After criticism from a young rider, Pius Schwizer speaks bluntly: “Sometimes you have to be able to eat dirt.”

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It was a fundamental criticism of his beloved equestrian sport that Pius Schwizer (61) did not want to accept. Although the world-class jumping horse was not immediately criticized, the Solothurn resident is now defending herself against the statements made by the young rider Anna Siegmann (19) in the magazine SonntagsBlick. Siegmann said she lost her zest for life while working hard for a horse millionaire. The statements caused a stir in the scene, but also misunderstanding. Also at Schwizer.

The Olympic medalist describes that the path to the top of the world cannot be achieved without hardship. Dealing with wealthy horse owners is an integral part of the tough business. “Without these owners, we are just pedestrians,” Schwizer says.

From farmer’s son to leader

The Olympic and World Cup finalist once grew from a farmer’s son to a leader. Schwizer knows very well what it takes for young riders to succeed. “Courage, talent and hard work,” says the 61-year-old, “because despite talent, you have to be willing to work hard. It is a difficult road.” Schwizer does not hide the fact that it has become more difficult to establish yourself among the international elite.

But he also makes no bones about the fact that many young riders romanticize the profession of equestrian sports or whose parents consider it a petting zoo. “You can’t be a dreamer!” the veteran emphasizes. «Far too many dreams. For young riders, good horses hide their riding deficiencies. They then show up in higher tests.”

Not an easy road

Schwizer’s path once wasn’t easy, and neither were some owners, so you have to deal with that. ‘There are many who are direct. You also have to be told something, accept it and eat dirty. We all have that.” It takes mental strength to persevere. Oensinger clearly takes the position that everyone needs to be reminded of the harsh reality when it comes to performance and the future.

Over the past ten years, rider Martin Fuchs (31) has made the big leap: from medalist at the European Junior Championships to European Elite Champion (2019). “It takes self-confidence and trust. “It’s not something you’re born with, it’s something you spend years working on,” says Fuchs, who also describes his path as tough, even though he comes from a well-known horse family. “On the course you are on your own, the environment does not matter.” 46 tournament weeks a year, hardly any days off, even as a young rider. He was aware of this and that is why he says: “Yes, it is very tiring, but it is a fun job that gives a lot back.”

Upcoming riders Bryan Balsiger (26) and Edouard Schmitz (24) still lack a bit of consistency. Balsiger also had to deal with a horse change last fall; Olivier de Coulon from Neuchâtel now makes his best horses available to Schwizer. The veteran is aiming for his third Olympic participation this year, after London 2012 and Beijing 2008.

Source : Blick