The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping makes its highly anticipated return to the Concours Hippique International de Genève (the CHI Geneva) from 11–15 December and promises an exceptional schedule of world-class equestrian sport and entertainment. Yesterday was announced Martin Fuchs will take over the spot of Conor Swail in the IJRC Rolex Top Ten.
Congratulations, you are once again the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. How do you feel, and do you feel any added pressure going to your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
Being the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an incredible feeling. Competing at such prestigious and unique events is already a privilege, but winning one of the Rolex Grand Prix events at a Major makes it truly special. After my win in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, I am heading to CHI Geneva with a lot of confidence.
Can you explain your emotions when you realised that you had once again won the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament?
To be honest I was initially quite disappointed about having a pole down. I felt like I did not ride the jump-off the way I had hoped and I blamed myself because Leone Jei was spectacular in all three rounds. I thought I had cost us the victory.
When Darragh Kenny had a rail down, things became a bit more exciting, and a small sense of hope crept in that we might still have a chance. However, I didn’t truly believe it was possible – especially with Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM coming in last. They looked incredibly fast, and I was certain they would beat my time. I did not think they would have eight faults, which made me even more upset with myself. However after their mistake at the last fence, it hit me that I had won the most incredible Grand Prix – the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – once again.
What qualities does Leone Jei possess that sets him apart from other horses you’ve worked with?
Leone Jei is a phenomenal horse. He is so motivated and loves to jump – no fence is too big to him, and no arena is too much for him – he can jump anything, anywhere. He has a fantastic stride, huge scope and is very careful. Every time I enter the arena for a Rolex Major or a big Rolex Grand Prix, I feel like we can win it. It is a great feeling to have, to be able to really rely on your partner, and I know that when I do my job well, he will jump a clear round.
As one of the world’s best riders, how do you build trust and communication with your horses, both in and out of the arena?
That is something that builds over time. My partnership with Leone Jei started over six years ago when I rode him for the very first time, and over the years we have become closer and closer. It is important to try and understand your horse, what is best for them and how best to strengthen your bond. Over the past year-and-a-half I feel as if Leone Jei and I have gotten even stronger and closer, and this has resulted in our most successful season together to date.
Leone Jei loves the CHI Geneva and I love it too. We will both be giving our very best to try and make it a brilliant experience, and claim the title once again.
You have won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, one indoors and on an artificial all-weather surface, and one outdoors and on grass. How do the two shows compare, and do you have to prepare differently?
They are both similar in that they are two of the best shows in the world. The four Rolex Majors are the shows that I enjoy the most and look forward to all year round, so the goal is to always be in best form for these events.
Having the CHI Geneva in our home country makes it even more special, and the atmosphere and support of the fans makes it one of my favourite shows. I don’t really train the horses differently, apart from jumping indoors before the CHI Geneva and outdoors before the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I am lucky because Leone Jei has been everywhere and has seen all the different arenas – he doesn’t mind what type of surface he jumps on.
What similarities do you see between show jumping and other sports, such as tennis or golf, especially in terms of mental preparation and performance?
I think in every sport or profession we all strive for perfection – we all want to be the best at what we do, aim for precision and excellence, as well as having a strong work ethic every day.
Do you believe show jumping could learn anything from how other sports engage with their audiences or manage competition formats?
I believe we should work on making show jumping more accessible to a wider audience. Not necessarily the competitive show jumping itself, but the structure – such as the calendar, the types of shows, and the various series – can be challenging for someone outside the sport to understand. For example, there is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the Rolex Series, the FEI Jumping World Cup™, and the FEI Nations League. To someone who doesn’t know the sport, distinguishing between these can be confusing, particularly when trying to grasp the differences between the Rolex events, which feature the best riders and highest-level competition, and other series that offer significant prize money but are less prestigious.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered the ultimate challenge in equestrian sport. What does it mean to you as a rider to compete in your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
The CHI Geneva is a highlight of the year for me. The home crowd, the rich history, and the unique atmosphere in the arena make it truly incomparable. Winning there was incredibly special, and coming close to repeating that victory is a huge motivator for me.
