The Horses Who Made Me: A Journey to a Horsemanship Philosophy

Former French international dressage competitor Froment profiles the equines that shaped her life—from her childhood Shetland pony to the horse that she calls her heart, Mistral. The stallion not only helped her achieve success in the competitive world of dressage but also altered the course of her life. Though horsemanship was always a passion, Froment was not initially drawn to competition. Two horses from her childhood, Shapati and Kazan, taught her that a horse could fly. At 12, she is asked to join the French Equestrian Training Camp. Plagued with self-doubt, the author drops equestrian training for acting at 16. While she nearly gives up her dream, two remarkable events occur. Froment finds Mistral—a horse that she wholeheartedly believes in—and she finds a mentor who scouts her for dressage. With Mistral, Froment becomes proficient in dressage and competes at the highest levels. She represents France at the European championships, achieves worldwide success, and finds a way to combine horsemanship with showmanship, developing and performing equestrian shows throughout Europe that showcase dressage, liberty work, and elaborate costuming.