Fabienne Voegtli earned her riding certificate at 16 and has since worked her way up through the ranks of show jumping. With her horses, she progressed from 90cm to the jumping licence and international competitions. We asked Fabienne five questions.
1. Career Beginnings & Motivation
How did you get into show jumping and what motivates you to keep growing in this demanding sport?
I earned my riding certificate at 16 at RSZ Galms. The owner at the time, Hansueli Sprunger, was still active in show jumping. As a child, I was always fascinated by how you could judge distances so precisely that the horse knew exactly where to take off. It was also beautiful to watch when a horse-and-rider pair harmonised so well that you could barely see the aids. After passing my certificate, I was determined that now was the right time to take jumping lessons. This wasn't easy — my mother was neither keen on the idea of me learning to ride, nor that I now also wanted to jump obstacles. She always came along and sat in the stands every lesson. Eventually, the wish for my own horse grew — my mother was against it, but my father was on board. Barnaby became my companion through everything. Together we lived through all the highs and lows, working our way from 90cm to the jumping licence and placings at RIII level.
2. Training & Strategy
Could you give us an insight into your training programme and how you prepare yourself and your horse for competitions?
I tailor my training individually to my two horses. One day a week my horses have a day off from the rider — I lunge them on that day. Two to three days a week I go out into the countryside and shape the programme with hill trots, climbing or simply a relaxed hack. The arena work I design based on what I feel is needed. My horses also enjoy daily paddock time and pasture.
3. Highlights & Experience
What has been your most unforgettable moment as a show jumper, and what lessons have you drawn from it?
I've been fortunate to experience several highlights in my show jumping career. I've always had wonderful horses that have carried me forward at every stage of my journey. The highlight with my first horse was earning the licence. With my second horse, it was competing at CSI Basel. With my third horse, it was competing at CSI Offenburg where I achieved two placings at 130/135cm. Every horse in my riding career has taken me one step further in experience. I believe you always need the right horse for the next chapter.
4. Brand Partnership
What do you particularly appreciate about Equinetree and the products you use?
I'm happy to be partnering with Equinetree. I think it's fantastic that Equinetree can already deliver so many sustainable products. It's also fascinating what you can create from recycled apples. At the moment, I'm using the Equinetree halter in my daily routine.
5. Goals & Vision
What goals have you set for the future, both in sport and as a brand ambassador?
My goal this season is to find my way back into my usual categories after a six-month injury break.