Congratulations, you are once again the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. How do you feel, and do you feel any added pressure going to your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
Being the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an incredible feeling. Competing at such prestigious and unique events is already a privilege, but winning one of the Rolex Grand Prix events at a Major makes it truly special. After my win in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, I am heading to CHI Geneva with a lot of confidence.
Can you explain your emotions when you realised that you had once again won the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament?
To be honest I was initially quite disappointed about having a pole down. I felt like I did not ride the jump-off the way I had hoped and I blamed myself because Leone Jei was spectacular in all three rounds. I thought I had cost us the victory.
When Darragh Kenny had a rail down, things became a bit more exciting, and a small sense of hope crept in that we might still have a chance. However, I didn’t truly believe it was possible – especially with Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM coming in last. They looked incredibly fast, and I was certain they would beat my time. I did not think they would have eight faults, which made me even more upset with myself. However after their mistake at the last fence, it hit me that I had won the most incredible Grand Prix – the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – once again.
What qualities does Leone Jei possess that sets him apart from other horses you’ve worked with?
Leone Jei is a phenomenal horse. He is so motivated and loves to jump – no fence is too big to him, and no arena is too much for him – he can jump anything, anywhere. He has a fantastic stride, huge scope and is very careful. Every time I enter the arena for a Rolex Major or a big Rolex Grand Prix, I feel like we can win it. It is a great feeling to have, to be able to really rely on your partner, and I know that when I do my job well, he will jump a clear round.
As one of the world’s best riders, how do you build trust and communication with your horses, both in and out of the arena?
That is something that builds over time. My partnership with Leone Jei started over six years ago when I rode him for the very first time, and over the years we have become closer and closer. It is important to try and understand your horse, what is best for them and how best to strengthen your bond. Over the past year-and-a-half I feel as if Leone Jei and I have gotten even stronger and closer, and this has resulted in our most successful season together to date.
Leone Jei loves the CHI Geneva and I love it too. We will both be giving our very best to try and make it a brilliant experience, and claim the title once again.
You have won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, one indoors and on an artificial all-weather surface, and one outdoors and on grass. How do the two shows compare, and do you have to prepare differently?
They are both similar in that they are two of the best shows in the world. The four Rolex Majors are the shows that I enjoy the most and look forward to all year round, so the goal is to always be in best form for these events.
Having the CHI Geneva in our home country makes it even more special, and the atmosphere and support of the fans makes it one of my favourite shows. I don’t really train the horses differently, apart from jumping indoors before the CHI Geneva and outdoors before the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I am lucky because Leone Jei has been everywhere and has seen all the different arenas – he doesn’t mind what type of surface he jumps on.
What similarities do you see between show jumping and other sports, such as tennis or golf, especially in terms of mental preparation and performance?
I think in every sport or profession we all strive for perfection – we all want to be the best at what we do, aim for precision and excellence, as well as having a strong work ethic every day.
Do you believe show jumping could learn anything from how other sports engage with their audiences or manage competition formats?
I believe we should work on making show jumping more accessible to a wider audience. Not necessarily the competitive show jumping itself, but the structure – such as the calendar, the types of shows, and the various series – can be challenging for someone outside the sport to understand. For example, there is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the Rolex Series, the FEI Jumping World Cup™, and the FEI Nations League. To someone who doesn’t know the sport, distinguishing between these can be confusing, particularly when trying to grasp the differences between the Rolex events, which feature the best riders and highest-level competition, and other series that offer significant prize money but are less prestigious.
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered the ultimate challenge in equestrian sport. What does it mean to you as a rider to compete in your home Major, the CHI Geneva?
The CHI Geneva is a highlight of the year for me. The home crowd, the rich history, and the unique atmosphere in the arena make it truly incomparable. Winning there was incredibly special, and coming close to repeating that victory is a huge motivator for me.