Bryan Balsiger continues to gain momentum. The rider from Cudret did well on Saturday and Sunday during the Geneva international horse show. He notably took fifth place in the Five Star Grand Prix with bars 155 centimeters high on Saturday on PSG Starlight. On the same day, he also placed seventh in the Great Hunt on his horse Castiel. Still on Castiel, the 27-year-old from Neuchâtel took fifth place in the five-star Grand Prix, but on bars measuring 145 centimeters.
The only downside for Bryan Balsiger was his elimination with PSG Starlight on Friday during the qualifying event for the Grand Prix. “I have a positive assessment of myself and my horses. Qualifying is the only moment that went less well,” he confesses. The rider from Cudret also notes that his PSG mare Starlight amazed him throughout the competition. “I even think that the presence of the public motivated him a little,” smiles Bryan Balsiger.
A choice that is starting to pay off
The performances achieved in the city of Calvin this weekend confirm the 27-year-old from Neuchâtel in his career choice. Since September 2023, he has relied on his personal entourage to race at the highest level. An orientation that therefore suits him, even if he must learn to be patient. “It’s true that it takes time, especially to train and gain confidence in other horses. However, this is what excites me,” confesses the one who participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.
Bryan Balsiger hopes to become competitive again with his own horses within two to three years. The rest for the Cudret rider will be from January 9 to 12 during the Basel international horse show. /dpi
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