Eric Navet, ambassador for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy :
Everybody knows about the unusual beginnings of this rider, who has become one of the big names of the French equestrian scene: at just 4 years of age, Michel Robert learned to ride…on a sheep!
Aged 5, he was already riding the horses owned by his father, a country doctor who would later set up his own equestrian centre. It was then that Michel started competing in regional and then national competitions. A multi-talented horseman, he rode well in both eventing and dressage competitions, but was better known for his show jumping prowess.
By rubbing shoulders with top riders, Michel Robert was able to hone his technique, which is based on respecting the horse and his rapport with his steed. This technique enabled him to achieve his best results, and also earned him the nickname of Le Maître, the Master.
In 1972, Michel Robert made his Olympic debut in Munich, in the Eventing competition.
In 1982, Michel Robert competed in what is still today his fondest memory of international-level competition: the World Championships in Dublin, where he won individual bronze and team gold.
In 1994, he took part in the World Equestrian Games for the first time, in The Hague. He went home with two silver medals, in the individual and team competitions.
Michel Robert has dedicated his whole life to horse-related competition, teaching and business.
Though he officially retired from competition after the Equita’Lyon show last November, his experience at the European Championships, World Championships, Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games is still an asset for the French team, as he trains one of its current riders – no doubt his most famous pupil – Pénélope Leprevost.
It is as a horse and sport lover, but also as a trainer and now an event Ambassador, that Michel Robert will take part in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014 in Normandy.