Arabian horses stand out for their endurance, speed and agility. They are hot-blooded equines, yet possess a good temperament. This breed is widely used in the world of endurance riding.
In the highly competitive and demanding world of endurance riding, where the stamina of both horses and riders is put to the test, few mares in history have sparked as much conversation as Varoussa. This Purebred Arabian mare, daughter of the legendary Persik, is a true benchmark in the discipline, having gone from her first steps in the sporting world to becoming one of the cornerstones of modern endurance breeding.
The beginnings of Varoussa
Varoussa was born on 19 April 1987 at the stud farm of Georges Vandel, who was not only her breeder but also her rider and trainer during the early years of her life. From the outset, Varoussa demonstrated excellent qualities, both due to her noble temperament and her physical aptitude. Her gentleness, combined with her determination, made her stand out above the rest, and her natural stamina caught the eye of anyone lucky enough to see her in action.
Georges Vandel once publicly shared an anecdote about Varoussa’s early days: on her first outing alone, after her rider fell off, the mare showed great nobility and connection by not running away, but instead patiently waiting for him to recover. An unquestionable bond between horse and rider. This minor incident marked the beginning of a sporting career that would later redefine breeding standards in endurance. These traits, along with her quick learning ability and ideal physique for the discipline, soon turned her into a promising young horse who gradually earned her place.
In any case, her origins already hinted at greatness. As the daughter of Persik, Varoussa inherited the virtues of this legendary endurance stallion. Born in 1969 at the Russian state stud of Tersk, Persik was and remains recognised as one of the greatest sires in the history of the sport. His progeny have earned more than 30 medals in international championships and 160 rankings in long-distance competitions. Among Persik’s genetic strengths were his endurance and his ability to pass on all his qualities to his offspring.
A brilliant career
The peak of Varoussa’s endurance career came in the late 1990s, firmly establishing her as one of the best, if not the very best, mares in the sport at the time. Her record includes:
- World Champion in 2000 (Compiègne, France): Varoussa reached the pinnacle of her career by becoming World Champion in an event renowned for its difficulty and demanding nature. Moreover, the French team, of which Varoussa was a part, secured fourth place in that edition. This victory was a major achievement for Varoussa, as well as a testament to the dedication and strategy of her rider, Maya Killa Perringérard, and the entire support team around them.
- 1999 European Championship (Elvas, Portugal): In this European event, the pair formed by Varoussa and Maya Killa achieved fourth place individually and fifth in the team ranking.
- Participation in the 2002 World Equestrian Games: Although the pair participated as reserves, Varoussa’s team won the gold medal. This marked the conclusion of her international career with a gold medal.
Additionally, Varoussa earned 9 rankings in 160 km CEI3* races and secured three victories in CEI2*. These figures highlight her stamina and performance in a discipline where every small detail matters to reach the top of the podium. Furthermore, Varoussa excelled in remaining highly competitive throughout her sporting career, directly reflecting her excellent genetics.
From high-performance to broodmare
After retiring from competition in 2003, Varoussa took on a new role: that of a broodmare. Her contribution to breeding has also been significant, making her one of the key pillars in the field. Among her offspring, the following stand out:
- Djain (1991): A grey stallion who inherited his mother’s endurance traits. Since 2003, he has sired a total of 23 registered foals in France.
- Tumai des Graves (2006): Tumai was rated “excellent” in the French Endurance Championship, specifically in the 5-year-old – 60 kilometre category. He has 63 registered offspring in France since 2010.
- Djevar des Graves (2008): Like Tumai, he earned an “excellent” rating in the 5-year-old – 60km category of the French Endurance Championship. He has a total of 214 registered foals in France since 2011.
Varoussa had a total of five offspring, all of them stallions, and four have contributed to developing new generations of endurance horses. Her legacy in breeding is measured not only in results but also in the continuation of a genetic line that values a balance between stamina, nobility, and a strong bond with the rider.
Varoussa: From champion to dam of champions
Varoussa, in addition to being a true champion on the competitive stage, is a clear example of how important good genetic selection is. As a daughter of Persik, and mother and grandmother of champions, her genetics continue to be passed on through different generations of Purebred Arabians dedicated to endurance. Great horses are measured not only by their achievements, but also by the legacy they leave behind in the sport.
In Varoussa’s case, her story lives on every time one of her descendants steps onto a competition track. Her name, though no longer physically present, continues to resonate on the international stage.
