showjumping

Alongside my academic and professional work, I’m an active showjumper competing at national and international level up to 1.45 m with my Selle Français horses. I’ve been riding since childhood and continue to train and compete regularly across Switzerland and abroad. Showjumping is a sport that demands precision, trust, and adaptability — qualities I value deeply in both science and software engineering. Working with horses has taught me patience, focus, and resilience, as well as how to stay calm under pressure — lessons that extend far beyond the arena. Outside of competition, I’m passionate about training and horse welfare, ensuring that performance and well-being go hand in hand. Whether I’m working with code or with horses, I approach both with the same curiosity, discipline, and respect for continuous improvement.

Here is a short selection of some of my best national and international results:

• Winner CSI2* Busto Arsizio (ITA) – 130 cm, 1st place (19.04.2025)
• Winner CS Roggwil (SUI) – N130, 1st place (29.04.2023)
• Winner CSI1* Gorla Minore (ITA) – 130 cm, 1st place (04.03.2018)
• Qualification for the Swiss Young Rider Championship, 2018
• CSI2* Gorla Minore (ITA) – 135 cm, 4th place (09.03.2019)
• CS Amriswil (SUI) – N140, 4th place (02.04.2018)
• CSI2* Busto Arsizio (ITA) – 130 cm, 3rd place (28.04.2017)

Vicq d’Argouges is my best horse and has been my partner since 2015. Thanks to his willpower, energy and athleticism, I have been fortunate enough to be able to partake in showjumping competitions up to a high level - even participate in several Longines Ranking classes that count towards the Longines World Rankings, including one 2* Grand Prix.

For many years, Vicq has been my companion both in the competition arena and in daily life, and I am very grateful to be so lucky to have him by my side. At now 16 years of age, he is still actively competing, and just secured another international win over 130cm.

Iggypop Manciais is my young hope and rising star. After a slow start, he has made immense progress in 2025 and has now competed successfully up to 120cm. He shows great potential for higher classes, has a naturally careful technique and plenty of scope.

The recent focus of training with Iggypop has been on improving responsiveness and facilitating tighter turns in order to gain a competitive advantage to riding quicker rounds.

Competing in national and international competitions for almost 15 years now has given me the opportunity to travel to and compete in many wonderful locations across Switzerland and the neighbouring countries (pictured is the beautiful view of the competition in Maienfeld). But showjumping isn’t just about the moments in the arena - it’s a sport that demands thorough planning, logistics, and commitment on every level. Each competition means loading and transporting horses, equipment and feed, often driving long distances in my 7.5t horse truck.

Preparation starts days in advance: training schedules, veterinary checks, packing tack and gear, and ensuring the horses travel comfortably and safely. Once on sight, it continues with stable setup, course walks, warm-ups, and care routines that start early in the morning and end late at night.

Outside of competition, I’m passionate about training and horse welfare, ensuring that performance and well-being go hand in hand. Whether I’m working with code or with horses, I approach both with the same curiosity, discipline, and respect for continuous improvement.

My training philosophy centers on partnership, consistency, and clarity. I believe in creating a solid foundation through gymnastic work, flatwork, and mental balance — aiming for long-term soundness and a confident, motivated horse.