HOPE and the Jumping de Bordeaux: sport and solidarity

Beyond the sporting competition, this year the Jumping International de Bordeaux is highlighting a wonderful human and solidarity-driven story: that of the HOPE association. Created in 2017, it supports women affected by cancer in their recovery through equine therapy and the arts.

Through the testimony of Aline Socquet, a former beneficiary who has now become a dedicated volunteer, discover how HOPE restores confidence, strength, and serenity to those going through the ordeal of illness, and how this partnership with the Jumping amplifies its mission.

Could you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Aline Socquet. I joined HOPE two years ago, at a time in my life when everything had collapsed. I was a professional groom, and an accident suddenly tore me away from the equestrian world. It was in this difficult context that I was able to take part in an equine therapy workshop offered by HOPE. That moment was a real breath of fresh air, a first step towards both physical and emotional recovery.

Since then, I’ve chosen to give back. For the past two years, I’ve been contributing to HOPE’s activities by supporting women affected by cancer through equine therapy. This gentle approach, centered on the bond with the horse, allows them to reconnect with their bodies and emotions, and to regain confidence.

Annabel, the founder of the association, was herself helped by her horses during her first battle with cancer. It’s this strength she now wants to share with all women facing the disease. And I’m proud to be part of this beautiful human journey.

Can you present HOPE, its mission, and main actions?

Created in 2017 by Annabel Brourhant and Nicolas Chopin, an oncological surgeon at the Léon Bérard Center (Lyon), the association helps women affected by cancer rediscover the joy of living. HOPE supports them and helps them regain self-confidence through retreats and day programs centered on equine therapy and the arts.

What does this collaboration with a committed sporting event like the Jumping International de Bordeaux mean to you?

This collaboration with the Jumping International de Bordeaux is a valuable opportunity for HOPE. It is a wonderful recognition of our mission and a powerful way to raise awareness among a broad audience. Linking such a prestigious and demanding event to a solidarity-driven mission like ours shows that top-level sport and civic engagement can go hand in hand. We are proud to be part of this edition, and deeply grateful for this spotlight.

The Jumping International de Bordeaux is committed to solidarity and responsibility. What values do HOPE and the Jumping share?

HOPE and the Jumping de Bordeaux share strong values: commitment, solidarity, respect, and excellence. Just like in sport, our work is based on perseverance, surpassing oneself, and collective strength. We also believe, like the Jumping, in the importance of a concrete and lasting impact. Whether by supporting people affected by illness or promoting solidarity-based practices, we act with the same demand for meaning and impact.

How will the funds collected through this solidarity initiative be used?

The funds collected thanks to the Jumping International de Bordeaux will directly finance HOPE’s activities for beneficiaries, in particular:

Retreats fully covered by the association
Psychological support
Access to supportive care such as equine therapy
Every donation helps provide support to women affected by cancer by offering them a haven of well-being through equine therapy and the arts.

What projects would you like to develop thanks to this support?

With this partnership, we would like to strengthen our presence in the field, notably by developing local branches and creating more welcoming spaces throughout France. This support is a real driver to amplify our mission.

What message would you like to share with spectators of the Jumping International de Bordeaux, who by attending the competition also contribute to your actions?

“To you, spectators of the Jumping de Bordeaux, we want to say thank you. Thank you for keeping this wonderful wave of solidarity alive with us. By attending this competition, you are supporting much more than a sporting event: you become part of a chain of mutual aid and hope. Your presence and your commitment make all the difference. Thanks to you, HOPE continues to move forward and to reach out to those who need it most. Together, let’s prove that the momentum of the heart can go as far as that of sport.”

The Jumping International de Bordeaux supports the HOPE association