RIDERS

They are the core essence of CWD. Every day they help us to better understand and respect the physical wellbeing of athletic horses. They are always by our side in the development and improvement of our products. Get to know those who help us to grow through their story, their best performances, and exclusive interviews.

Kévin Staut
Kévin Staut
Kévin Staut
Kévin Staut
Born on November 15, 1980
Best performances :
  • Winner of the Top Ten Rolex IJRC Final in Geneva in 2017
  • Olympic Champion by team in Rio in 2016
  • Winner of the CSI 5*W World Cup Grand Prix in Bordeaux in 2016
  • Vice World Champion by team in Caen in 2014

Kevin Staut is a French show jumping rider. After honing his skills in pony and horse competitions in junior events

"Elegance is pretty important to me. Of course, the final result is fundamental, but when it's done elegantly, it's better."

Scott Brash
Scott Brash
Scott Brash
Scott Brash
Born on November 23, 1985
Best performances :
  • 3rd place in the team event at the World Championships in Herning in 2022
  • Team bronze medal at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2019
  • European team champion in Herning, 2013
  • 3rd place at European Championships in Herning, 2013
  • Olympic team champion at the London Games in 2012

Scott Brash quickly rose through the ranks of the equestrian sport, attracting great attention for his performances. Over the course of his career, he has racked up numerous victories and established himself as one of the world's top riders. Scott Brash was No. 1 in the world in November 2013 for 16 consecutive months. This gave him the opportunity to create his own CWD bridle: Le Perfectionniste. Discover his interview! Hello Sanctos is one of the horses that accompanied him in his success.

"If my horse is happy, it makes me comfortable as a rider and feeling like I'm doing the best for my horse."

Harrie Smolders
Harrie Smolders
Harrie Smolders
Harrie Smolders
Born on May 10, 1980
Best performances :
  • Team vice-World Champion in Herning 2022
  • Nations Cup team winner in Barcelona 2021
  • European vice-champion in Gothenburg in 2017

Representing the Netherlands, Harrie Smolders has taken part in several prestigious international championships. His performances have helped win medals for his country and played a major role in promoting Dutch equestrianism worldwide. Harrie Smolders, having been World No. 1 in May 2018 for 8 consecutive months, was able to create his own CWD bridle: L'Original. He explains it all in an exclusive interview !

"I'd like to thank the professionals at CWD who have worked with me for so many years and helped me to achieve my goals"

McLain Ward
McLain Ward
McLain Ward
McLain Ward
Born on October 17, 1975
Best performances :
  • Team silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021
  • World team champion in Tryon in 2018
  • 2nd place in the team event at the Rio Olympics in 2016
  • Team gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics in 2008
  • Team gold medallist at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004

McLain Ward was introduced to horse riding by his family from an early age. He quickly demonstrated talent and began competing at the highest level at an early age. He has represented the United States at many major events. Having been #1 in the world in April 2017 for 3 consecutive months, McLain Ward has also created his own The One bridle in collaboration with CWD: Le Classique. He explains it all in an exclusive interview !

"I've always worked with CWD, they meet all needs, they respond to all feedback, not only in terms of technology, but also in meeting the needs of a demanding sports and training system."

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson
Born on June 2, 1962
Best performances :
  • Team gold medalist at the European Championships in Milan 2023
  • Team gold medalist at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo
  • Individual European champion in Madrid 2011
  • Olympic vice-champion in Beijing 2008
  • Team silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson was world No. 1 in December 2011 for 10 consecutive months. The Sensible, Rolf-Göran's bridle, was created. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself by his exceptional riding skills, precise technique and strong complicity with his horses. He has established deep connections with many talented horses, including Ninja la Silla, Casall La Silla and Unita Ask. He explains his collaboration with CWD here!

"I've been a CWD partner for many, many years and I'm very proud of that."

Kent Farrington
Kent Farrington
Kent Farrington
Kent Farrington
Born on December 28, 1980
Best performances :
  • Team silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021
  • Winner of the Grand Prix Rolex CSIO5* in Aachen in 2019
  • 2nd place in the team competition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games
  • 3rd team place at the Normandy World Equestrian Games in 2014

Kent Farrington is known for his precision, technique and determination in competition. He is also renowned for his ability to train and develop young horses, bringing them to reach their full potential. Kent Farrington was world #1 in June 2017 for 12 consecutive months. On this occasion, he was able to create his own The One bridle in collaboration with CWD: L'Astucieux. Other riders of excellence have climbed to the top of the podium. Discover the history of The One riders.

"I think that in terms of good performances, there nothing is better than a good saddle."

Julien Epaillard
Julien Epaillard
Julien Epaillard
Julien Epaillard
Born on July 24, 1977
Best performances :
  • Bronze medalist at the European Championships in Milan in 2023
  • Winner of the Longines World Cup Grand Prix in Amsterdam in 2023
  • Winner of the World Cup leg at Jumping International de Bordeaux in 2017
  • Team bronze medalist at the European Championships in Herning in 2013

Julien Epaillard began riding at a very young age, of 6, and quickly showed promising talent in the show jumping discipline. Now one of the world's top riders, he is known for his fast, bold jumping style and great confidence in the arena. He is often referred to as "Speedy Julien".

"I'm not a risk-taker, it's the feeling of jumping that I really like. But that's just it, I like it to be as controlled as possible."

Jur Vrieling
Jur Vrieling
Jeanne Sadran
Jeanne Sadran
Jeanne Sadran
Jeanne Sadran
Born on July 30, 2001
Best performances :
  • 6th place in the team competition at the European Young Riders Championships in Vilamoura in 2021
  • Winner of the Fontainebleau Nations Cup with Equipe de France Jeunes Cavaliers in 2020
  • 1st place at the Nations Cup in Germany with Equipe de France Juniors in 2019

Jeanne Sadran has been competing at an international level since the age of 14. She rides at the Chevel stable, built by her parents close to their family home. The rider from Toulouse was recognised for her performances at competitions and was selected to join the regional CREPS (Centre de Ressource d'Expertise et de Performance Sportive). She manages to continue her riding and benefits from a schedule adapted to her studies and her riding passion.

