The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
How do you cope emotionally with the five-ring event?
I am honored to represent for the first time my country at the Olympic Games in Paris. It is really a dream come true. The feeling is wonderful, but I have to try to leave the emotions at bay up to the finish line and only think about preparation and performing at my best on the field.
How did you choose your partner and what work did you do with him or her in the run-up to the Olympic Games?
United Touch is twelve years old and I believe he has the right age and the ability to be up to this commitment. The horse is in excellent shape. During the past year, he excelled in his performance. Among these feats, I can’t forget to mention the Rolex Grand Prix victory in Geneva.
How did you experience the first months of 2024 with the goal to be selected for the Olympics?
Last winter, I took some of my horses to the USA for a long tour. United Touch was consistently brilliant and always performed well in the 5* Grand Prix, particularly in Wellington, and also in demanding Nations Cup tests such as in Ocala.
Were you were looking forward to it with concern or were you pretty sure you could make it?
During the past year, I can say that I became aware of being competitive with my horses in top events; so, I was able to obtain important results. I was thinking about the Olympics like all the riders in the top ranks, but I also knew that my dream could remain in a drawer.
What do you expect from the courses in Paris. Are you familiar with the work of the two chefs de piste?
I had the opportunity to jump Santiago Varela's courses at Wellington and I could appreciate his skills as a chef de piste. He pays attention to every detail; in fact, his courses are technical and finely designed and this is what every rider would like to find in a competition. He also has the ability to build modern courses that are always inviting for horses.
What do you think of the Olympic Games formula?
Honestly, I don't like it. Consider that, in our sport, our competition mates are neither machines nor tools. They are athletes on a par with us and also have their own state of mind (feeling). Clearly, if a pair is selected for the Olympics, it is up to the challenge. However, for whatever reason, a horse or even a rider may have a bad day. It is not possible for an Olympic competition to end after jumping just one course, as may occur. With this formula, with no possibility to discard a poor result, there is an enormous pressure on riders because if a pair retires, this would lead to the elimination of the team. Making a decision in a situation like this is very difficult.
Your prediction for the individual podium:
1) Philipp Weishaupt; 2) Christian Kukuk; 3) Richard Vogel
Your prediction for the team podium?
1) Germany; 2) Sweden; 3) Ireland