In the world of competitive equestrian sports, balancing youthful ambition with the weight of a family legacy can be both challenging and rewarding. For Rose de Ballanda, a 19-year-old rising star in the French equestrian scene, this balance is a daily pursuit. In a recent conversation, Rose shared insights into her journey, the influence of her family's deep equestrian roots, and how she manages to stay grounded while striving for excellence.
A Legacy in the Making
Rose’s journey into the equestrian world began before she could even walk. Born into a family with a rich history in horses, her path seemed almost predestined. Her mother and grandfather, both accomplished riders, played pivotal roles in shaping her career. "I was born in the stables, in a way," Rose explains. "My family has been riding for generations, and it was only natural for me to continue that tradition."
Despite the advantages of her lineage, Rose’s success hasn’t come without sacrifices. At the age of 12, she made the difficult decision to transition to homeschooling to dedicate herself fully to her equestrian pursuits. "It was tough," Rose recalls. "I had to choose between school and horses because I couldn’t do both well at the same time. My parents supported me, but they were also strict about making sure I didn’t neglect my education."
The Influence of Family
The de Ballanda family is well-known in the French equestrian community. Rose’s grandfather, Gilles de Ballanda, is a two-time world champion, having won with the legendary horses Galoubet A and Crocus Graveri. Her mother, Ines, competed at the five-star level with her mare, Quigouillou Ducotty, before dedicating herself to training Rose.
"My grandfather is still riding at 73, and my mom has been my coach from day one," Rose shares. "They know this world inside and out, and I’m incredibly lucky to have their guidance. It’s because of them that I’m able to do what I do."
Working closely with family can be a double-edged sword, but for Rose, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. "We clash sometimes," she admits. "But I trust my mom more than anyone else. She knows me better than I know myself, and her advice is always in my best interest. We’ve learned to navigate the challenges together, and it’s made us stronger."
Balancing Life and Ambition
For a young rider like Rose, maintaining a balance between the rigors of competitive sports and the desire to enjoy life can be difficult. However, she is acutely aware of the importance of finding this equilibrium. "It’s not always easy, but I try to make time for a normal life," she says. "I go out with friends when I’m not competing, and I make sure to keep my life balanced. Otherwise, you risk burning out."
Rose’s maturity shines through as she talks about her future. She’s already accomplished so much at such a young age, including earning a silver medal at the European Championships with her mare, Arabellin. Yet, she remains grounded, focused on both her professional goals and personal well-being.
The International Experience
Rose recently had the opportunity to train in Wellington, Florida—one of the world’s premier equestrian hubs. The experience was eye-opening, exposing her to a different side of the sport. "Wellington is like Disneyland for riders," Rose says with a smile. "Everything is on a different scale there—the shows, the facilities, even the business aspect of the sport."
This experience has had a lasting impact on Rose, influencing how she approaches her own business back in France. "I learned a lot about the business side of the sport in Wellington," she explains. "It’s more than just competing; it’s about building relationships, buying and selling horses, and staying ahead of the curve. I’ve brought that mindset back with me and am applying it to my own stables."
Building a Sustainable Future
Back in France, Rose is focused on developing her own equestrian business, a venture that includes training, competing, and selling horses. "My first passion is the sport," she says. "But I also understand that to sustain this passion, I need to be savvy about the business side. We have different types of horses—young ones, commercial ones, and those for high-level competition. It’s about balancing the passion for the sport with the reality of running a business."
Rose’s business approach is as methodical as her training regimen. She’s proud of the horses she’s developed, including her young star, Yalina, and her Grand Prix horses, Coaster, Dollar, and Huck. "These horses are why I wake up every morning excited to get to work," she says. "They have so much potential, and it’s thrilling to be part of their journey."
Looking Ahead
As Rose continues to build her career, she remains committed to her roots while also embracing the opportunities that come her way. Her focus is on maintaining the family legacy, both by keeping the family stables in operation and by achieving success on the international stage.
"I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited for the future," Rose concludes. "I know there’s a long road ahead, but with the support of my family and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, I’m confident that I can achieve my goals."