Paul Gruson, Audencia student and competitive rider: “An unforgettable human and sporting adventure”

In his final year of the Grande École program at Audencia, Paul Gruson is about to graduate after a year of apprenticeship in Paris as part of his Master of Science in Business Strategy and Consulting. But beyond his academic career, Paul has set himself an unusual challenge: to put himself in the shoes of a jockey by taking part in a unique gallop riding championship, the Championnat des Grandes Écoles. It is an adventure that has reconnected him with his passion, and may well inspire other students to follow in his footsteps.

• What role does riding play in your life?

I've always been passionate about riding. I went as far as galop 7, the equivalent of a judo black belt. But with my studies, I only rode occasionally on vacation.  It's hard to keep up the sport when you're moving from town to town.  

It was a fellow student at Audencia who told me about the Championnat des Grandes Écoles and advised me to take part. It was an experience that allowed me to reconnect with my passion, in an extraordinary setting.

• What is the Championnat des Grandes Écoles?

It's an initiative of the Club des Gentlemen Riders et des Cavalières, which enables students from schools belonging to the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles and recognized universities to discover the world of horse racing. To take part, we need to have a good level of classical equitation, at least a galop 5, but not be a horse racer.

After a preparatory course in Chantilly, we're put in touch with a trainer at a training center close to the town where we're studying, to follow a rigorous program. The highlight: running a real race at Paris-Longchamp under our school's colors. It's a rare experience, even for some professionals!

• How did you reconcile training and studies?

It's not easy, especially in a work-study program, because to reach a good level for racing a lot of training is needed and therefore time to devote to it. Thanks to this program, I've been able to train every Saturday morning at Maisons-Laffitte, a well-known training center close to Paris, where I'm doing my work-study program. Regularity has been the key. I had to get up early, even in winter, and stay motivated despite being tired. But it's this discipline that forges your mind.

• What have you gained from this experience?

A lot. First of all, it immersed me in a totally different world from classic riding, that of racing. Then, it was a real physical and mental challenge, and above all, a human adventure: we share this experience with around forty students from all over France. Friendships are formed, common values emerge. It's a very enriching experience.

• How did you prepare for the grand finale on July 13?

The first qualifying race went well, so I was more confident going into the final. I continued to train every week. I knew it was going to be more difficult, because I was going to be up against the best, but above all I wanted to enjoy the moment. I finished 6th out of 12, which is still a fine performance given the very sharp competition. Running at Longchamp is a victory in itself!

• What advice would you give to students interested in this experience?  

You need to have a good riding level, be in good physical condition, and above all be ready to invest yourself. Enrolments start early, so it's important to think ahead.

But if you're passionate about horses, go for it! Few people get the chance to race at Longchamp. It's a unique opportunity, both sporting and human.

What's more, the school has been there to support me and the Sports Office has been very attentive. That's not the case for all the students in this championship. Feeling supported by one's school is invaluable, especially in such a demanding discipline.