From a Shetland pony to international five-star show jumping, Nina Mallevaey’s journey in equestrian sport has been anything but ordinary. Crowned French Champion earlier this year and a competitor at the European Championships, the 25-year-old now rides under the banner of an American stable — a trajectory she once believed was beyond her reach. “If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be here today, I would’ve said it was impossible,” Nina admits with a smile.
Mallevaey’s love for horses began early, riding a Shetland pony as a child and inheriting her passion from her father, an amateur rider who always kept a few horses at home. At just 12 years old, she began competing in pony classes, and by 13, she was selected for the European Pony Championships — an early sign of the talent and determination that would shape her career.
Grateful for the sacrifices her parents made to support her ambitions, Mallevaey turned professional at 18, joining the renowned Sadran family stable. Under the guidance of Eric Louradour and Julien Epaillard, she honed her skills, but after three formative years, she felt it was time for a new chapter.
A chance trip to Knokke, Belgium, introduced her to Torrey Pines, the stable of Canadian Olympic champion Eric Lamaze. Despite her nerves, the meeting proved pivotal. The connection was instant, and Lamaze invited her to join the team.
That winter, Mallevaey relocated to Wellington, Florida — a global hub for elite show jumping. There, she met Tara and Mark Rein, owners of the talented mare Nikka vd Bisschop, and now her current employers. “They’re much more than that — they’re like family,” she says.
With their support, Mallevaey has built a top-level string that includes Nikka, Clementine, and Dynastie de Beaufour, allowing her to break into the elite five-star circuit. But success, she insists, isn’t just about talent or training.
“It’s not just about riding,” she says. “You have to build a real partnership. The more time and care you give your horses, the more they give back.”
Along the way, she has learned from some of the sport’s most respected figures. Julien Epaillard taught her to stay connected to the horse’s natural rhythm, while Eric Lamaze instilled the importance of self-belief. She has also gained insights from champions like Laura Kraut, Nick Skelton, and most recently, Helena Stormanns, who has helped her grow in confidence.
Now firmly established on the international stage, Nina Mallevaey’s story is one of persistence, humility, and passion — a reminder that with the right support and unwavering dedication, even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
