In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Candela, a DP2 student and talented equestrian. Despite not coming from a "horsey" family, she discovered her love for horses at a young age and has been riding ever since. From competing nationally in Spain to navigating the challenges of balancing academics, life as a boarder and trainings, she offers insight into what it takes to pursue high-level equestrian sport while maintaining academic excellence. We’ll also hear about her experiences with her two mares, her goals for the future, and the personal growth she’s gained along the way.

Horse-riding: from discovery to passion

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in horseback riding? 

I don't come from a horsey family, so what initially drew me to the sport was seeing the horses at the zoo when I was 5. My parents then signed me up for riding lessons when I was 6, and I haven’t stopped riding since.

Do you have a specific discipline or style of equestrian riding that you focus on?

Yes, I focus on showjumping, although initially I was drawn towards dressage. 

Can you tell us more about your horses, and share a memorable story or experience with them?

I’m very lucky that I own 2 great mares: Galadriel (Gala for short) and Alborada (Albo), which translates to ‘Dawn’. Gala was my first pony, so she taught me how to ride, from my first jumps to competing nationally across Spain. Then, My most memorable experience with Albo was having the opportunity to bring her to France with me and continue riding her. 

What have you learnt from your contact with your horses, both in terms of riding and in your personal life?
Riding my horses has taught me the importance of consistency and communication in this sport. By riding and taking care of my horses daily, I feel as if I have formed a true bond with them, making me realise how horse riding is not an individual sport but rather a partnership. It has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility, seeing as caring for a horse entails high levels of commitment.

What’s been your most challenging competition so far, and how did you prepare for it?

So far, my most challenging competition was the Spanish National Championship that I participated in with Gala 2 years in a row. In order to qualify, you had to place in at least 5 national qualifiers, demanding consistent training throughout the year. 

 

Student-athlete Life at Ermitage School

What made you decide to bring your horse with you when you moved to the boarding school?

I knew that I wanted to keep riding and when I saw that Maisons-Laffitte had the facilities that would allow me to keep riding, I decided to bring my Albo with me.

How do you balance your time between academics and your riding commitments? 

Balancing riding commitments with school commitments has been challenging, especially during DP2, as the workload has greatly increased. I tend to go to training right after school or studying, as riding helps me take a mental break.

What type of training routine do you follow to maintain such a high level of riding?

Right now, I’m only going riding 3 times a week due to school commitments. I usually jump one day, work on the flat another day and the third day I usually go hacking in the forest. If I have spare time, I enjoy taking my horse out for walks. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a student-athlete, and how have you overcome them?

Personally, the biggest challenge has been staying motivated to train while managing school commitments like exams, IAs, and university applications. To overcome this, I eased some of the pressure by reducing the number of competitions I participated in, reminding myself that horse riding is my hobby and that I should enjoy it rather than feel obligated to go.

How has horseback riding shaped your personal growth and character outside the sport itself?

Horse riding has taught me important skills such as dedication, patience and consistency: qualities I use every day in both my school work and daily life. 

 

Riding and ambition: what’s next ?

Is there anyone in the equestrian world who inspires you, whether a professional rider or a mentor?

A rider that particularly inspires me is the Olympic French rider Pénélope Leprevost as I admire her sportsmanship, kindness towards her horses and technique. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being an equestrian athlete at such a high level?

The most rewarding aspect of being an equestrian athlete is being able to build a relationship with my horses and getting to spend time with them.

Are there any other passions or hobbies you have outside of horseback riding?

Not really, in my spare time I enjoy going into Paris with my friends. 

Where do you see your equestrian career going in the next few years? Do you have any specific goals you’re working towards?

In the next few years, I look forwards to joining the equestrian team at Boston College, where I will be majoring in Finance. I would love to participate in Hunter Jumper classes in the US, a discipline which is not very popular in Europe. 

If you had advice for someone who wants to pursue horseback riding at a high level, what would it be?

For anyone looking to pursue horse riding at a high level, my biggest advice is to be committed. This sport demands a great amount of time and dedication, so make sure you're truly passionate and prepared to invest both physically and mentally. Most importantly, never forget that without your horse, there is no sport. Make sure to prioritise their well-being, and surround yourself with a strong team of professionals who will support both you and your horse up the levels. 

 

At Ermitage International School, we offer an Equestrian Programme, giving students aged 11 to 18 the opportunity to combine their passion for horseback riding with academic excellence. Our school is located in Maisons-Laffitte also known as the city of horse, offering a privileged environment with premium facilities to all the riders. The students enrolled in this programme have access to all stables and Jumping de Maisons-Laffitte facilities, including the Gallop track.

Learn more about this unique programme here.