Tiziana Baumann: Passion, Persistence, and the Power of Connection

At just 22 years old, Tiziana Baumann is already a standout talent in the world of show jumping. Hailing from near Zurich, Switzerland, she has gracefully navigated her late start in the sport, achieving impressive milestones while juggling work, study, and a deep bond with her equine partners—particularly her beloved horse, Chamaco.

From Violin Strings to Hoofbeats: A Unique Beginning

Long before she was clearing obstacles in the ring, Tiziana was practicing arpeggios on her violin and spinning on the ice in synchronized skating routines. While many of her current competitors were already training with ponies, she was still exploring where her heart belonged.                                                  

“My parents—or my mother and her twin sister—they had horses for many years, so I grew up with them,” she recalls. “But when I was young, I also played violin and did synchronized skating.”

It wasn’t until the age of 16 that Tiziana made the decision to dedicate herself fully to show jumping—much later than most aspiring professionals in the sport. But when she made the leap, it was with total clarity. “It was easy to choose between these sports and the violin because it’s just the animals—they are incredible.”

Daily Devotion: Between Work and the Saddle

Unlike many athletes who train full time, Tiziana balances her ambitions with a full-time job—and soon, university studies in economics. Her schedule is intense, but she’s found a rhythm that works for both her and her horses.

“I come to the stable most of the days around 5 p.m. or 4 p.m. Sometimes when the weather is nice, I go for a hike in the forest. I just try that they also enjoy working—not always doing the same—and I always try that my horses can go outside as much as they can.”

A Partnership Forged in Patience: The Story of Chamaco

Behind every great rider is a horse that defines them. For Tiziana, that horse is Chamaco.

She’s been with him for five years now, but the road to success wasn’t easy. The early days were filled with frustration, growing pains, and learning to trust each other.

“I’ve had him for a long time but we had like two or three years to grow together. First of the years I couldn’t even handle him.” Their connection today is unshakable. “He’s literally the best horse I could dream of because he always tries his best,” she beams. “Sometimes he’s a bit too strong but he always jumps, he always fights, and his personality is just awesome. Sometimes I say he’s more like a dog because he waits, he stands still, and he’s just so cute.”

Making Her Mark: Silver at Wädenswil

In 2023, all that effort paid off. Tiziana and Chamaco took home the silver medal at the Swiss Championships in Wädenswil—an emotional and defining moment in her career.

“It was, of course, a great feeling,” she says, eyes lighting up. “It was more than I thought… it was really nice for me.” It was also a bittersweet milestone, marking her final year as a young rider. “It’s just sad that it was my last year as a young rider—but yeah, maybe it was a good end.”

Riding with Mascheroni: Style Meets Performance

As a member of the Mascheroni SeLleria Pro Team, Tiziana is proud to represent a brand that resonates with her personal values: performance, quality, and understated elegance. “I appreciate it a lot because I’m from Switzerland and it’s not a brand from my hometown… So it’s really cool for me that I can be part of the team even though I’m not Italian.”

She has two Mascheroni saddles—one dark brown, one light—and speaks highly of their craftsmanship. “They are really soft and they had the perfect shape for me,” she says. “I didn’t have to make any changes.” And her favorite piece? Without hesitation: the long-sleeve show shirt. “I think it will be the long sleeve show shirt… even if it’s summer. I also like to ride in long sleeves when it’s summer because it looks really cool and the material is really comfortable to wear.”

The Hardest Hurdle: Starting Late

One of the challenges that has shaped Tiziana’s path is her relatively late start in competitive riding.

“I started quite late… I felt that I was always one or two years behind the others.”

And yet, that pressure became fuel. Her journey illustrates that timing isn’t everything—persistence, passion, and care matter more.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance… But I believe it’s also necessary, or beneficial, to have a solid education.”

Eyes on the Horizon: Elite Goals

Now preparing for her first four-star event in Gorla, Tiziana is focused on gaining experience and points for the Swiss Elite Championships in August.

“The plan is to ride the qualifications… and compete as long as I can with Chamaco because he’s already 14 now.”

She knows their time in the ring together may be limited—but that only deepens her appreciation for every ride, every moment, and every fence cleared.

Advice to Aspiring Riders: Build the Bond

Above all, Tiziana emphasizes the importance of emotional connection.

“The most important thing for me is the connection between the horse and me… I just feel if they like me. When I come to the stable, they are looking and they always wait for their goodies.”

She adds: “They have to work as well, but they should be happy working.”

Ph Mascheroni Selleria @M.Fusetti

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