Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida: a journey through show jumping success

Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida, a 32-year-old show jumper from Portugal now based in the Netherlands, has had a remarkable career in the equestrian world.

With a recent five-star Grand Prix win in Mechelen, Rodrigo is riding high on success, but his journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. In this exclusive interview, Rodrigo shares his story, his philosophy on training, and his goals for the future.

A Childhood Passion for Horses

“For me, it all started when I was six years old,” Rodrigo recalls. “I was addicted to horses from day one. My father wasn’t a professional rider, but he loved horses and riding, and that passion was passed down to me.” His first pony, Buballo, became the starting point of a lifelong obsession with equestrianism.

Even as a child, Rodrigo knew he wanted to be a professional rider. “I’d watch Eurosport and dream of being on television, jumping the biggest classes in the world,” he says. Today, that childhood dream has become a reality as he competes at the highest levels of the sport.

Building to the Top

While his recent Grand Prix win was a significant milestone, Rodrigo emphasizes the hard work and dedication it took to get there. “That win was a magical day, but it’s really the result of years of hard work. There are countless hours behind every success, and it’s not just me—it’s the entire team, from vets to grooms, who make it possible.”

Rodrigo’s philosophy on building his horses from the ground up is one of his trademarks. His mare, Karonia L, for instance, was with him from the very beginning. “When I started with her, she didn’t even have an FEI passport. We built her up from one-meter classes to competing at 1.60-meter levels. That journey is what makes the results so special.”

The Path to Professionalism

Rodrigo’s determination to succeed led him to make significant sacrifices early in his career. At just 17 years old, he left Portugal for Belgium to work with legendary rider Jos Lansink. “My parents didn’t really approve of my decision at first,” he admits. “They wanted me to finish school, but I was determined to become a professional rider.”

Working with Lansink was a transformative experience. “I started as a third rider, knowing I wouldn’t get to jump the big classes right away. But it was an incredible opportunity to learn how to build a horse from scratch and gain experience in the arena. Those two and a half years gave me the foundation I needed to grow as a rider and a person.”

Training Philosophy: Building Bonds with Horses

Rodrigo is widely recognized for his ability to develop horses into top-level competitors. He believes in taking things step by step, focusing on the basics. “When I get a new horse, whether it’s young or experienced, I always start from the beginning,” he explains. “I need to understand the horse’s condition, both physically and mentally. It’s important to make them feel important and happy because a horse that’s willing to fight for you is essential in this sport.”

Rodrigo stresses that show jumping is more than just technical skill. “Riding isn’t robotic—it’s an art. The connection between horse and rider is what makes this sport so special. Horses jump better when they’re happy and confident, and that comes from spending time with them and understanding their needs.”

Learning from Challenges

Show jumping is a sport of highs and lows, and Rodrigo has learned to embrace the setbacks. “In this sport, you lose much more often than you win,” he says. “But I don’t see losing as a negative. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Every mistake I make gives me more power to come back stronger.”

This resilience has been key to his success. “As I’ve gained more experience, it’s become easier to deal with challenges. I try to understand what went wrong and use it as motivation to work harder. Every weekend is a new chance to start fresh.”

Key Horses and Memorable Moments

Over the years, Rodrigo has worked with many remarkable horses, each leaving a lasting impression. “Kafka van de Heffinck was special because he helped me win my first five-star Grand Prix in Athens. Then there was GC Chopin’s Bushi, with whom I competed in the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Another standout was Cekanane, one of my most successful ranking class horses.”

Currently, Rodrigo’s standout horses include the stallion Solidat and the mare Karonia L, both of whom have contributed to his recent victories. “Each horse teaches you something different, and each has a special place in my heart.”

The Importance of Mentorship

Rodrigo is currently working with coach Dennis Flannelly, whose guidance has been invaluable. “It’s crucial to have someone who sees things from a different angle,” he explains. “As riders, we can get so focused that we miss small details.

Dennis has a huge knowledge of the sport and is very perfectionist, which aligns well with my own approach. Together, we’ve created detailed plans for every horse and every competition.”

Future Goals: European and World Championships

Looking ahead, Rodrigo has ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond. “This year, my main focus is the European Championships in La Coruña. I have a strong string of horses, and I’m aiming for top results. Next year, it’s the World Championships in Aachen—a dream venue for me.

I’ve watched it live but never competed there. It would be incredible to not just compete but also fight for a medal.”

A Passionate Pursuit of Excellence

For Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida, show jumping is more than a career—it’s a lifelong passion. From his early days riding ponies in Portugal to competing on the world stage, he’s demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft. With a strong team, talented horses, and clear goals, the future looks bright for this dedicated rider. “I always push myself to go further,” he says. “It’s about seeing how far I can go in this sport and making the most of every opportunity.”

As Rodrigo continues his journey, one thing is certain: his dedication, talent, and love for horses will ensure many more successes in the years to come.

Valentina Sozzi | Ph Stefano Secchi

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