Monday, November 25, 2024
At just 26 years of age, show jumping rider Lara Tryba embodies ambition and resilience. Born into a family with a passion for riding, she has forged an impressive career path, progressing from junior competitions to the prestigious CSI 5* circuit.
Today, with her career on the up, she continues to push her limits and has chosen to move to Marlon Modolo Zanotelli to continue developing her sporting career. In this interview, Lara looks back on her beginnings, the major turning points in her career, and her goals for the future.
Lara discovered horse riding at an early age thanks to her family. "I started out, I think like everyone else, with a Shetland pony. My sister used to ride, so I soon followed in her footsteps", she recalls. This family environment, steeped in a passion for horses, was the starting point for her career.
Over the years, she worked her way up from ponies to horses, gaining valuable competition experience. She attributes much of her development to her first coach, Jean-Michel Gaspard, and the entire Gaspard family, who guided her apprenticeship for almost 17 years.
"They took me all the way to my first 5-star Grand Prix," she confides gratefully. These years of collaboration marked a decisive step, consolidating her technical and strategic foundations.
Looking for a new impetus in her career, Lara decided just over a year ago to join the stable of renowned Brazilian rider Marlon Modolo Zanotelli in Belgium. "I've always been a fan of Marlon Zanotelli. I was lucky that he accepted me into his stable", she shares enthusiastically.
This bold choice reflects his thirst to learn and discover a different approach to high-level riding.
This change has not been without its upheavals. "Before, I only saw my horses at weekends... Now, I spend most of my time at the stables, and it's really me who takes 100% charge of my horses' schedules." This new balance has enabled her to get closer to her horses and better understand their specific needs.
Under the guidance of Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, Lara has discovered a more technical and personalized approach to training. " Marlon really focuses on my position, and I've even done sessions without stirrups to improve my balance," she explains. These intensive exercises have not only enabled her to perfect her posture, but also to develop better communication with her horses.
Lara also stresses the importance of small adjustments in performance: "Now I know that if my horse leans to the right, for example, I'll have to open my turn in that direction. These small adjustments make a big difference in competition."
Thanks to this methodical approach, she has boosted her confidence on the track, feeling more competitive and ready to take on even greater challenges.
The past year has been marked by major transitions for Lara, including the integration of new horses into her stable. "I've managed to build up a really nice stable of horses. Next year, we're going to give it our all to reach the top level."
This winter, Lara plans to test herself against the best by taking part in several World Cup events. She has just returned from Verona, where on Friday she put in the best French performance in the CSI5-W Grand Prix qualifier.
"Taking part in the World Cup will really give me a lot of experience for next year," she declares enthusiastically. These competitions will enable her to gain valuable experience and fine-tune her preparation for the coming season.
Lara Tryba is much more than a talented rider. She embodies resilience and the will to always improve. Through her journey, she inspires young riders to persevere, embrace change, and believe in their abilities.
Working alongside Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, developing a deep bond with her horses, and aiming for renowned international competitions, Lara is blazing an exemplary trail in the equestrian world.
Lara Tryba's story is that of a passionate rider, a determined athlete, and a woman ready to push back the boundaries of her sport. Her commitment to riding, combined with her constant desire to learn and progress, makes her a rising star to watch closely.
As she prepares to embark on a promising new season, Lara is a model of ambition and dedication for the current and future generations of riders.
