MEETING CWD X Simone Blum

16
October

If sports people are artists, then Simone Blum is the Niki de Saint Phalle of riding...

A muse inspired by equestrian sports and the ambassador of the Mademoiselle 2Gs, she unveiled one of her greatest works during the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. With panache and impertinence, she won the gold medal, thus becoming the first woman to be crowned in this competition format. A colourful and modern victory for a fantastic “Nana”. Look back at the career of an accomplished and determined woman.

  

Simone Blum: art and style.

 

It’s been almost a year since you returned from Tryon with a gold medal around your neck, how do you feel?

Saying that it’s almost a year ago is a little exaggerated (laughs), it is only a few months old in reality. I have extraordinary memories of that title. We took a slight break this winter to come to terms with what we are going through. This title is an incredible success and I am still very proud of it to this day. I’ve got to say, eve- rything is going well.

 

In Tryon, you rode with your mare, DSP Alice, using a 2G Mademoiselle saddle. Did you feel like you were representing “girl power”?

Personally, I just feel incredible on the 2Gs Mademoiselle. It is a great saddle, designed especially for women's morphology. It is true that from this angle, with my 2Gs Mademoiselle and my mare Alice DSP, we do represent some form of “girl power”.

 

Do you think that being a woman changes the perception of this title?

I think that the fact that a woman has won this title is something special. Ultimately, I'm only the second woman to do it. Moreover, there are more men than women at high-level in this sport and I think that my title has gone down in the history books. I think I can be proud of that.

 

In sport, we often talk about men’s superiority (in terms of strength, muscles, etc.). Don't you think that women also have more specific qualities than men?

It is clear that men do enjoy a certain superiority in sport, but I believe that women also have advantages. I'm not sure if we can talk about being “better” or having “better qualities”. Women often have specific qualities in terms of their stature, weight and also their sensitivity. But some men know how to use these qualities as well, minimizing the differences between men and women.

 

It is said that behind every great man there is a woman. Do you think that behind every great woman there is a man?

In my case, I have to say that the strong man is not behind me, but alongside me. And I am infinitely grateful for that.

 

You've been a little less competitive lately. Is there a reason for this?

I took a three-month break because I had to have shoulder surgery. I am back in the saddle now and I should be competing again by the end of March. So far, everything is going well, I'm back in training with DSP Alice who is doing very well. I can't wait to get back to competing!

 

A skilled young champion, a determined sportswoman and a newly-wed. Do you feel you are an accomplished woman?

Yes, of course. I won an individual gold medal at the WEG and am newly married at only 28-years-old. I'm healthy, what more could I ask for?

 

Finally, do you have any advice for all the young riders who dream of riding at high level?

I think you have to believe in your goals, have dreams and work hard to achieve them. Never lose patience or hope and, above all, don’t forget your love for horses because that is the most important thing in our sport: the love of horses.