Aspetar Magazine 2026

116 ASPETAR MAGAZINE ASPETAR CHAMPION How did your passion for equestrianism evolve into a professional path that led you to compete in different races as a rider? Over time, this passion developed into a genuine professional path. Horse riding was no longer simply a recreational activity; it became a daily commitment that required consistent training and hard work. I participated in intensive training programs and summer camps to develop my skills. I also had the opportunity to interact with professional riders and work closely with racehorses. These experiences helped me enhance my abilities and gain valuable practical experience, particularly in understanding racehorse behaviour and how they respond to pressure during competitions. What are the most important lessons you have learned throughout your journey in the world of equestrian sport? The most important lesson I learned is that training a horse is not about force, but about trust. Building a relationship based on trust and respect between the rider and the horse is the true foundation of successful training. I also learned that every horse has its own unique way of learning. There is no single method that works for all horses. True success lies in understanding and respecting these individual differences and being able to read the horse’s body language before asking for any response. What motivated you to pursue higher academic qualifications in equine science? My goal was to become a rider and trainer who understands horses from a scientific perspective, not only through practical experience. For that reason, I wanted to combine my field experience with scientific research and contribute to the development of evidence-based training methods. Academic study opened many new horizons for me. I developed a deeper understanding of the physiological systems of the horse’s body, particularly the musculoskeletal system. I also gained greater insight into equine behaviour, how horses think, and the nature of the relationship between horses and humans.