Austrian showjumper Alessandra Reich has already been part of some special moments for Austrian showjumping. We sat down with her at EQUITA Lyon to look back at one of the biggest milestones of her career: helping Austria win its first-ever team medal at the 2023 Senior European Show Jumping Championships.
In this episode, Alessandra takes us back to that unforgettable experience and shares what it meant to be part of the team. We also talk about her journey in the sport, the important role her family has played along the way, and how she has built her own environment at Big Stride Stables. From finding the right horses to creating a supportive community around her, she gives us an insight into what life looks like both in and out of the competition arena.
We also get into some of the less talked-about sides of professional showjumping: dealing with pressure, navigating difficult moments, learning to accept your weaknesses and finding a way to enjoy the process along the way. Alessandra also shares how she balances her life as an international showjumper with her background in economics, having graduated from Bocconi University.
But perhaps what stayed with us most from this conversation is just how much Alessandra loves her horses and the people around her. Whether she's talking about her partnership with Lloyd, taking her horses out for rides in the woods or the community she has built at her stables, it's clear that there's much more to the sport for her than what happens in the ring.
And, as always on Beyond the Stables, what matters most is getting to know the person behind the rider. Alessandra is incredibly genuine, thoughtful and full of optimism. She speaks openly about the highs and lows of the sport, the importance of family and why, despite all its challenges, she wouldn't want to do anything else.
From making history with Austria to the horses and people who have shaped her journey, this is Alessandra Reich: Making History with Austria, Fueled by Family and Optimism.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoyed recording it !
Alysée & Olivia