Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight features accomplished show jumping athlete, Lucy Deslauriers, hailing from New York, New York. With renowned international grand prix riders Mario and Lisa Deslauriers as her parents, Deslauriers found her passion in the realm of show jumping. Boasting a string of notable victories worldwide, the young professional continues to make a mark in the equestrian world. We had the opportunity to connect with Deslauriers, delving into her thriving career and future ambitions.
WEC: Tell us about yourself.
I have been riding for most of my life, and for as long as I can remember I have shown interest in horses. Both my parents are involved in the sport, my dad is still at the highest level and my mom for most of my childhood was also competing at the top levels, so I have been exposed to the sport from a very young age.
It wasn’t until I was nine or 10 that I took real an interest in competing and that is when I started showing ponies. Throughout my junior career I did ponies, equitation and then started jumpers soon after that.
WEC: Tell us about your mount Joevaro N.
He’s so cute. He’s a nine-year-old stallion that I purchased in February of this year. I actually brought him to WEC right after I purchased him and we showed in the 1.30m and 1.40m.
Since then, I think our partnership has really progressed. We’re starting to understand each other better. He’s really special and I know he has a bright future ahead of him. It’s been fun getting to learn with him so far.
I was talking to my groom, Lily, last week about how we brought him to WEC earlier in the year and how cool it is that we’re now back and jumping the CSI3*. He’s really the type of horse that is willing to do anything you ask.
WEC: What are the most memorable moments of your career?
Showing in the Nations Cup™ in Aachen Germany in 2021 is probably number one on my list. It’s the mecca of our sport. As a rider you dream about going to places like that, and it was everything I’d hoped for. We won the Nations Cup, which was beyond expectations, especially since it was my first time competing there. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I think about it all the time.
Taking the bronze team medal at the Pan American Games in 2019 in Peru was also an amazing memory. Holding the medal and standing atop the podium was such an unbelievable experience. It was also my first senior championship in my riding career, which made it all that much more special.
WEC: What are your future riding goals?
I’ve really enjoyed having some horses to take my time with and build a relationship and see where that goes. I think the most special partnerships in our sport are often the ones that are built over time, where you create that unique bond. For me, this gives you a bit of an edge in the sport, where maybe they fight for you a bit more or anticipate your next move in the ring. It’s the way that has worked for me in the past, particularly with Hester, and it’s often how my dad produces his best horses as well. I hope to keep developing these types of partnerships with my horses and bring them to the highest level of the sport.
WEC: Tell us about your experience at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC).
It’s amazing here. I came for the first time earlier this year in March, and I was blown away. I was so excited to come back. We are based in Wellington, Florida for the winter, so the addition of this venue with all its offerings is such a bonus. We brought six horses this week, between my dad and I, and it’s been a great week of competition. I am thrilled that WEC – Ocala is having even more FEI weeks this winter and I am looking forward coming back.
Thank you, Lucy, for taking the time to chat with us! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Joevaro N!