Just a handful of folks within the trendy generation have ridden at championship stage in two equestrian disciplines. Step ahead Duarte Seabra, the Portuguese who has simply added Olympic showjumping honours to his eventing International Championship cap.
As an tournament rider, Duarte additionally finished Badminton two times, and was once a prolific competitor at the world circuit. It’s an outstanding transfer, following within the steps of the nice Mark Todd and Peder Fredricson.
“They’re two other sports activities – I by no means idea sooner or later I’d change into a showjumper,” he says. “For those who requested me when I used to be eventing, I might have mentioned, ‘now not even in my goals’.”
However in 2015, Duarte’s older brother Francisco – additionally a championship tournament rider – died in an eventing twist of fate. Duarte have been based totally in England and Eire for a number of years, however that spring moved again house to Portugal and stopped eventing. A few years later, he converted to showjumping.
Olympic showjumping cap for Duarte Seabra
“I believe fortunate to be within the most sensible of the game in each disciplines,” mentioned Duarte, after knocking two down on Dourados 2 within the particular person qualifier for the overall at Paris 2024. “In eventing your most powerful level must be the cross-country however I had all the time showjumped. I jumped as much as grand prix sooner than I began eventing, so I had some revel in and that most likely helped me in eventing. Then I devoted myself to eventing for greater than 10 years.
“I’m again in showjumping now and it feels herbal as a result of we leap in two disciplines in eventing. Alternatively it’s a unconditionally other game and way of life. Eventing is extra about interest, showjumping is extra of a trade. There’s a large trade trade round showjumping, to which the eventing isn’t even shut.”
Duarte nonetheless attracts on his eventing revel in now.
“Needless to say there’s so much I’ve realized in eventing that I take pleasure in now being a showjumper,” says the 38-year-old. “When it comes to drive, I used to be fortunate sufficient to leap round Badminton two times, I did the International Video games and [learnt how to deal] with the drive whilst you move cross-country at that stage – it’s giant. However right here, worst case, the fences fall. And I believe in eventing, the health and understanding the pony has helped me so much now.”
And a last bonus?
“I don’t must journey in a dressage saddle – which is a superb factor!” he says.
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