Foxy de la Roque: A Rising Star in Show Jumping

In the realm of show jumping, few horses have made waves as rapidly and emphatically as Foxy de la Roque. This 9-year-old Selle Français mare from Luxembourg, alongside her skilled rider, Victor Bettendorf, has been challenging norms and expectations remarkably.

A Trailblazing Career Unfolds

Foxy de la Roque's ascension in the equestrian world is nothing short of extraordinary. Making her debut in world ranking events in 2023, she has demonstrated an innate ability to excel at the highest levels. In 2024 alone, her portfolio includes victories in three major 1.60m+ Grand Prix events, distinguishing her among the elite in her age group. At the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Grand Prix of Rome, Foxy and Bettendorf achieved a historic win, marking Bettendorf's first-ever 5* Grand Prix triumph.

Dominating the Competition

With a perfect record in the 1.60m class, Foxy de la Roque's performance has been nothing less than stellar. Her debut in the 1.60m Grand Prix was in Spain at the CSI4* La Coruña, where she secured a resounding victory. Following this, her success continued at the LGCT Grand Prix in Rome, leaving seasoned competitors like Simon Delestre and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann trailing behind. This success continued when she won the Longines Grand Prix of Lyon with a leading time of 36.06 seconds.

The Special Bond Between Horse and Rider

Victor Bettendorf, currently Luxembourg's highest-ranked rider globally, has been by Foxy's side since she was six years old. This long-standing partnership has deepened the trust and understanding between them. Bettendorf describes their connection succinctly: "like a walk in the park." He jubilantly recounts their shared experiences, stating, "I don’t care about the height. I don’t care about anything. I just go in the ring and have fun."

Breaking Norms and Setting Records

Foxy de la Roque's achievements are not only remarkable; they are unprecedented for a horse of her age. While her peers are often older and more experienced, Foxy's exceptional performance is redefining what is achievable for young horses. Her victories have elevated Bettendorf's reputation and brought Luxembourg's equestrian prowess into the international limelight.

Looking Forward to New Challenges

With recent wins, Foxy has secured a coveted spot at the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh. For Bettendorf, this opportunity represents a dream realized. Until now, he had only been able to watch such prestigious events on TV.

Conclusion

Foxy de la Roque is not just a phenom; she is a symbol of joy and excellence that encapsulates the best in the world of show jumping. Her formidable career, combined with the profound bond with Victor Bettendorf, sets her apart in the equestrian domain. As she continues to defy odds and create new milestones, Foxy de la Roque is undoubtedly a name to watch in the years to come. Sources: - Foxy de la Roque's Profile, Horse Network: [horsenetwork.com](https://horsenetwork.com)