Antarès riders
Antarès rider Nina Mallevaey: from the pony circuit to showjumping
18 October 2022
Antarès riders
18 October 2022
Nina Mallevaey needs no introduction. Whether you’ve heard of her from her pony days or her latest elite victories, the showjumper from Lille is playing with the big boys. The 22 year old rider with steely determination is now based in Belgium in Éric Lamaze’s stable. It’s a golden opportunity for our Antarès rider to work with the best horses. From pony events to the Global Champions Tour, let’s meet an up-and-coming talent on the scene.
Nina grew up in the equestrian world as her father owns a stable. So it came as no surprise when she made her first appearance with shetland. She moved onto pony riding with Dominique Callens and got her first taste of competition. Unusually for young riders on the pony circuit, she also rode horses with training from her father. The Mallevaey family saw the future and knew what her second career would have in store. That didn’t stop Nina from taking part in pony competitions and European championships though. She won the children’s gold medal in 2013, the pony team event in 2014 and came 7th in the individual titles. 3 years later saw Nina come 10th in the European Championships and win the Bonneau international poney nations cup. She also won the French championship title. Grand Prix ponies that the athlete has ridden include Quartz du Risima, Qualine Rocha, Rominet de Bruz, Uhelem de Seille and Rexter d’Or
Nina Mallevaey reunited with her French pony teammates Jeanne and Louise Sadran at the Chev’el stablen near Toulouse. The 3 young riders trained in a setting focused on performance and elite sport. Bertrand Poisson and Julien Épaillard trained them on a regular basis. It was an opportunity for Nina to ride incredible horses, including Virtuose Champeix, and demonstrate her extensive skill-set at the best showjumping events. She won the 1.5m course at the Grimaud CSI5* in 2020. Her father has supported her throughout her career and gave her the chance ride quality horses such as Vendredi Un Prince.
Fast forward 3 years and it was Nina’s last year on the “young rider” circuit and sadly Virtuose was injured. Her time at the Chev’el stable had come to an end but everyone would look back on it fondly.
With countless Olympic medals under his belt, Eric Lamaze announced his retirement from showjumping and set out to find riders for his elite horses in Belgium. Nina and Eric’s paths crossed and things really got going for her. She took part in the Brussels CSI3* and won the Rome GP2*. They say goodbye to Europe at the end of summer and head to Wellington for the winter season. Nina even got the chance to be part of a Global Champions League team. And she made her mark at the event: she won the 1.55m course with Chacco Kid and the Rome Gladiators team finished 3rd.
The partnership between Nina and Antarès began when she was competing in pony events. Back when she was 11. Her competitive spirit and unbridled passion for horses have united us ever since. We were lucky enough to meet up with Nina at Eric’s stables in Belgium. Watch the interview with our young Antarès rider.
The Connexion horse saddle is a jumping saddle with a deep seat which ensures great contact and light ride. The Connexion saddle provides natural balance to the rider as well as closer contact with the horse thanks to its narrower twist.
450,00€
The Premium helmet features a glossy shell finish. For an aesthetic design, the leather and shell are color-matched. It is available in 5 shell colors, including one with a gray carbon effect. Its timeless design adds to the comfort of a breathable helmet. A helmet conforming to European and American standards, it enables riders to ride in complete safety. The Eclipse visor gives the helmet a stylish, elegant finish. Its size, larger than a conventional visor, protects you from the sun during your riding sessions in the arena or outdoors.
400,00€
The Precision Y noseband anatomic bridle has been developed with equestrian health professionals. The headband’s 2 sets of ergonomic pads free the vertebrae from any pressure. The Y noseband provides a snug fit to the horse’s mouth while restricting any sideways movement in the lower jaw.
300,00€
The bridle has an anatomic headpiece, a padded flash noseband and a lined frontal for superior comfort compared to a classic riding bridle. The headpiece’s anatomic design and shape reduces pressure points on the back of the horse’s neck and its cervical vertebrae. A T-loop also makes the noseband is entirely detachable. Its also frontal showcases your horse’s physique.