"I'm a perfectionist, I like things to be pretty, clean and flowing. CWD supports me in my quest for perfection."

Max Kühner
Max Kühner
Max Kühner
Max Kühner
Born on January 15, 1974
Best performances :
  • Team bronze medalist at the European Championships in Milan in 2023
  • 1st place in the CSI5* Grand Prix - Saut Hermès at the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris in 2023
  • 1st in the Grand Prix CSI5* - Audi in Brabant in 2023
  • Winner of the Longines Grand Prix of Basel in 2023
  • Winner of the Grand Dutch Masters in 2021

Austrian rider Max Kühner has represented his country at a number of championships, including the World Championships in Tryon, where he achieved an impressive sixth place with his horse Chardonnay. His most notable performances have been with this horse, including a ninth-place finish in the final of the World Cup circuit in 2019.

His wife, who is a dressage rider, assists him in working with his horses.

"Being supported by a brand like CWD is essential for my success during competitions."

Pieter Devos
Pieter Devos
Pieter Devos
Pieter Devos
Born on February 8, 1986
Best performances :
  • Team bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021
  • European team champion in Rotterdam in 2019
  • Gold medalist at the Jumping International de Bordeaux in 2018
Pieter Devos grew up in a family of passionate riders and began riding at the age of four. He won his first competition at the age of 10. He was named the Best Belgian Rider of 2019. Pieter Devos is very committed to the development of the show jumping discipline as he actively works with the Belgian Equestrian Federation to promote riding and encourage young riders to pursue their passion.
Maikel van der Vleuten
Maikel van der Vleuten
Maikel van der Vleuten
Maikel van der Vleuten
Born on February 10, 1988
Best performances :
  • Vice World Champion in the team event in Herning in 2022
  • 3rd place at the World Equestrian Games in Herning in 2022
  • Bronze medalist at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021
  • Team gold medalist at the 2015 European Championships in Aachen
  • Team gold medalist at the World Equestrian Games in Caen in 2014
  • Team Olympic vice-champion at the London Games in 2012
Maikel van der Vleuten grew up in a family of renowned riders, his father Eric van der Vleuten is also an international rider. He started riding at the age of five and quickly showed promising talent in the show jumping discipline. He made his international debut at the age of 16 and has since had an impressive career in the equestrian world.

"Thanks to CWD, I benefit from exceptional support to ensure that I maintain the best level."

Margaux Rocuet
Margaux Rocuet
Margaux Rocuet
Margaux Rocuet
Born on May 3, 1993
Best performances :
  • Winner of the Grand Prix of Paris in 2021
  • Silver medalist at the CSI 5* Dinard, 2017
  • 5th at the European Championships in 2014

Margaux Rocuet started riding at the age of 7. In 2018, she joined the Pôle France show jumping centre in Fontainebleau to continue her training. Since then, she has continued to climb the showjumping ladder, winning numerous awards and competitions while representing France internationally.

Margaux Rocuet is also very active online, where she regularly shares updates about her career and training tips for young riders.

"CWD is like a big family to me, but I also see it as a brand that contributes to the beautiful sport."

Wilm Vermeir
Wilm Vermeir
Wilm Vermeir
Wilm Vermeir
Born on July 8, 1979
Best performances :
  • Gold medal in Barcelona at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Competition in 2023
  • Gold medal at the Sopot Nations Cup in 2023
  • Gold medal at the FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen in 2022
  • Silver medal at the Grimaud CSI5* 150 in St Tropez in 2021
Wilm Vermeir is known for his precise jumping technique and his ability to establish a close connection with his horses. He is also a passionate advocate of horse welfare and regularly works with organizations to promote horse safety and comfort in competition.
"Every CWD saddle is the combination of comfort, performance and customization that is unmatched on the market."
Eduardo Alvares Aznar
Eduardo Alvares Aznar
Eduardo Alvares Aznar
Eduardo Alvares Aznar
Born on January 1, 1984
Best performances :
  • Silver medal in the Global Champions Tour at Miami Beach in 2023
  • Bronze medal at the FEI World Cup in Bordeaux in 2019
  • 5th in the FEI World Cup in Basel in 2019
  • Bronze medal in the Global Champions Tour in Estoril in 2018
  • Gold medal at the FEI World Cup in Zurich 2017
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar is a Spanish rider who is very active in the education and training of young riders. He has launched his own riding centre, EA Stables, in Madrid, which offers training services for riders of all levels and has high-quality facilities for the horses.
"CWD captures the essence of the equestrian connection. Choosing CWD means choosing an exceptional riding experience with every stride."
Lorenzo de Luca
Lorenzo de Luca
Lorenzo de Luca
Lorenzo de Luca
Born on September 9, 1987
Best performances :
  • Team silver medal at the Nations Cup in Dublin in 2019
  • Winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CSIO 5* in Rome in 2018
  • Gold medal at the CSI 5* Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez in 2016 and 2018
  • Individual and team silver medal at the 2017 European Championships in Gothenburg
  • Silver medal at the World Young Horse Championships in Lanaken
Lorenzo de Luca is renowned for his outstanding performances on the competition circuit and is considered one of the best Italian riders of his generation. He is very close to his horse Halifax van het Kluizebos, with whom he has taken part in numerous Grand Prix and top-level competitions.
"As a professional rider, I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my performance. CWD, with its innovative spirit, makes every saddle an invaluable ally in this relentless quest for perfection."