed. Anyone in Canada who wants to come work with me, please call me!
How were your efforts in Rio recognized by the nation?
We were given a gala at the Élysée Palace and the president, François Hollande, presented us with the Légion d’Honneur. It is France’s highest honour. It was quite an emotional moment for me. All I could think of was that my grandfather was given the same honour for being a war hero and that I got it for just doing something that I love.
How did you get started with horses?
My mother made all five of us ride once we were old enough. One of my brothers plays polo, but otherwise I’m the only one who made it a profession. My earliest memory would be the first time my mother put me up on the saddle in front of her. Before that I always ran behind her when she went out for a hack.
Can you identify a turning point in your career?
Not as such, but when I started riding Piaf I thought it was possible to reach the top – or at least worth a try. I got ‘Ben’ in October 2009. He was being ridden by a kid in Pony Club, but he was too complicated for him. My first owner set up a syndicate and we bought him. My family wanted me to keep studying so I did and I don’t regret it. I got a scholarship to Hartpury College in the UK, which combined horses and studies. That was a way to convince them that I was serious about pursuing this career and no other.
Were sacrifices made along the way?
Yes, but without making sacrifices you don’t get where you want to go. I lived for two years in a caravan [trailer] in England. I don’t think I was ever dry. I gave up comfort for my ambition. You have to dedicate your whole life to the horses. It’s not a hobby.
What ingredient gives you an edge?
Having faith in yourself is paramount. Self-belief, I guess you call it; believing that you always have a chance even if it is an outside one. Horsemanship and the ability to communicate with your horse is also number one.
How would your friends and family describe your character?
They all call me the baby since I’m the youngest, but I would also think they would consider me as strong-minded. I certainly hope they wouldn’t say I was weak-minded!
If Piaf de B’Neville were a human, what sort of character would he be?
He would be a loyal friend, one who always agrees with me. He is a happy and quite chilled and quiet individual. He hasn’t the heart of a lion; he’s easy-going.
If life hadn’t taken you where it has, would you have had another profession?
I would have liked to have been a steeplechase jockey or maybe a professional rugby player. Or I guess I could have worked on boats … I can’t tell you why I think that apart from the fact I like the sea!
Where is your favourite place in the world?
My grandparent’s house in Normandy. Many happy days have been spent there in the countryside.
Where would you most like to go that you haven’t been?
Lexington, Kentucky. Hopefully we can manage to go this year, but if not we will re-route to Badminton, and then the European Championships.
Do you have a fitness regimen?
No. I work hard enough riding. Sitting trot does wonders for your core.
Do you have a nickname?
No, you wouldn’t want to shorten Astier!
What’s on your playlist?
I’m not really into music. If it’s on, I’ll listen, but I’m no expert. I do like AC/DC, but it’s really loud so there is only so much time you can spend listening to it.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I like an aperitif, a cocktail or a beer after a hard day’s work – does that count?
If you had a life lesson to share, what would it be?
If you feel you can do something, you can do it if you work hard enough. Don’t listen too much to advice and pay more attention to example and be your own inspiration. I wouldn’t know what to say to people who have doubts.
Money or medals, which is more important?
For the next few years I need the money (but I don’t need too much) to fulfill my ambitions and own my own place.
If you were given three wishes,what would you wish for?
Never have a horse injured, an endless supply of good horses, and my own stable – the one I dream of.
“All I could think of was that my grandfather was given the [Légion d’Honneur] for being a war hero and that I got it for just doing something that I love.”
Fast Facts: Astier Nicolas
DOB: January 19, 1989
Residence: Tourville en Auge, near Deauville, France
Major accomplishments: Individual silver and team gold at Rio Olympics, 2016 with Piaf de B’Neville; 1st CCI4* Pau 2015 with Piaf de B’Neville.
Championship medals won: 5
World Ranking: 11
Marital Status: Single
Top Horses: Piaf de B’Neville, 14-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding; Molakai, 13-year-old bay gelding; Quickly du Buguet, 13-year-old bay Anglo Arab mare.
