LE SICHON

The Sichon has hosted the Société Hippique Française competition since 1887. Originally, the land was a simple meadow. In a desire to move the competition from Lyon to Vichy, the town quickly built a 600 m racecourse around the competition ground on the Sichon, and a magnificent grandstand designed by Gustave Eiffel was erected in a very short time. Owned by the town, it was leased to the SHF for 10 years, but a political change accelerated the acquisition of the Sichon site by the SHF in 1896.

Since then, the Stade Equestre du Sichon has hosted one or more competitions organised by the SHF every year, except when work has been carried out to resurface the grounds. The first Vichy International Horse Show was held in 1924, organising pre-Olympic events.

After the Second World War, the Vichy competition diversified, offering the Concours Hippique International Officiel, a World Cup stage and the Cadre Noir de Saumur. Some of the world's greatest riders have competed here: Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola, Bertrand de Balanda, Jean d'Orgeix, Marcel Rozier and many others...

At the end of the 70s, the agreement between Vichy Town Hall and the SHF changed. The town undertook to carry out the work requested by the SHF, which in return undertook to organise competitions throughout the year, including at least one at international level.

In the 80s, a number of great riders showed up on the Sichon course, proving the sporting appeal of this competition. These included Michel Robert, Michel Hidalgo, Philippe Rozier and even Nelson Pessoa.

The eagerness of international riders to come and perform in Auvergne continued year after year, delighted to be able to ride on such a prestigious course as the Sichon.

In 2010, the Vichy CSI *** did not take place because the ground was completely cleared to be refurbished. The ground was changed to provide exceptional comfort for the horses. As a result of the work, the paddock was enlarged, allowing riders to warm up more comfortably. The track surface has been completely resurfaced, making the ground completely safe. Completely drained, the ground will never be soggy or slippery for the horses.

The 2011 CSI lived up to the expectations of our French and foreign riders, who were all delighted to be competing on such a high-quality grass surface.

Inauguration of the new grass track in 2011

In 2012, the 1st nocturne at the Sichon equestrian stadium was a success, applauded by spectators, elected representatives and riders alike.
In 2014, the Jumping organising team installed fixed lighting so that you could attend two nocturnes combining sport, humour, suspense and magic.
In 2016, for the 120th edition of Jumping International de Vichy, the entire organising team hopes to see many of you there to enjoy not only the great sport on offer, but also the two evening shows that have been devised. On the programme: hair, feathers and comedy!

In 2018, the Sichon track will be covered in sand to make it more practical all year round and to improve the comfort of horses and riders in all weathers.

Inauguration of the new sand track at the Stade Equestre du Sichon on 29 June 2018