A loyal spectator since 2004, a volunteer since 2015, and a board member since 2022… Douglas Carlile knows every side of the Mondial du Lion. This year, he played a key role in a meaningful anniversary addition: the creation of the Hall of Fame, a gallery dedicated to horses that have made history in the competition.
Doug, how did your connection with the Mondial begin?
I first came in 2004, simply as a spectator. Then in 2009, I saw the event from a new angle—as an owner of a competing horse. In 2015, I joined the volunteer team, and in 2022, the board of directors of Lion Équestre.
I’ve been riding for fun for over 20 years, but it was really my children—especially Thomas—who encouraged me to get more involved in eventing.
What’s your role as a volunteer?
I mostly work before and after the event: setting up the course, installing signage, decorating the fences… And of course, I help with taking everything down. It’s behind-the-scenes work, often invisible, but essential for everything to be ready on the big day.
A Family Idea Brought to Life: The Hall of Fame
How did the idea for the Hall of Fame come about?
The idea came from my son, Thomas. He was inspired by what exists in other sports—especially in the U.S., like in basketball—where top athletes are honored in a Hall of Fame. We proposed it to the board of Lion Équestre, and everyone immediately got on board.
Why honor the horses rather than the riders?
Because the Mondial is about young horses at the beginning of their journey. Some go on to incredible success—Olympics, five-star wins… The Mondial is a real springboard for future champions. So it made perfect sense to honor the horses themselves.
A Collective Effort of Memory and Gratitude
What was your role in the project?
Together with a small team of volunteers, I helped identify the horses, retrace their journeys, reconnect with their riders, breeders, and owners. We also had to gather photos and write biographies.
The entire human team behind each horse deserves recognition too. A horse doesn’t become a champion on its own.
Would you like to mention anyone who contributed?
Yes, a huge thank-you to Helen Barville, Sarah Carlile, Marie Chaves d’Oliviera, Béatrice Delamarche, Didier Domerg, Caroline Louat de Bort, Sophie Pertus, Élise & Roch Pons, Roxane Risse… Their work was essential in bringing this gallery to life.
Is there a Hall of Fame horse that holds a special place in your heart?
Yes—Vassily de Lassos, ridden by my son Thomas. He competed twice at the Mondial, finishing in the top five both times, and later won a team bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
I also think of La Biosthetique Sam, an incredible horse who won everything—five-star events, championships… a true champion of champions.
And then there’s Avebury, ridden by Andrew Nicholson, a rare example of a breeder-rider who guided his horse from start to finish. It’s a powerful and inspiring story.
I’d also like us to remember the less-famous horses who deeply impacted those around them—riders, grooms, breeders. Not all of them won medals, but many left a lasting mark.
What do you hope visitors take away from the Hall of Fame?
I hope they’ll realize everything that lies between a first competition and an international podium. Behind every medal, there are years of work, training, and dedication.
It’s also a way to say “thank you” to the horses. They give so much, with extraordinary generosity and commitment. Few animals are capable of that.
You’ve also experienced the Mondial as the father of a rider. What memories do you have of Thomas Carlile’s first appearances?
In 2009, Thomas competed for the first time as a professional, with three qualified horses. He didn’t win, but I was already proud.
And in 2013, he won both the 6- and 7-year-old classes on the same day. Experiencing that as a family, alongside the breeders, was unforgettable.
In 2025, the Mondial will celebrate its 40th edition. What are your hopes for this anniversary year?
I hope for great sport, every horse passing inspection, sunshine… and a big crowd. I know, it’s a bit ambitious! But this 40th edition also marks the birth of the Hall of Fame, so there’s a symbolic link: celebrating and thanking 40 years of young horses!
Discover the Hall of Fame