In the competitive world of show jumping, where tradition often meets innovation, Richard—affectionately known as Richie among friends—has carved out a unique path that bridges his Argentine roots with the opportunities of the European equestrian scene. His story is one of ambition, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, both in the arena and in business.
Recently, Richard sat down for an in-depth conversation, sharing his journey, the challenges of balancing life as a rider and entrepreneur, and his vision for the future.
The Argentine Connection: A Legacy of Excellence
Born in Argentina into a family with deep equestrian ties, Richard’s passion for horses was almost predestined. His mother, a key figure in the Sangreeside Studbook, and his father, a close associate of the renowned horseman Leon Melchior, immersed Richard in the world of show jumping from a young age. By the age of 15, Richard had already competed in the Argentinian championships, achieving everything he could in his home country.
But Richard’s ambitions extended beyond Argentina. “I felt like I had reached the ceiling there,” he recalls. “I needed to challenge myself further, so at 16, I made the move to Holland.” This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see Richard grow not only as a rider but also as a business-minded equestrian.
The European Adventure: Learning and Competing at the Highest Level
Moving to Europe was a significant step for Richard. In Holland, he began working with Rob Arends and quickly made a name for himself by winning the Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard. This early success was a testament to his talent and determination, but it was also just the beginning.
Richard’s journey took a temporary detour when he returned to Argentina for the Tokyo Olympic Games selection process. However, the onset of COVID-19 disrupted these plans, forcing him to stay in Argentina longer than expected. “It was a challenging time,” Richard admits. “But it also allowed me to refocus and grow as a rider.”
Upon returning to Europe, Richard’s career hit a high note with several clear rounds in Nations Cups, including memorable performances in Prague and Gorla Minora. “These experiences were the highlight of my career so far,” he says. “They pushed me to my limits and helped me grow tremendously as a competitor.”
Building a Business: The Balance Between Riding and Entrepreneurship
Richard’s ambition isn’t confined to the arena. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a business in the Netherlands, focusing on developing and selling young horses. “I flew over some of the best young horses from Argentina,” he explains. “Here in Europe, they have more exposure and better business opportunities.”
Currently, Richard manages eight horses—four for competition and four young ones in development. He plans to reduce the number of horses to around five as he begins university studies in Maastricht, where he will focus on business economics and international business. “It’s all about finding a balance,” he notes. “I want to keep the special horses for high-level competition while continuing to develop and sell others to sustain the business.”
Richard’s business acumen is evident in his approach. He understands the importance of networking, innovation, and staying ahead in a competitive market. “The equestrian world is full of opportunities, and there’s a lot of money involved,” he says. “I want to be smart about it and make the most of the gaps I see in the market.”
The Impact of Family and Mentorship
Throughout his journey, Richard has been guided by the lessons and support of his family, particularly his father, who he describes as having a unique and ambitious mindset. “My father taught me never to give up,” Richard reflects. “He always said that a ‘no’ could become a ‘maybe,’ and a ‘maybe’ could turn into a ‘yes’ if you worked hard enough.”
This mentality has been a driving force for Richard, especially as he navigates the challenges of building a career in Europe while staying connected to his Argentine roots. His family’s influence extends beyond just support; it’s about instilling values of resilience, ambition, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work.
The Aachen Experience: Training for the Future
A pivotal moment in Richard’s career has been his participation in the CHIO Aachen Academy, a prestigious program that selects top riders from around the world for intensive training and development. “Being selected as a rider from South America was a dream come true,” Richard says. “Jumping in Aachen, receiving coaching from legends like Jos Lansink, and attending lectures on various aspects of the sport has been incredible.”
The program, which lasts a year, has provided Richard with not only technical training but also a broader understanding of the equestrian world. From social media and networking courses to nutrition and horse management, the academy offers a holistic approach to developing top athletes. “It’s about more than just riding,” Richard explains. “The knowledge I’ve gained will help me in every aspect of my career.”
Looking Ahead: The Path to the Top
As Richard continues to balance his studies with his equestrian career, his focus remains on reaching the highest levels of the sport. He acknowledges the need to be “a little bit selfish” at times to achieve his goals, which include not only personal success but also growing his business.
“The key is to set both short-term and long-term goals,” Richard advises. “By doing this, I can keep moving forward, whether it’s in my sport or my business. I’m lucky to have the support of my family, which allows me to hold on to the really good horses and develop them to their full potential.”
Richard’s ambition is clear: he wants to succeed as a top rider while also building a strong business that leverages his knowledge, creativity, and network. “There’s a lot of room for innovation in the equestrian world,” he says. “With the right approach, I’m confident I can make a significant impact.”
Conclusion: A Future Full of Promise
Richard’s journey from Argentina to Europe, and from young rider to accomplished equestrian entrepreneur, is a testament to his determination, passion, and strategic thinking. As he continues to develop his skills both in and out of the arena, there’s no doubt that Richard is poised for great success in the equestrian world.
His story is one of blending tradition with innovation, of honoring his roots while forging a new path in a highly competitive industry. For Richard, the future is full of promise, and his journey is one to watch.