ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: RIDER NO. 9 KEVIN STAUT

1. How did you plan this year’s season and which horses did you ride to qualify for the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final?

I’m very happy with the way this season went, producing new horses and others with more experience, like Scuderia 1918 Viking d’la Rousserie and Visconti du Telman.  They gave me the opportunity to stay high in the rankings and I’m happy to participate in the Top 10 Final this year.

2. Which horse will you be riding in the Final? Tell us about him/her. What sort of bond have you established?

I’ll ride Visconti, the mare I rode in Geneva last year. Over the past year she has improved and she is now at the same level as Viking. They are both my first horses now! Visconti had a very good start in the indoor season, with placings in Grand Prix in Stuttgart and Helsinki, which is why I want to take her to Geneva. I think she can be fast in the second round. The Top Ten Final is a super competition and to get to the podium, to win, you need the best horse, but also a horse that can be fast in the second round.

3. As President of the IJRC, and winner of the Top 10, as well as many other important events, what are your thoughts on this competition? 

Being First, Second or Third out of 10 isn’t important to me.  What is important to me, and I think to most riders, is taking part in this spectacular event. The format is unbelievable, for the audience, for the public and spectators, easy to follow and exciting. We are very lucky, thanks to the IJRC and Rolex who, over time, have known how to maintain the Top 10 as the Queen of Competitions and Geneva is certainly the best place in the world to welcome it back.