Humanitarian, philosopher, activist, and equestrian icon. French show jumper Kevin Staut is all of the above. He takes his role in the industry seriously (he was the first athlete to be appointed to the FEI executive board) and has a social conscience to match. He’s written books (Le Cavalier D’Acier) and has had books written about him (L’elegance de la Liberte). Alongside his duties as president of the International Jumping Riders Club, the committed long-time Just World International ambassador has travelled to impoverished communities in Guatemala and Cambodia to see for himself how the charity provides education, nutrition, and healthcare to underprivileged children.
Of course there’s also the day job. Six years ago, the 2009 European champion partnered with teammate Patrice Delaveau and horse owners Emmanuèle and Armand Perron-Pette of Haras des Coudrettes to build a five-star stable and a collaboration based on what they call the five fundamental values of performance sport: Passion, Excellence, Performance, Ethics, and Perseverance. From their ultra-modern base, Haras de la Forge near Deauville, Normandy, the JumpFive team compete, train, and coach. The breeding arm of the enterprise continues nearby at Haras des Coudrettes and most of Staut’s horses carry the suffix HDC. It’s a slick operation, but Staut is keen to remind us that at its heart is a deep and abiding love for the horse.
Can you give us an idea of what your life is like on a daily basis?
My life is quite hectic, but that is a choice. The nature of the sport requires a lot of time and effort, and in various directions. The days I am not at a competition, I am in my stables very early in the morning to observe all my horses, to know how they are feeling. Then I will work them on the flat or gallop them. Afterwards they will go out to the paddock for their well-being.