Janick Widmer grew up surrounded by horses, but it took a summer holiday ride eight years ago, after five years on the football pitch, for show jumping to take hold of him completely. Today he works full-time as a rider on his family's own yard, spends even his free time at the stables, and last year celebrated his first Grand Prix victory in Linz. We asked Janick five questions.
1. Career & Passion
How did you find your way into show jumping, and what fascinates you most about the sport?
I grew up with horses from birth, but my passion for show jumping only began eight years ago. Before that I played football for five years; during those summer holidays I wanted to try what it feels like to sit on a horse again, and the sport has had me completely hooked ever since. What fascinates me incredibly about this sport is the age range we have and that both sexes compete against each other. On top of that, in our sport you never stop learning: you can win with one horse one day and look like a beginner on another, because all of our equine partners are different.
2. Daily Life & Training
What does your daily life as a professional rider look like, and what role does the relationship with your horses play?
I'm employed 100% as a rider on our own yard, which means I spend the whole day with my horses and train every day. The relationship with my horses means a great deal to me, which is why I actually end up working 200%. In my “free time” I also spend a lot of time at the stables, because I want to give each horse as much attention as possible. I think it's this close bond that makes my horses fight for me so much.
3. Highlights & Achievements
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A definite highlight for me was my first Grand Prix victory, which I was able to win last year in Linz. On that day nobody expected me to win that Grand Prix. People even joked about it. In the end, my horse was in such good form that day and grew beyond itself, which is why from now on I no longer see anything as impossible.
4. Brand & Partnership
What do you particularly appreciate about Equinetree and its products?
What I really appreciate about Equinetree is that the products are easy to care for, practical for everyday use and still very modern. We also get to contribute our own experience and help develop the brand further.
5. Vision & Goals
What are your goals for the coming years?
In the coming years I want to keep growing steadily as a rider, maintain the relationship I have with my horses just as it is, and be a role model for other equestrian athletes. As before, I will invest all my time and energy into developing as well and as quickly as possible. I hope I can move the Equinetree brand forward with good input and present the brand at top-class shows.