At just 19 years old, Anastasia Nielsen proudly represents the Principality at the Monte-Carlo Show Jumping

A Monegasque star. At just 19 years old, Anastasia Nielsen is one of the leading figures in equestrian sport in the Principality. A status that has stuck with her since her debut, but which was confirmed in 2023 with the most spectacular victory of her (young) career. A junior title at the European Championships in Gorla Minore, Lombardy. “It was very special for me,” the young woman recalls. “It's an indescribable feeling when you win. I was so grateful. When I left the arena, I was second and another rider was in the lead. I was convinced he was going to win.”

A relief that lives up to the expectations surrounding the competition. “There are a lot of different pressures. There are about a hundred competitors the same age as you, which is a little unnerving. But at the same time, you really want to succeed. There are so many things to do to win a medal.”

A chance encounter on vacation

The Zurich native has cultivated this desire to succeed since she was very young, having fallen into the world of horse riding completely by chance. "I was about 10 years old and I was on vacation in Mallorca. I was very active, I absolutely wanted to do something. My parents were looking for an activity for me and they found a kind of horse riding camp. I went there and fell in love with a pony. I was lucky because my parents bought it for me and brought it back to Switzerland."

Yet, no member of her family was familiar with this environment. Neither her mother, her brothers, nor her father, whom she would lose a few years later. Anastasia, for her part, enjoyed herself and didn't really question it. "I love animals, their intelligence and their talent. In fact, I also fell in love with horses, not with the sport."

In a short time, things accelerated and the Swiss woman entered another dimension. “For a year or two after returning from Mallorca, I took full-time lessons. My parents took me riding every day. From then on, horse riding took on a bit more importance. I really enjoyed jumping at home. I did dressage and show jumping competitions.”

2018, arrival in the Principality

Still on a meteoric rise, Anastasia Nielsen isn't hesitating. She knows where she wants to go. "I've always been very ambitious. From the moment I started competing, I knew I wanted to become a professional. It was a dream of mine to compete at the highest level."

This was followed by a move to the Principality in 2018, where she followed her family. Due to her hectic schedule, the young rider is often on the road, traveling from one competition to the next. But she has made Monaco one of her two bases of residence. "I have a stable about an hour from here and I have a stable in Switzerland. This allows me to set them up in the region in winter and in Switzerland when it gets too hot here in summer."

Always well supported, Anastasia Nielsen is supported by the Karlswood group and Cian O'Connor, an Irish show jumper. "I mainly train with him and Cameron Hanley." The latter is accompanying her at the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo. The Irish rider has been working with Anastasia since April 2024. "Cian hired me to help him with his students as he was focusing on the Olympic Games last year."

"She has all the qualities to become a champion."

Since then, the partnership seems to be working. “So far, everything has gone well. With ups and downs, as in any sport. Especially with Anastasia, because she is at a stage in her career where we are pushing the limits. We both have a strong competitive spirit but also a love of animals. Anastasia is a great person to be around. Outside of sport, we have a lot of fun. Working with her is great. Generally, you don't need to repeat things twice with her. You can see the effort right away. She is very calm, which is why I nickname her the Sunday rider. During competitions, she is extremely calm. I know she gets angry, but she knows how to keep her cool, and that really shows in her riding and how her horses react to her.”

These are assets that should lead the young champion into a successful career, according to her coach. "I have complete confidence in her. We are at the beginning of a journey, but what she has already accomplished despite her young age is incredible. She is a true figurehead in this sport. She has all the qualities necessary to become a top-level champion."

Of course, high performance comes with a certain amount of pressure. "I don't think I've felt more pressure since my junior title at the European Championships," she says. "I think it's opened up new perspectives for me." "I probably feel it more than she does," her coach jokes. "On the field, it's sometimes difficult. Because I'm there to help, guide, and advise. But ultimately, it's up to her to decide. No one can do it for her. In any case, there will always be pressure, no matter what sport you choose. If you're aiming for the top level, there will be pressure. So, rather than fighting it, you might as well embrace it. Take advantage of it and use this pressure to strengthen your focus and your desire to achieve something."

“It’s great to represent Monaco”

Competing for the second time in the CSI5* at the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, the young woman is here at home. "It's so great to have all the support from my family, friends, and in general. It's a home competition, so it's always different."

More than just a residence, the Principality has become a strong anchor for the Swiss woman, who competes under the Red and White flag at every competition for the Monaco Equestrian Federation. “Everyone has welcomed me with such enthusiasm here; I really feel at home, so it’s very special to represent the Principality. It’s a great honor because few people do it. When I started competing for Monaco, there was practically no one there. Over the years, the sport has evolved, and the considerable development of equestrianism here is very significant. I believe this growth will continue in the years to come.”

His dream as an athlete? To compete in the Olympic Games and win a medal for Monaco.