The equestrian community is preparing for the return of the Super As Nîmes Centaure equestrian event, a sprawling three-day showcase of precision and speed scheduled for April 10–12, 2026. Spanning two primary arenas—Piste HYSPSO and Piste Kalimero—the competition will bring together a diverse array of riders, from emerging youth talents in preparatory rounds to seasoned competitors vying for the Poney Elite titles.
The event is structured as a comprehensive test of versatility, utilizing a variety of scoring formats including “Barème A” and timed sequences. By distributing events across dual tracks, the organizers have created a high-density schedule that allows for simultaneous progression in both the Club and Poney categories, ensuring a constant stream of action for spectators and athletes alike.
Central to the weekend’s prestige are the Grand Prix events, which serve as the benchmark for the regional circuit. These competitions are not merely about crossing the finish line but about maintaining a clear round under increasing pressure. For many of the younger riders, the preparatory rounds—ranging from 50cm to 1m00—provide a critical stepping stone toward the high-stakes environment of the Elite divisions.
A Progressive Start: Friday’s Foundation
The opening day on Friday, April 10, is designed to establish the rhythm of the competition. The morning session on Piste HYSPSO begins with a focus on the Poney 4, 3, 2 and 1 Grand Prix events, alongside several preparatory rounds. These early contests utilize the “Barème A” system, where faults are penalized, and the absence of a jump-off in the early rounds places a premium on consistency and accuracy.
As the day progresses, the focus shifts toward the Club categories. The Club E3, E2, and E1 Grand Prix events will test the synergy between horse and rider, with the E2 Grand Prix notably supported by Selles Devoucoux. The day concludes with the As Poney 1 and 2D Grand Prix, setting the stage for the speed-oriented challenges that define the second day of competition.
The Velocity Shift: Saturday’s Speed Rounds
Saturday, April 11, marks a tactical shift in the event’s pacing. Although Friday was about stability, Saturday is about velocity. The “Vitesse” (speed) rounds take center stage on Piste HYSPSO, where the clock becomes the primary adversary. Key highlights include the Club E2 Vitesse and the Poney Elite D Vitesse, the latter supported by Sellerie Equinoxe.
The most anticipated segment of the day is the Grand Prix Ecurieonline.fr, featuring the Super As Poney Elite speed round. This first-day speed test is a critical qualifier, filtering the field for the final showdown on Sunday. Meanwhile, Piste Kalimero continues to host a steady stream of preparatory and Grand Prix events, ensuring that riders of all levels have the opportunity to compete in a professional environment.
The evening concludes with high-intensity rounds, including the As Poney 1 Vitesse and the Club E Elite Grand Prix, pushing the limits of equine athleticism and rider nerve before the final day’s championships.
Weekend Competition Framework
The complexity of the Super As Nîmes Centaure is best understood through the progression of its elite categories. The following table outlines the trajectory of the Poney Elite division across the three-day window.
| Day | Event Type | Format | Primary Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Poney Elite Grand Prix | Barème A / Delayed Time | HYSPSO |
| Saturday | Poney Elite Vitesse (C & D) | Timed / No Jump-off | HYSPSO |
| Sunday | GP Excellence / GP 2nd Day | Timed with Jump-off | HYSPSO |
The Final Ascent: Sunday’s Championships
The competition reaches its zenith on Sunday, April 12, with the final Grand Prix events. The morning is dedicated to the Poney Elite B, C, and D divisions, where the goal is a flawless execution of the course. These events are the culmination of weeks of training, with riders aiming for the prestige associated with an Elite title.
The afternoon transforms Piste HYSPSO into a theater of high drama with the “SUPER AS Poney Elite – GP Excellence” and the “GP 2eme jour.” Unlike the earlier rounds, these finals feature a “barrage” (jump-off), meaning the top performers must return to the arena for a shortened, faster course to determine the ultimate winner. This format is a staple of international show jumping standards, rewarding those who can combine maximum speed with absolute precision.
The event wraps up with the final Club E1 Grand Prix, sponsored by Bruno Delgrange, providing a fitting conclusion to a weekend that celebrates both the professional aspirations of elite riders and the passion of the club-level equestrian community.
Sponsorship and Infrastructure
An event of this magnitude requires significant logistical coordination and corporate backing. The Super As Nîmes Centaure is supported by a wide array of industry partners, ranging from specialized equipment providers like Sellerie Equinoxe and Selles Devoucoux to nutritional supports such as Aliments Destrier. These partnerships are essential for maintaining the high standards of the French Equestrian Federation’s competition guidelines.
The use of dual pistes allows the event to manage a massive volume of entries without compromising the quality of the footing or the safety of the animals. The “Reco” (reconnaissance) periods scheduled before each block of events are vital, allowing riders to walk the course and strategize their lines before mounting.
The schedule for the final day’s Excellence Grand Prix is set for 12:30 PM on Piste HYSPSO, marking the definitive checkpoint for the weekend’s competitive arc. Following the conclusion of the awards ceremonies, official results and timing data will be processed to determine regional rankings.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the upcoming competition or highlight their favorite riders in the comments below.
