Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

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Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping : Interview with Mathilde Schmidt

ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING : INTERVIEW WITH MATHILDE SCHMIDT

Photo credit : Ashley Neuhof / Rolex Grand Slam Photo credit : Ashley Neuhof / Rolex Grand Slam

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?

My name is Mathilde, and I am Kevin Staut’s groom. My job is to take care of the horses, prepare them for competitions, drive them, and make sure they are as ready as possible to compete.

 

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I always wanted to work with horses in the sport but I did not know how to start out. There was a large school in France were we could learn about the different careers in the sport – I did a course specifically designed for aspiring grooms. At the end of my time at this school, my professor spoke to me as he knew about a vacancy at Kevin’s stables. I went there to try it out and I have been working for him for around three years.

 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and what has been the most challenging part?

There have been so many incredible moments but winning the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard was amazing – the horse gave everything to Kevin and that is when the magic really happens. It was particularly special to win in front of our home crowd – it is a memory that I will cherish for a long time. 

In terms of the most challenging parts of the job. For me this comes when there is a lot of pressure. This can be at a big competition, but it is really hard if the horses, especially the ones that we know are really talented do not perform as well as they should do.

 

How important is it for you, as a groom, to form a close relationship and partnership with the horses that you look after?

It is incredibly important not only for me but also for the horses. They are like humans and these relationships are very important to them. It is essential for the horses that they have routine so that they know when it is time to work and time to rest.

Each horse is an individual, and therefore they have their own unique qualities and personalities. I think you need to know each horse by heart for them to be as successful as possible.

 

How do you ensure that your horses are in peak condition for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors, especially when they have a long journey?

Firstly, you need to make sure that they have an easy journey and that they are comfortable – the travelling can be tiring for them. We try to make sure that the drive is smooth, they are a good temperature, that they have enough hay, and that we make regular stops.

When we arrive at the show, the most important part is to make their stables as nice as possible so that they are able to fully relax and rest.

 

Kevin has had some incredible results in the Rolex Grand of Show Jumping Majors – what is it about them that makes them such special events?

They are some of the best shows in the world – everything is excellent from the stables all the way to the arenas. It makes our job as grooms much easier when the facilities are designed for the horses, and this is definitely the case at the four Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors. It means that the horses are relaxed and so they can fully focus on the classes.

When they enter the arena at a Major it is a very special feeling. I always have a huge rush of adrenaline – the atmosphere at those shows is like nothing else, the crowds are electric. It is an amazing feeling competing there especially when you have good results.

 

Do you have a favourite Major, and why?

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament! The place, the experience, the classes, the history – everything is sensational. In addition, travelling to the other side of the world is something else. It was my first time there this summer, and it was like a dream.

As grooms, we have a really tight community, and so getting to experience these moments with your friends makes them even better.

 

What qualities do you think Kevin has that has made him so successful?

Kevin loves his horses – he is really hardworking both at home and at the shows. He is dedicated to the sport and his horses. He gives them everything, and they in return give him all their heart in the ring.

 

The Rolex Grand Slam is the pinnacle of show jumping. How do you manage the added pressure of these events, both for yourself and the horses?

I try not to think about it! In all honesty, I try to keep the pressure outside of the stable for the horses so they stay relaxed before the competition. Of course, as you get tacked-up and go to the warm-up the pressure builds but there is not too much you can do about that. When they enter the ring – I start shaking from the beginning to the end, and so the video is not the best!

 

If you could pass one thing on to an aspiring groom, what would it be?

You need to believe in yourself no matter the situation – it is the mantra I have with some of my friends.

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