A passion for equestrian sport through the decades
In the 1978–1979 season, the Show Jumping World Cup was born in what was still a very amateur context. At the time, the Jumping de Bordeaux was one of its founding events. Fifty years later, the Bordeaux leg is still on the calendar of this prestigious circuit—more relevant than ever.
The World Cup’s story began with a Swiss journalist, Max Ammann. During the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976, inspired by the Ski World Cup, he shared his idea with the FEI President, Prince Philip of Edinburgh. The latter encouraged him with a simple: “Well, make it happen.”
By May 1978, the concept was ready, and the Show Jumping World Cup launched that winter. It began in Gothenburg, where Hugo Simon received the very first trophy from Prince Philip in April 1979.
Among the original ten events of that first season, only four remain today: Gothenburg, Geneva, 's-Hertogenbosch, and Bordeaux. These form the strong foundation of the Western European League, considered one of the toughest alongside the East Coast of the United States.
The Jumping de Bordeaux began in 1973, driven by the colorful personality of Emeric Coupérie. Originally a national outdoor event held in the parking lot of the Bordeaux Fair, it moved indoors in 1974 for its first CSI.
Three years after its launch, Emeric Coupérie returned one day, beaming:
“I met an amazing guy named Max Ammann—we’re going to bring the World Cup to Bordeaux!”. This partnership breathed new life into the event.
The World Cup label quickly attracted the sport's top stars: David Broome, Gert Wiltfang, Gerry Mullins, John Whitaker, Thomas Frühmann…
The 1985 and 1986 editions were marked by legendary victories from John Whitaker with Milton and Pierre Durand with Jappeloup.
“Pierre Durand and Jappeloup’s performances greatly contributed to the Jumping’s success in the late '80s”, notes Philippe, Emeric Coupérie’s son.
After Emeric Coupérie’s death in 1985, the Marquis du Vivier took over the organization. Renamed “Jumbo,” the event was relocated to the Bordeaux velodrome in 1991, at the request of Jacques Chaban-Delmas. But the distance from the public and the unsuitability of the venue for show jumping led to waning interest. The event shut down for the 1994–1995 season.
In 1996, the Jumping was revived by the Bordeaux Exhibition Committee, now known as Bordeaux Events And More. The event quickly regained its prestige, offering high-level competitions and drawing a loyal audience.
Since 2006, the Jumping has taken place in a new, spacious, bright, and modern hall at the Parc des Expositions. Each year, it delivers a top-tier equestrian spectacle to a passionate public.