Present for the 40th anniversary of the Mondial du Lion, international rider Kevin McNab shared his enthusiasm for this unique event. From the education of young horses to the fervor of the crowd, he reflects on what makes this legendary competition so special.
Top-Tier Performances in the 7-Year-Old Class
Kevin McNab didn’t just come to participate; he made his mark in the competitive 7-year-old category (CH-M-CCI3*-L).
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Chanel RF showed impressive quality from the start, securing a strong 6th place after the Dressage phase.
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Newmarket Amy proved her bravery and stamina on the cross-country course, climbing to an incredible 3rd place after the Cross, before ultimately finishing in the Top 10 (10th place) of the final classification following the Show Jumping.
Kevin McNab & Newmarket Army
A True Learning Experience
Despite these results, Kevin views the Mondial primarily as a crucial educational milestone. Referring to the experience gained on the technical tracks of Anjou, he noted:
“I was very glad to pass the finish line. Actually, the horse I had, she’s actually a little bit green, she was very good, and I think she learned a lot as she went around, which is one of the reasons we like bringing them here. I think they always come away a lot more educated than what they arrived.”
A Championship Atmosphere
What sets the Mondial du Lion apart from other young horse competitions is undoubtedly its unique atmosphere. With thousands of spectators lining the cross-country course, these young horses experience a level of fervor usually reserved for senior championships.
“I think there’s always something here at Lion,” McNab explains. “The crowds are fantastic. It’s an atmosphere that until you get to championships, you really don’t find that. So it’s great to do it along the way through their career […] I think it sets them up for the future.”
An Event for the Whole Team
The Mondial is more than a sporting challenge; it is a highlight of the season for the entire stable. Owners, grooms, and staff—no one wants to miss the trip to the Isle Briand.
“Everybody wants to come. Everyone wants to come to Lion, so we always have all the owners and the whole team comes. It’s a great event to come that we all look forward to.”
Through the performances of Chanel RF and Newmarket Amy, Kevin McNab once again demonstrated that Le Lion d’Angers is the ultimate proving ground for the future stars of global eventing.