Milena Sulzer discovered equestrian sport through vaulting at age six. Today she is one of Switzerland's rising dressage talents, driven by a philosophy of harmony, natural movement, and the deep conviction that true riding means dancing with your horse — not against it.
1. Career & Passion
What inspired you to start dressage riding, and how has your passion developed over time?
When I was six years old I started vaulting, and that's how I developed my love for horses. From that point on I was at the stable almost every day, though I was also doing regular climbing training at the time. I eventually chose horses and gave up climbing. Until I was 13 I competed in junior dressage tests, but I also loved jumping. I then committed fully to dressage when I received my first dressage pony in 2015. Since then it has been my greatest passion — though I still enjoy the occasional jumping lesson; a bit of action never hurts. What convinced me to choose dressage was watching so many wonderful horse-and-rider pairs move through the arena in harmony and relaxation, making it look completely effortless. That is the great art I am still working towards today.
2. Challenges & Achievements
Could you tell us about a particular challenge in your career and how you overcame it?
One of my biggest challenges has been my first horse, Heavenly. Heavenly is a Hanoverian mare who is now 18 years old. I got her when I was 14 — she was meant to ease me into the junior tour. Easier said than done. Heavenly was always a very tense mare, whether in training or at competitions. Looking back, we had to admit that at the time we bought her, she was simply too difficult for me. We invested enormous time in training, so that after a few years I could show beautiful medium-level work at home — but at competitions she was like a completely different horse. She would become so wound up that I could barely ride. It wore on me for a long time: being able to ride clean tests through advanced levels at home, yet barely reaching 60% in a basic medium test at shows. We retired Heavenly in 2022, but she is still with us, fit and well, enjoying light work. Until then I had collected several advanced-level placings, but she never got easier. It was a period that demanded everything I had — and I did not give up. The big results never came, but I am certain that without Heavenly I would not be where I am today. That mare taught me more than any other horse, and for that I am incredibly grateful.
3. Training & Preparation
What does your typical training day look like, and how do you prepare for competitions?
My training day always looks different depending on what each horse needs. But I always try to keep it varied: alongside two to three dressage sessions per week, I include regular pole work, two hack-outs, and aqua training. My routine does not change much in the lead-up to competitions. I focus on keeping the horses motivated, which means plenty of hacking. The day before departure I love doing pole work — it loosens my horses up beautifully.
4. Brand & Partnership
Why did you decide to become an Equinetree ambassador, and which aspects of the products do you find most valuable?
I chose Equinetree because I was genuinely inspired by the concept of sustainable, vegan leather. I was immediately convinced by the products and knew I wanted to support a company like this. Through the love of animals that we all share as riders, I believe we have a responsibility towards all animals — not just our horses. For me, that includes leather. I hope to support Equinetree in developing both their existing and new products, so that equestrian sport can rely on vegan leather as broadly as possible.
5. Vision & Goals
What do you still dream of in your dressage career, and what role does Equinetree play in achieving your goals?
Sportingly, I dream of the Olympics — like so many others. But what I dream of even more are not achievements measured in rankings and percentages, but a genuine change in dressage riding as a whole. I dream of a shift back towards harmony, relaxation and natural gaits — away from exaggerated front-leg action, compressed backs, and forced collection. That is what I am working towards with my horses, and my dream is that judges, trainers and riders all see this as the goal. Simply put: I dream of honest, fair, and sustainable riding — and I am glad that Equinetree accompanies and supports me on this path.