‘At first, I felt completely lost’ - Edouard Schmitz on how he broke into the show jumping world

Longines presents Rising Above: Episode 6 - Edouard Schmitz, Becoming An Insider


The Longines Global Champions Tour is proud to announce the release of the sixth episode of its highly acclaimed free content series, Rising Above presented by Longines. This latest installment, titled "Becoming An Insider," showcases the inspiring journey of the talented showjumper Edouard Schmitz and how he broke into the show jumping world having not come from an equestrian background.

Rising Above has captivated audiences with its intimate and inspiring look into the lives of the world’s top equestrians. The series explores the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that define the careers of these extraordinary athletes. In "Becoming An Insider," Edouard Schmitz, who is a Longines Ambassador of Elegance, delves into his personal journey from being an outsider to becoming a respected competitor in the world of show jumping.

Reflecting on his early years, Schmitz shares, "I was definitely an outsider. As a kid, I tried a lot of sports. I think my parents knew how risk-friendly I was, and they preferred me living that risk friendliness in a pool or on a soft mat rather than on a horse. For many years, I had to beg my parents to let me get on a horse. And when I finally did, I never stopped."

Schmitz candidly discusses the challenges he faced breaking into a sport dominated by those from established horse families. "At first, I felt completely lost. I had only seen these athletes on TV before, and the first reaction was that I was not really taken into account. That's difficult when you don't come out of a horse family. Once they saw how dedicated and excited I was about the sport, they opened up and welcomed me."

His perseverance and passion eventually led him to earn the respect and trust of the equestrian community. "I felt lucky to belong to such a welcoming community. I had worked really hard to earn their trust and respect; their acceptance gave me the power to pursue greater goals," Schmitz explains.

As viewers watch Schmitz’s final round in the GCL Super Cup Final in 2022, they witness the culmination of years of dedication and he proves that hard work can make him equal to the experienced riders even at such a young age.

The episode ends with Schmitz's reflection on his enduring love for the sport: "No matter how many years I have and will be in the sport, the passion will never change. I believe that to succeed in something completely new, you need endless enthusiasm, a lot of work, and most importantly, patience."

Rising Above is available for free on the Longines Global Champions Tour website and social media channels. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the incredible journey of Edouard Schmitz and be inspired by his story of resilience, passion, and determination.