Arabian horses are noted for their endurance, speed and agility. They are warm-blooded horses, but with a good character. This breed is widely used in the Raid world.
In the highly competitive and demanding world of the Raid, in which the endurance of horses and riders is measured, few mares in history have given as much to talk about as Varoussa. This Purebred Arabian mare, daughter of the legendary Persik, is a benchmark in the discipline, going from her first strides in the sporting arena to become one of the pillars of what is nowadays the breeding in the aforementioned Raid discipline.
Varoussa’s beginnings
Varoussa was born on 19 April 1987 at the stud of Georges Vandel, who was not only his breeder, but also his rider and trainer during the first years of his life. From the very beginning, Varoussa showed very good qualities, both for his noble character and his physical aptitudes. Her nobility, coupled with her determination, made her stand out above the rest, and her great natural stamina attracted the attention of all those who had the opportunity to see her in action.
Georges Vandel shared an anecdote publicly about Varoussa’s beginnings. On her first ride alone, after a fall by the rider, the mare showed great nobility and connection by not running away. But waiting patiently for him to recover. An unquestionable connection between the pair. It was this small incident that marked the beginning of a sporting career that would later redefine the standards of quality at a reproductive level in the Raid. These qualities, together with his quick learning and ideal physique for the discipline, meant that he soon became a promising young rider who became established over time.
In any case, her origins already heralded greatness. As a daughter of Persik, Varoussa inherited the virtues of this legendary Raid stallion. Persik, born in 1969 at the Russian state stud in Tersk, was and is recognised as one of the best breeders in the history of the discipline. His progeny have won more than 30 medals at international championships and 160 long-distance classifications. Among Persik’s genetic virtues were his endurance and his ability to pass on all his qualities to his offspring.
A brilliant career
The pinnacle of Varoussa’s sports career in endurance riding (Raid) began in the late 1990s. Solidifying her as one of the best mares—if not the best—in the discipline during that era. Her achievements include:
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World Champion in 2000 (Compiègne, France): Varoussa, World Champion in Raid, reached the peak of her career by being crowned World Champion in a competition renowned for its difficulty and high level of demand. Additionally, the French team, of which Varoussa was a member, achieved fourth place in that edition. This victory was a significant milestone for Varoussa. As well as a testament to the dedication and strategy of her rider, Maya Killa Perringérard, and the entire team that supported them.
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1999 European Championship (Elvas, Portugal): In this European Championship, the pair of Varoussa and Maya Killa secured fourth place individually and fifth place as a team.
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Participation in the 2002 World Equestrian Games: Although the pair served as reserves, Varoussa’s team won the gold medal, marking the end of her international career with a golden achievement.
Varoussa also achieved 9 placements in 160 km CEI3* races and secured three victories in CEI2* events. These results reflect her exceptional endurance and capability in a discipline where every detail matters to reach the podium. Furthermore, Varoussa demonstrated remarkable consistency, maintaining a high level of competitiveness throughout her sporting career, showcasing her outstanding genetics.
From High-Performance Athlete to Broodmare
After retiring from competition in 2003, Varoussa assumed a new role: that of a broodmare. Her contribution to breeding has been equally remarkable, establishing her as one of the foundational pillars in this area. Among her descendants, the following stand out:
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Djain (1991): A grey stallion who inherited his mother’s qualities for endurance. He has 23 registered offspring in France since 2003.
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Tumai des Graves (2006): Tumai achieved an “excellent” rating at the French Endurance Championship, specifically in the 5-year-old – 60 km category. He has 63 registered offspring in France since 2010.
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Djevar des Graves (2008): Like Tumai, he earned an “excellent” rating in the 5-year-old – 60 km category at the French Endurance Championship. He has a total of 214 registered offspring in France since 2011.
Varoussa has produced a total of five descendants. All of them stallions, four of whom have significantly contributed to the development of new generations of endurance horses. Her contribution to breeding is measured not only in results but also in the continuation of genetics that prioritize a balance between endurance, nobility, and a strong bond with the rider.
Varoussa: From Champion to Mother of Champions
Varoussa, World Champion in Raid, beyond being a competitive champion, serves as a clear example of the importance of careful genetic selection. As the daughter of Persik, and a mother and grandmother of champions, her genetics continue to thrive in subsequent generations of Arabian horses dedicated to endurance riding. Great horses are not only defined by their achievements but also by the lasting impact they leave on their discipline once they are gone.
In Varoussa’s case, her story remains alive every time one of her descendants steps onto a competition track. Her name, though no longer physically present, continues to resonate internationally.
