Biography

French former Olympic rider Jean Lou Bigot (56) is a rare visitor to the UK – he last rode at Badminton in 2007 but did not complete. He did complete in 1997 with his famous partner Twist la Biege (20^th). Later that year the combination contested the European Championships at Burghley 8^th.

In 2021 with Badminton entry Utrillo du Halage he was a member of the French team to contest the European Championship in Avenches (24^th) – the pair had ridden as individuals in the 2015 championships in Luhmuhlen. In 2020 the pair contested the 5* at Pau but did not complete.

Jean Lou who is based in Longue-Jumelles 50k south-east of Angers is the son of Armand Bigot who was selected four times to compete at the Olympic Games in eventing. Jean-Lou started riding relatively late, at 14 years old. He started competition two years later, in 1982, to become French Junior champion in 1984.

After his studies, Jean-Lou set up his stables in 1993, in Longué, very close to Saumur. The same year, he joined the French team for the first time and won European individual gold and team silver with his favourite horse Twist la Beige*HN.

The couple was French champion in 1994 and became team silver medallists in the 1994 World Equestrian Games in The Hague and again in Rome 1998. The pair was 12^th at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In 2005 he was French Champion (Derby de Longueval), and in 2018 vice-champion with Badminton entry Utrillo du Halage. After a 2nd place in the CCI 4*-L of Saumur in 2019, the couple joined Group 1 and in 2015 rode in European Championship in Luhmühlen individually. Two years later, the duo was selected for the team for the championships in Avenches.

He is married to Rebecca and they have three children – a 25-year old daughter and two sons aged 22 and 10.

Utrillo du Halage owned by Mme Florence Assar is a 14-year-old French-bred Selle Francais. Bred by Haras Du Halage, he is by Kara du Halage out of a mare by Persan 2. He was acquired as a 4-year old form the sales at Le Lion D’angers and has been produced by Jean Lou.