Introducing Carla Brunner: A Dedicated Eventing Rider

July 31, 2024

Carla Brunner is an accomplished eventing rider who cherishes the multifaceted nature of the sport and the deep bond formed with her horses. Balancing her passion with a demanding role in a private bank, Carla carefully plans her weeks, often riding before and after work. She manages her horses independently, emphasizing precise training plans tailored to each horse’s strengths and weaknesses. Carla is motivated by her love for horses and the joy they bring. We’re intrigued and asked Carla 5 questions:

1. Career & Passion

What do you love most about being an eventing rider/eventer, and how do you keep that passion alive through the challenges of the sport?

I love the variety of the sport and the necessity to build a strong partnership with their horse in order to be successful. The development of a horse is remarkable under a rider that suits him well. It takes years to build a strong partnership. However, the feeling that the horse gives you its everything and grows under you is what makes me eager for eventing.

2. Challenges & Achievements

What is the most challenging aspect of eventing for you, and how do you overcome it?

For me, the biggest challenge is training and competing the horses at a top level while also working 60% in a private bank. I must carefully plan each week, and sometimes I have to ride one horse before I go to work and the others after. This requires precise planning and discipline. As I am not a professional rider, I also do not have a groom who takes care of my horses. I have to turn them out to a high standard by myself (except mucking out) and always have to drive to training alone, which certainly makes everything much more time-consuming and tiring.

3. Training & Preparation

What specific training techniques or practices have you found most effective in improving your performance across all three eventing disciplines, and how has Equinetree supported these practices?

Each horse has its own training plan according to its strengths and weaknesses. Sticking to this plan and always setting small goals for each training session is very important to me to not lose sight of the training I have planned for that particular day. Additionally, all horses go hacking very often and are worked while hacking, which is not only good for their mental health but also works their bodies in a completely different way. Equinetree supports me in my daily training with their durable and nicely looking products, and I am really glad that I can count on their support. I use the bridles and spurstraps every day and am impressed with how well the products fit with the very soft appleleather and how good they look after riding several horses in hot temperatures or in the pouring rain.

4. Vision & Goals

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals during challenging times, and what strategies do you use to stay on track?

The most important thing is to have fun while being on and around horses. That way, hard times feel less hard, and getting up early in the morning when the sun rises is a joy and not a must. I see it as a privilege to ride my own top-class horses every day. We always have to remember why we do this sport. We do it for the love of our horses and the partnership we build.

5. Brand & Partnership

Why did you decide to become an ambassador for our brand, and what aspects of our products do you find particularly useful for your discipline?

I felt honored when I was asked to join Equinetree, and it was an offer I could not refuse, especially because it is a young and innovative Swiss-based brand. I feel lucky to be part of the Equinetree Team, and I am looking forward to our development. The Equinetree products are not only good-looking but also the horses feel comfortable wearing them. The leather made from leftovers of the apple juice industry is of the best quality and also sustainable, as the leftovers would otherwise end up as waste. I feel comfortable riding with Equinetree.