Edouard Schmitz: Journey Through the Season and Looking Forward
We had the privilege of sitting down with Edouard Schmitz to discuss his eventful season and the future.
With 14 different cities under your belt this year, which competitions stand out the most?
Our Swiss team had a remarkable season in the Nations Cup. The triumphs in Aachen, Dublin, and St. Gallen are career highlights for me. Personally, I fondly remember securing podium finishes in the World Cup series at Bordeaux and Amsterdam and making my debut at the World Cup Final in Omaha.
Traveling can be exhausting. Do you have any tricks to manage the stress?
I swear by good music and an engaging book. But truly, I adore traveling and always anticipate exploring new countries and tournaments.
How do you decide which horse to bring to a competition?
When it's the Nations Cups or Championships, our Team Chiefs, Michel Sorg and Thomas Fuchs, are deeply involved in the decision. Otherwise, much like other aspects of equestrian sports, it's all about a rider's intuition. Ultimately, a rider knows their horses best.
How many horses typically accompany you to a competition?
It varies based on the tournament. For 5* tournaments, I usually have between one to three horses. Each horse gets about two or three rounds. Though, at some 2*-4* shows, theoretically, I could ride over ten horses. However, managing ten horses would mean around 30 rounds for a single rider at one event. So, to ensure quality care for each horse, Thibault and I usually limit it to five horses per event.
This season has seen impressive results both individually and as a team. Which achievements are you most proud of?
Representing and riding for my country fills me with immense pride. Sharing the euphoria of victory with teammates is unmatched. While individual wins are delightful, as they say, the more, the merrier!
Switzerland boasts many world-class riders, making the Olympic selection competitive. How do you cope with this pressure?
The high caliber of Swiss riders is both a blessing and a challenge. It might be tough to get selected, but once in, you're part of a team with serious medal potential. For us athletes, the goal is always to win. Simply participating for the sake of it doesn't align with my mindset.
Show jumping has a diverse age range among competitors. What's your take on this?
The age diversity is enriching. Us younger riders gain invaluable insights from the seasoned pros. And for fans, it bridges generational gaps. It's a beautiful sight when a father and son enjoy a competition together, each rooting for their own generation of jumpers.
With the European Championships in Milan approaching, how would you evaluate Switzerland's chances for Olympic qualification?
We have a robust chance in Milan. With seven top European countries already qualified, we must secure a spot in the top 10. Considering our past accolades and recent performance in the Nations Cup series, we're on a promising track!
And what are your personal aspirations for Milan?
My main goal is a commendable team performance and to make it to the individual finals.
If Milan doesn't go as planned, what's next en route to Paris 2024?
Should Milan not turn in our favor, it'll be quite challenging. I'd have to surpass Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat in individual Olympic qualifications.
We've heard you're also a student. How's that balancing act going?
Juggling can be tough. I still have lectures during the summer, unfortunately.
You've also started representing Tommy Hilfiger this year. Has that brought any changes?
Representing Tommy has been an honor. Donning quality attire sets the stage for exceptional performance.
If you could step into the shoes of another jumper for a day, who'd it be?
I'd choose either Steve Guerdat or Julien Épaillard. With Steve, I'm curious to experience his sensitivity on horseback. I'd love to feel the thrill of his unmatched speed during jump-offs with Julien.
