The equestrian world is made of passion and deep bonds between horses and riders. Alongside every great champion,there is often an equally extraordinary team working silently behind the scenes.
This is the case of Sabina Cartossi and Gianluca Agustoni, owners of some of the most talented horses ridden by the 2012 Olympic champion in London, Steve Guerdat from Jura. Their story is an intertwining of passion, trust, and success,which has brought Ticino to the center of the international equestrian scene.
A Sincere Friendship Born Ten Years Ago
The love for horses has always been part of Sabina Cartossi’s life, since she was young, even though her family was not connected to the equestrian world. ”I became passionate about this wonderful sport thanks to a friend,” Sabina recalls.
Gianluca Agustoni, already a high-level rider, had the opportunity to meet the Guerdat family when he was still a boy,training with Philippe Guerdat, Steve’s father. ”At the time, it was Philippe who trained the young Swiss riders, and that’s where I met the Guerdat family,” Gianluca points out.
Their journey led them to cross paths with Steve again, this time as owners of his horses. Their collaboration began in 2012, after Steve’s victory at the London Olympics. Sabina and Gianluca, who already admired Steve as a rider, decided to invest in their passion by purchasing talented horses to entrust to his care. ”I was already a fan of his at the London Olympics.” Since then, their bond has strengthened, based on deep mutual trust and unconditional respect for Steve’s abilities.
Trust as the Foundation of Success
Trust is a key element in the relationship between Sabina, Gianluca, and Steve. The owners never interfere with the rider’s choices regarding the training and management of the horses, leaving him complete freedom of decision. ”It’s also important that we never intervene in the program of his horses. Strategic decisions are up to him,” says Sabina. This mutual trust has allowed Steve to build a special relationship with each horse, understanding its needs and enhancing its potential.
A Bond That Goes Beyond Sport
The relationship between Sabina, Gianluca, and Steve goes beyond the simple relationship between owners and rider. It is a sincere friendship, based on a shared passion for horses and mutual respect. ”Steve has a special relationship with horses, he treats them with love and great sensitivity,” Sabina emphasizes. ”And we have total trust in him.
Our friendship has bound us for years, and the Swiss team always welcomes us with esteem and warmth.”
“We have identified in Steve the person with whom to share certain sporting principles. Ours is a very deep relationship in continuous evolution, both personally and athletically,” adds Gianluca. ”I fully embrace the principles on which Steve bases his life as a person and an athlete: that’s why our union is very strong.” The Guerdat family, completed by his wife Fanny and little Ella, has become an integral part of their daily lives, sharing moments of joy (like Steve and Fanny’s wedding in 2018) and sporting successes.
Ticino at the Center of the Equestrian Scene
The presence of two Ticino horses in Paris 2024 – Dynamix de Bélhème (entrusted to Steve Guerdat) and Leone Jei (owned by Adolfo Juri from Ambrì and ridden by Martin Fuchs) – is a source of great pride for the region. Sabina,Gianluca, and Adolfo, with their passion and commitment, have contributed to bringing Ticino to the center of the international equestrian scene, demonstrating the excellence of horse breeding and training.
An Example in the World of Sports
The story of Sabina Cartossi and Gianluca Agustoni, crowned with the recognition of their Dynamix as the best horse of 2023, is an example of how passion, trust, and dedication can lead to great results in the equestrian world. The decade-long partnership with Steve Guerdat has allowed them to experience unforgettable emotions and contribute to the success of one of the greatest champions of this sport. Their bond, based on solid values and a shared love for horses, represents a model for all those who dream of achieving great goals at the highest levels of equestrian breeding.
Extraordinary Horses, Unforgettable Victories
The CHC Horses stable of Sabina Cartossi and Gianluca Agustoni, based in Sementina, boasts some of the most talented horses in the equestrian scene, such as Corbinian (17 years old), Venard de Cerisy (15), and Dynamix de Bélhème (11).Each of them has a unique story and has contributed to writing important pages in Steve Guerdat’s career.
Corbinian: a horse that surprised everyone by winning the World Cup final in 2016, despite never having won a Grand Prix before. Gianluca recalls the excitement of that victory: ”The crowd was incredible, the atmosphere electrifying…There were true champions among the top five. It was necessary to be flawless until the end!”
Venard de Cerisy: a horse with a particular character but extraordinary talent, who has triumphed in prestigious Grand Prix. Sabina recounts: ”He was very thin, complicated, and nervous, Steve had trouble riding him.” But with patience and dedication, Guerdat was able to win his trust, leading him to achieve exceptional results.
Dynamix de Bélhème: the “princess” who became queen with the 2023 European title, a horse with impeccable technique and great determination. ”She won us over at first sight with her innate class,” smiles Sabina proudly.
