ABOUT JULES NYSSEN

Growing up in Holland, Jules Nyssen began riding horses and taking lessons at a very early age. After graduating from law school, his passion for riding and training horses won out over his schooling. 

Instead of taking the bar exam, Jules moved to Saumur, France to attend the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation (Cadre Noir). At the time he was the first foreign delegate to join the French National Riding School. Jules also received his instructor’s course during that time.  

Jules remained at the French National Riding School as assistant to the National Team Coach for more than three years, providing assistance in preparing the French Team horses and riders. He also competed on the French Eventing Team.

In 1983, Jules came to the U.S. to teach some riding clinics, and he never returned home. During the 80's, Jules competed in both Eventing and Dressage, riding at Rolex, winning the Georgia Three Day Event, and narrowly missing the opportunity to compete at the Barcelona Olympics due to an unfortunate injury. 

During that time Jules became widely sought for his coaching abilities, helping many event riders with their flatwork, including Karen O’Connor, Mike Bloom, the Davidsons, Sally Clark, Nina Fout, Rob Stevenson, and Karen Stives, who won individual silver and team gold medals on Ben Arthur at the Los Angeles Olympics. 

To date, athletes coached by Jules have won a total of four Olympic medals.