What’s your first memory involving a horse? My first horse was called Flamenco. He became the whole family’s best friend. He took me on my first rides, then got me through my certificate and licence. I have so many wonderful memories of Flamenco!
And your best memory involving a horse? The daily progress and the successes achieved with each horse are very important to me. But there are lots of other great memories I could mention, such as the World Championship in Caen, the Swiss Championship, the Longines Global Champions Tour, and many others.
Is there a rider who inspires you? Katie Prudent
What do you think about when you begin a show-jumping course? When I begin a course, various things happen. It depends a lot on the horse. The aim is to get them in great shape for the competition. When the horse and I are ready, we go there to win!
What’s your most important quality? Working with my horses so that we can become “number 1” together. I try to achieve the best possible harmony so that we can produce good results together.
And your biggest failing? I don’t confide in people easily.
What must a groom do? Know my horses and make them happy!
What is a horse, for you? A horse is part of the family. They are synonymous with work but also with friendship. A horse is a way of life. They teach us a lot and force us to understand one other!
What do you need to be a top rider? Great passion, lots of training, brilliant management and everything working!
A great horse is …? A horse that is not like the others! It must have extra capacity, an enormous heart, infinite will, exceptional power, and so on.
Can you give us the name of an elegant rider on the circuit? I like a lot of riders. But if I had to mention a very elegant and efficient rider, I would say Beezie Madden.
What’s your worst memory involving a horse? When nothing works…
Who do you most admire in the equestrian world, and why? I really admire George Morris. He’s a man who knows horses really well, a “horse man”.
What do you do to stay focused during a competition? I try to structure my day so that I can keep my concentration until the evening. But it’s quite hard.
Do you find that your discipline makes you stronger? If so, can you explain how? My discipline is part of my life and who I am. Every moment is different, but it’s because of my discipline that I can set off each weekend. But most harmonious of all is the relationship I form with my horse.
