In October 2026, Roger-Yves Bost will step into the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) for the sixth time, joining the international rider lineup of the 13th Longines Beijing Masters. As a long-time friend of the event, his appearance brings more than the past glory of Olympic and European champion titles. Fans will also witness this seasoned veteran still racing head-to-head against the stopwatch.

Roger‑Yves Bost

Roger‑Yves Bost | Turning Experience into Speed 

The nickname “Bosty” has followed Roger‑Yves Bost since his teenage years. Born in 1965, he started competing in pony races at the age of eight. As a youth, he claimed two French National Pony Championships and took home a silver medal at the European Championships at 12. Growing‑up on horseback granted him an early sharp sense of competition rhythm and distances between obstacles.

His career is brilliant and long‑standing. In 1990, riding Norton de Rhuys, he helped Team France secure team gold at the World Championships. In 2013, partnered with Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois, he was crowned individual European Champion. At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, aboard Sydney Une Prince, he earned another show‑jumping team gold for France. These honours are far from static medals. Roger’s most remarkable strength lies in turning accumulated experience into split‑second course decisions: when to hold back the rhythm, when to take a shorter line, and when to let his horse surge freely over the final stretch.

Photo source: Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters Official

Past Year | Victories Keep Coming after Turning 60 

On 26 October 2025, just five days after his 60th birthday, Roger won the 155cm Grand Prix at the 4‑star international show‑jumping event in Saint‑Lo. Riding Delph de Denat*HDC, he produced two clear rounds and stopped the clock at 41.47 seconds. Facing a field of riders known for speed, he still dared to take the shorter line in the jump‑off, keeping every calculated risk within achievable limits.

Photo source: Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters Official

On 1 November, less than one week later, another victory followed in Lyon. In the jump‑off of the 150 cm class at the 5‑star Show‑Jumping World Cup leg, Roger and Ballerine du Vilpion claimed the title with a time of 60.27 seconds. Securing back‑to‑back wins aboard two different horses within a short period demonstrates his sharp competitive form. It also proves that behind his seemingly bold rhythm lies consistent, clear‑sighted judgement.

Photo source: Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters Official

2026 Season | Hong Kong Grand Prix, Another 5‑Star Victory 

On 1 February 2026, 21 horse‑rider combinations lined up for the 160cm Longines Grand Prix at the 5‑star international show‑jumping event in Hong Kong, and ten pairs advanced to the jump‑off. Riding Ballerine du Vilpion, Roger produced clear rounds in both the first round and the jump‑off to claim victory in 34.94 seconds, finishing 0.27 seconds faster than the runner‑up Simon Delestre. This was not a win earned by reputation alone. In a high‑stakes jump‑off with minimal room for error, he read the course precisely and turned his experience into tangible time gains.

His partnership with this chestnut mare has brought new continuity to Roger’s riding style. Ballerine du Vilpion boasts exceptional natural speed, yet Roger does not simply push for more pace. Instead, he knows how to reset before combination fences and create room for the next turn from the very first stride after landing. True speed often comes from these subtle details unseen by spectators.

Photo source: Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters Official

Sixth Trip to the Bird’s Nest | Returning with a New Horse 

Roger’s bond with the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters stretches back years. He has competed at the Bird’s Nest on five occasions: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2023 and 2025. From his first appearance to each subsequent return, he has witnessed how the event continuously builds a bridge for communication between international riders and Chinese audiences. In 2026, he heads back to the Bird’s Nest to write another chapter of his equestrian story.

The 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters will be held at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) from 15 to 18 October 2026. The stopwatch shows no favour for experience, and the obstacles do not lower their height for champion titles. As long as Bosty is willing to step up to the starting line, the result will only be decided after the final fence. What he will deliver at the Bird’s Nest in October remains to be seen on the arena.

The 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters 

Dates: 15‑18 October 2026 

Venue: National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Beijing

Meet the world’s top riders and join us for this equestrian gathering!