By Jean Llewellyn
Photography: Peter Llewellyn

The world of showjumping is mourning the loss of Jean-Maurice Bonneau, who suddenly left this world on March 18 at the age of 64. Messages poured in; one of the first posted by close friend, Brazilian international showjumping rider Rodrigo Pessoa: “No one will understand except you. Why you decided to take this last journey alone.”

On behalf of the International Jumping Riders Club, Eleonora Ottaviani said; “As we reflect on the many journeys we shared together, we will always remember him as a great human being, humble gentleman, outstanding showjumping professional, and a true, dearest lifelong friend.”
One of Jean-Maurice’s outstanding results and an abiding memory came as chef d’equipe of the French showjumping team during the World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera 2002 when they won the team gold. Anne-Sophie Levallois, whose husband Richard was a member of that team, recalls: “ Jean-Maurice wrote one of the most beautiful pages in the history of the French showjumping team with their victory in 2002. It was a human story that deeply united us [...] because you knew how to create more than a team, a family full of strengths with everyone overcoming their own desires in order to win gold for the team... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO BREEDING NEWS

SUBSCRIBERS CAN READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE BY LOGGING IN AND RETURNING TO THIS PAGE