Antoine Ermann: from family stables to global success 

Antoine Ermann (FRA) riding Pegasus Dawsons Flex at LGCT Rome 2024 (c) Stefano Secchi

A journey of passion, patience, and perseverance

At just 24 years old, Antoine Ermann has already made his mark in the world of international show jumping. Raised in a family deeply involved in the equestrian world, Antoine’s journey from his family’s stables to competing in the world’s most prestigious competitions is a story of passion, patience, and dedication. Currently riding with Chev’El stables in Toulouse, he has emerged as one of the rising stars in the sport, competing at events like the Longines Global Champions Tour.

Antoine’s story begins in the family’s breeding and commercial stable, where his passion for horses was nurtured from a young age. “My parents have owned a breeding and commercial stable since I was very young. It was quite normal for me to have been riding for as long as I can remember, and as time went on, I realized that I wanted to make it my profession,” Antoine explains. His upbringing laid the foundation for a successful career, and his family played an integral role in supporting his dreams. “My family has always helped me by providing horses with the qualities that allowed me to progress to the French youth team.”

Antoine is quick to acknowledge how fortunate he has been with the horses he has had throughout his life, many of which were acquired by his family as foals. “I’ve had several quality horses since childhood, all of whom my parents bought as foals. It makes the story even sweeter,” he shares. Among these horses, Azur du Vinnebus stands out as one that has significantly shaped Antoine’s career. “Azur helped me win my first Nations Cup, go on to compete in several European Championships, and even medal in the French Championships.”

Another key horse in Antoine’s journey is Beryl des Prés. “Beryl was an important asset early in my career. He enabled me to win my first rankings in some great competitions.” From the same stud as Beryl, Floyd des Prés continues to accompany Antoine to the highest levels of competition. “It’s a great story because Floyd is a horse we’ve trained since he was five. Watching his growth and competing with him at such a high level has been incredibly rewarding.”

Training these horses to reach the top of the sport requires not only talent but also a great deal of patience, a philosophy Antoine holds dear. “The main idea is patience,” he says. “Once we’ve identified a horse as having the qualities to reach the top level, we always want to take our time to train them properly, even if it means slowing down during their formative years. We repeat training courses to make sure everything is assimilated before they face real competition. Once this stage is understood, everything becomes easier for them when they begin competing at higher levels“.

Despite his steady rise in the sport, Antoine is aware of the ups and downs of show jumping. However, he has yet to face any major setbacks in his career. “I’m very aware of the highs and lows in this sport, but I’ve been fortunate so far. I haven’t had to go through too many tough moments. My surroundings, our smart choices, and my connection with the Chev’El stables in Toulouse have allowed for a steady progression.” Reflecting on this, Antoine offers advice to others facing challenges in the sport: “If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to keep working, surround yourself with competent people, and continue believing in your abilities—even during the tough times.”

One of Antoine’s most recent achievements has been joining the Stockholm Hearts in the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour. “This year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Longines Global Champions Tour with the Stockholm Hearts. It’s a huge step for me, and I hope to continue next year.” Competing on this circuit has allowed Antoine to gain experience at the very highest level. “It’s given me the chance to get to grips with my horses at this level of competition. As for the younger horses, I’m looking forward to continuing their development and helping them reach new sporting heights.”

As Antoine competes on the international stage, he remains calm under pressure, despite the intensity of the sport. “I’m not really prone to stress,” he says laughing. “I just take a deep breath, concentrate, and enjoy the opportunities I have“. Although he doesn’t have any pre-competition rituals, he does have a quirky habit that helps him focus. “I like to tie a knot in my reins to help me get the right length when I enter the arena. It’s very effective!” he says laughing.

Antoine’s success is not only due to his talent but also to the guidance of top trainers and riders who have helped shape his career. “Jérôme Ringot, a well-known trainer in France, trained me. He helped me improve my technique on horseback and also my mindset concerning the goals I had at the time. It was a complete, collaborative effort” he says. Now that he’s based in Toulouse, Antoine continues to benefit from expert advice. “Since joining Chev’El, I’ve been lucky to receive advice from incredible riders like Simon Delestre, Marcel Delestre, and Julien Epaillard whenever they’re not at competitions. It’s a privilege to learn from the best.”

Looking to the future, Antoine dreams of sitting down with one of his idols, John Whitaker. “I’d love to have a conversation with John Whitaker. He’s an inspiration to so many people, and I’d simply ask him how he sees the evolution of top-level sport in recent years.”

Outside of riding, Antoine doesn’t have much time for other activities due to the demands of the sport, but he does find moments to relax. “Honestly, I don’t have much time for anything else, but when I do, I love playing paddle with my friends during competitions if our schedules allow it. It’s a great way to unwind!” he says.

With his talent, hard work, and the support of his family and coaches, Antoine Ermann’s journey in show jumping is just beginning. As he continues to rise through the ranks of international competition, his dedication to his craft and the horses he rides promises an exciting future ahead.

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