| Jappeloup | |
|---|---|
| Breed | Selle Français |
| Sire | Tyrol II (TF) |
| Dam | Vénérable |
| Maternal grandsire | Oural |
| Sex | Gelding |
| Foaled | March 12, 1975 |
| Died | November 5, 1991 (16 years old) |
| Colour | Dark bay |
| Breeder | Henry Delage |
| Owner | Henry Delage and then Pierre Durand |
| Rider | Pierre Durand |
Jappeloup was born on March 12, 1975 at equestrian farm of Henry Delage in Saint-Savin in Gironde and died on November 5, 1991. He was a show jumping champion Selle Français horse, born to a French Trotter father and a Thoroughbred mother.
He was first ridden by Françoise Terrier-Thuault for two years before being purchased by Pierre Durand in 1981. The two of them won numerous titles, including French, European and Olympic champions.[1] Jappeloup is considered to be one of the most successful show jumping horses of all time, despite his modest origins and his height: only 158 cm, which is relatively small to compete in this discipline.
He became one of the most famous horses of the country. He is the last French horse to have won the Olympic title in show jumping (1988 Seoul Olympics). He appeared on Yves Mourousi's TV news program as guest of honour, during which Pierre Durand would describe him as the "horse of his life". For his retirement from competition in September 1991, a jubilee was held at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in his honour, as well as to thank his supporters. Two months later, at only 16 years old, Jappeloup died of cardiac arrest. He was buried in the commune of Saint-Seurin-sur-l'Isle.