Biography

Gaspard Maksud FRA

It will be a first Badminton for British-based French rider Gaspard Maksud (31). Last year with Badminton entry Kan-Do 2 – at 15.3 one of the smaller horses and at 10-years-old one of the youngest – Maksud completed his first 5* at Pau.

Gaspard, who is based in Surrey has represented France in international teams. Last year he was a member of the European bronze medal team (8^th) and in 2022 was 6^th at the World Championships both with Zaragoza. Gaspard also competes in international showjumping up to CSI4*.

Originally from Laval, France, he began his riding career aged 11 and five years later aged 16 he won the French Junior championship. After achieving ‘Sports Ambassador of the Year’ award in 2011 and 2013, Gaspard made the decision to move to the UK to pursue a career in eventing.

He considers himself fortunate to have been based with international rider Andrew Nicholson before going on to work for Sam Griffiths. Having gained invaluable knowledge and experience during his time with these eventing legends, Gaspard then worked for the Morelands Stud before setting up his own yard.

Gaspard trains with Andrew Nicholson. Off horses he enjoys playing a bit of golf and watching Netflix.

Kan-Do 2 is a 10-year-old 15.3 gelding. Although his breeding is not recorded as he was a mistake, he is by a son of Kannan who jumped out of his field and covered a pony mare. Gaspard broke Kan-Do2 as a three-year-old and in 2021 was given a half share. He bought the second half the following year.