A Journey of Show Jumping Passion: An Interview with Rahel Pulfer

1.Career Beginnings and Motivation:

How did you get into show jumping and what motivates you to continue to grow and succeed in this challenging sport?

Even as a child, I was fascinated by horses. When I completed the classical riding badge in 2005, I knew that my passion belonged to showjumping. With the purchase of our first own horse, I obtained the jumping license in 2013. I have always been very ambitious and of course always wanted to be good. With my mare Zazou II, who has been with me for 6 years now, I have learned a lot. With her, I have been able to bring home many placements and of course, the ambition is there to consistently deliver good performances. Good training is, of course, part of that.

2.Training and Strategy:

Could you give us an insight into your daily training program and explain how you prepare yourself and your horse for competitions?

I try to keep Zazou’s program varied. Once a week (sometimes only every two weeks) we have jumping training. Besides jumping, it is important to me that we go on long rides in the terrain, work on the flat, and of course, lunging should not be missing.

3.Highlights and Experiences:

What has been your most unforgettable moment as a show jumper so far and what lessons have you learned from this experience?

Zazou has taught me in many ways that everything happens when the time is right. I think there are some wonderful moments, whether it’s passing the jumping license, the double victory in one day that I never thought possible, the many placements, and my first placement in R/N 120 at the end of last year. The most important realization from all the good and bad experiences is that it doesn’t work without mutual trust and you have to be patient.