Interview with Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo: a legacy in the saddle

Born into a family deeply rooted in equestrian traditions, Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo is a name destined to shine in the world of show jumping. As the third generation of an illustrious Brazilian equestrian family, the young rider carries forward a legacy that spans decades.

But Luiz Felipe is not just riding on family coattails; he’s carving his own path, making a mark on international competitions at a very young age. We sat down with him to talk about his journey, the pressures of living up to a renowned family name, his switch to representing Brazil, and the importance of safety in this demanding sport.

Continuing a Family Tradition

It’s no secret that equestrianism runs through Luiz Felipe’s veins. His grandfather, mother, father, and uncle are all celebrated riders. Reflecting on the influence of his family, Luiz Felipe explains, “I was born in it, and it was natural to keep the business going. It’s also a dream come true to be able to continue the family tradition. Hopefully, it goes on and on.”

Carrying a name so synonymous with equestrian excellence can be daunting, but Luiz Felipe views it as an honor rather than a burden. “I know I carry an important name, and I try to keep it as high as possible. I have the privilege of looking up to my mother, my dad, my uncle, and my grandfather—each of them are incredible riders, and I learn from them every day,” he says proudly.

Switching to Brazil

Luiz Felipe’s early career saw him riding for Belgium, but a significant decision at age 18 changed his trajectory—he chose to represent Brazil, following in his family’s footsteps. His decision wasn’t only about honoring tradition but also about seizing an opportunity. “Jumping Nations Cup with my father is for sure an honor, and I’m really happy to do it. I had good horses, and I wasn’t sure when I’d have that level of horse again, so I took my chance. Right now, it’s paying off,” he shares.

This decision has already proven fruitful. Luiz Felipe has competed in five Nations Cups for Brazil and is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. “I hope these opportunities keep on coming. My family has always jumped for Brazil—apart from my mother—and I want to keep that tradition alive.”

Competing Among the Best

At just 18 years old, Luiz Felipe made his debut in the prestigious Global Champions League, a feat that marked an important milestone in his career. “To do the Global when I was eighteen years old, turning nineteen this year, is for sure something I’m proud of. I was able to compete with the best riders in the world and see that I could hold my own,” he recalls.

One of his standout memories from this year was competing in Mexico and Miami. “I confronted myself with the best riders and combinations in the world, and I saw that I could compete at a good level. Those shows opened my eyes and made me realize that I am ready. It’s only by doing these big events that I’ll become even more ready.”

Long-Term Ambitions

Despite already achieving much in his career, Luiz Felipe remains humble and grounded. When asked about his future goals, he doesn’t hesitate to mention the Olympics and other major championships. “Obviously, a dream for every rider is to represent your country in the Olympics, WEC, and other big shows. This year, I managed to cross one show off my bucket list—Hickstead. Now, I’d love to add Rome and Casas Novas to that list,” he shares with excitement.

Safety: A Critical Component

In a sport as challenging and dangerous as show jumping, safety is paramount, and Luiz Felipe is acutely aware of this. Riding multiple horses every day, often in high-pressure environments, demands the utmost care. “Our sport is really dangerous, and sometimes we forget that. A fall can be brutal—it can change your life, your career, and your health,” he cautions.

One of the key elements of his safety routine is his helmet. “I ride with Kep Italia, which is a fantastic helmet brand. Wearing it, I feel both elegant and safe. It gives me confidence to approach the risks in this sport knowing that I’m protected.” For Luiz Felipe, safety is non-negotiable, and it’s clear that he values both tradition and innovation in his approach to the sport.

The Future of Brazilian Equestrianism

Looking ahead, Luiz Felipe is optimistic about the future of show jumping in Brazil. He believes the country has a wealth of talent, but there is more work to be done, particularly in nurturing young riders. “Brazil has a lot of amazing riders. We can compete with any team in the world, but I think Brazil needs to invest more in the younger generation. In the under-25 category, there aren’t many Brazilians competing at a high level, and that’s something we need to focus on,” he says with determination.

Luiz Felipe’s passion for both his family’s legacy and the sport’s future in Brazil is palpable. As he continues to build his career, there’s no doubt that he’ll be a rider to watch, not just for his impressive results, but for his commitment to the values that have defined his family’s name for generations.

“I think Brazil is doing a good job, and I see the future bright and big,” he concludes, ready for whatever challenges come his way.

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