Winner of the Grand Prix of the CSIO5* in Falsterbo last July, the German rider, world and Olympic eventing champion, Sandra Auffarth was at Equita Lyon last weekend to take part in the CSI-W with her two best horses. show jumping. In the World Cup Grand Prix, she also came off the track with 4 points over Quirici H. Met on Saturday lunchtime, she spoke about her double career.
This is your first time in Lyon. What are your first impressions of this competition?
I must say that it is a really enjoyable competition, in a very good atmosphere. It's fun to put on because you can really feel the audience. So far, my horses have had good runs, which bodes well for the future.
You came here with two horses, Comcador OLD and Quirici H. Who are they?
Comcador OLD is a horse that was born at home. He still belongs to us and he is 9 years old now. He was ranked yesterday in the event at 1.50 m (ninth, editor’s note) and this evening, he will do his first test at 1.60 m (the couple finally left the track with 4 points on the clock, editor's note). This is a big step forward for him. As a rider, riding a horse that you have bred, built and can continue the story with is rewarding.
My second horse, Quirici H, has been with me for a few years now. He is 13 years old and it was with him that I did my first 5* Grand Prix at 1.60 m (in Hamburg, in 2023, where they finished seventh, editor's note). He's a horse that means a lot to me. He has a lot of resources so with him, climbing big courses seems easier. Having him in my stables represents a huge opportunity. He is a very particular horse, because he is very sensitive to the environment around him. Moments in the paddock are always a little delicate, but when he gets on the track, he is completely on task.
“We have always bred show jumping horses”
The public probably knows you more as an eventing rider. But you have been competing in international events for a long time, both in eventing and in show jumping. Why did you choose to play both sides?
Very good question (laughs). We have always bred show jumping horses. Consequently, I have always ridden in show jumping, but at lower levels and especially in Young Horse events. Currently, I am lucky to have owners who support me and give me the opportunity to keep very good horses in show jumping so that I can gain experience in great events. I am also fortunate to be able to “choose” which discipline would best suit each horse in my stable. Depending on the different abilities they reveal, I direct them towards the discipline for which they have the most talent. Until a few years ago, I mainly had eventing horses. Now it's the other way around.
When you were a child, were you already competing in both disciplines?
Yes, already back then. I had a pony with whom I did the German championships both in show jumping and eventing.
“I never get bored”
What organization have you adopted to be able to juggle the two at a high level?
I try to leave a lot of time to train my horses myself. It's important for me to see how my horses evolve on a daily basis. I concentrate on the big competitions, which remain the objective for me, and I adapt the rest accordingly. In any case I never get bored (laughs). Obviously, even if I plan each objective of the year in advance for each horse and build the rest around it, I am never safe from the unexpected. This has happened to me a few times this year for example, but I always end up finding a solution.
How many horses do you have in your different stakes?
As we do breeding, we also have broodmares, foals, young horses… But there are around twenty-five of them. Right now I have more show jumping horses than eventing horses.
“It’s up to me to seize the chances offered to me”
You won the 5* Grand Prix of Falsterbo last summer. Was it a surprise or a goal?
Honestly, it was totally a surprise (laughs). The week before, I was in preparation training with Viamant du Matz for the Olympic Games in eventing (but the German ultimately did not participate, editor’s note) so I hadn't made Falsterbo a goal at all. I had already been there the year before and I loved it. So when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it. The weather was less clement than the year before, but the results were a very pleasant surprise.
Did this victory change anything for you?
Yes, when you take this step, you gain confidence. I also think that it is thanks to this victory that I was then able to take part in the CSIO5* in Brussels and to come here, to the World Cup stage in Lyon. Obviously now, it's up to me to seize the chances offered to me and continue my momentum.
“Find my routine on the CSI5*”
Do your show jumping horses, like your eventing horses, benefit from sessions on a spring garden or galloping track?
Yes, we have a cross country at home with different obstacle profiles of different sizes. My show jumping horses love working on the fence, it's a bit like playtime for them.
What are your upcoming sporting projects? Will you continue to practice at a high level in both disciplines? Maybe you could even join Ingrid Klimke in dressage if you have some free time…
(Laughs) Honestly, I love dressage so you never know! Next year, I would like to stabilize and find my routine on the CSI5* if I can access these competitions. For the eventing, I haven't made a plan yet. But I am considering the great events in Germany, like Luhmühlen or Aachen.
“I consider myself extremely lucky”
You are still three German eventing riders practicing two disciplines at a high level: you, Michael Jung and Ingrid Klimke… Are you that bored?
Maybe we're bored, actually (laughs). For Ingrid, I think it is mainly due to the fact that her father was a dressage rider in the national team, she was born into it. In my case, I have always dreamed of reaching a high level in show jumping. When I was little, I went as a spectator to these competitions, with admiring eyes for these riders. I never thought I would be able to make this dream come true. I owe it to the owners who support me and the horses they allow me to ride. So, I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to take part in these competitions and gain experience.
Where will we see you again by the end of the year?
I'm going to Stuttgart (from November 13 to 17, editor’s note)but I haven't planned the rest yet. It will be a surprise!
All results of international events at Equita Lyon are available HERE.
Equestrian competitionEventingShow jumping
