Exclusive interview with the young danish rider Emil Hallundbaek

The protagonist of this week is the young and emerging danish rider Emil Hallundbaek who, at the age of 23 years old, is already 24th in the FEI Longines World Ranking Under 25.
He currently lives in Belgium, where he went to improve technically and to see, as he declared, how far he would go: there is still a long way to go, but one thing is certain, his growth is exponential and we hope it can continue.
The passion for horses unites all the members of his family: his parents, Jorgen and Marianne Hallundbaek, have taken part in several competitions, even at high levels, while his younger sister, Clara, won bronze in team jumping at the 2018 European Young Riders Championships in Fontainebleau, France.
We tried to contact him after his first place at the CSI2* GP in Opglabbeek, during the second week of the Winter Tour 2021, and he was available to answer some of our questions regarding his brilliant career, his history and his future projects.
First of all, cogratulations again for your first place in the Grand Prix at SenTower Park of the 5th February. Let’s talk about Paris. When did you start to work together?
Thank you very much, we started working together in September 2020. And have been really happy with her from The beginning. Temperamentally, She is a super sport horse, with nice blood and good instincts.

Which are the horses you keep in your heart and that marked particularly your career?
Yeah it’s not really allowed to have favourites, but the two most special horses for me has been Catoki and Chalisco. This year has been certainly complicated from a sports point of view, many riders have taken advantage of it in order to concentrate on their young horses’ growht. How did you deal with this period?
Yes it’s been a very weird and difficult time… but yes I have more chance to work more concentrated and deeper with all the horses in stable. Both the dressage work and ideas of working on the horses condition/muscles has been the main priority.
You said that in 2016 you moved from Denmark to Belgium to expand you career and try to see how far you could go. Have you ever regretted this choice or you think that it was essential for the results that you have gained in the last period?
No I think this time of my life has been very educating and has formed me as the rider I am, so I’m very happy with my decision. And yes I think it has also maid me more successful and a better horseman.
Talking about achievements, do you still seek to the Olympic Games in Tokyo (2021)? If so, how are you preparing for this event?
Yes for sure that’s still part of the plan/dream, to try and make it to the Olympics. This hole year would be to train and organise for that event. Yeah I have my long time partner Chalisco who I will try to aim for the olympics on. We won the rank list back in 2019, that secured a spot for Denmark at the Olympics. He is and amazing horse and we will try our best to make it.
In general, how do you organize your horses’ and your own work at home?
I try to keep all my horses happy and fit. They deserve good food and good work. And never try to push a horse for something it’s not ready for, also that you keep the training and condition level of the horse, the same as you ask on the show. I find with that philosophy you get more consistent and long lasting results.

Althought your very young age, You already accomplished great results. Have you ever found any training session in waiting for a specific competition particularly difficult?
No but I find if you have a 100% trust in your horse and you can ride smooth and calm you will always get more out of you horse.
Your parents dedicated most part of their life to this passion too. Have you ever felt under pressure because of that or it has been stimulating for your personal growht? How has the relationship with your parents been during these years?
Yes my parents has been a huge help for my career and I will be forever great full. We have always been a very tight family and will also stay like that.
Your younger sister Clara competes in equestrian jumping at an elite level too. Do you think she looks at you as an example to be followed?
Maybe not as an example, but we try to help each other’s in all situations and theplan is to work together in the future.
We would just like to finish with any advice you could give to other young riders who dream to take up your own career?
Yes, I find you have to be an educated, hard working and patient rider. With that you will get the longest, and always be open to learn. And in the end you also need to have the winner instinct.AC
Copyright © 2021 HSJ. All rights reserved.Photos Emil Hallundbaek at SenTower Park of Pegasus Photos