Eiken Sato: A New Chapter with the Yellow Team

When we met Eiken Sato at the CHI Basel Classics in early January, the Japanese showjumper was in the midst of a defining transition. The past six months have brought significant change—most notably his move to Yuri Mansur’s stable, internationally known as the Yellow Team.

After many formative years based with Paul Schockemöhle, where he developed as a rider and gained access to championship-level sport, Sato made the decision to take the next step in his career within a new partnership.

“For sure, for me, it’s a big step,” Sato says. “I had a really good time there—really good horses, chances for championships. But now I want the next step. I want to go back to big sport, but to do it by myself.”

A Partnership Built on Trust

That next step came through his close collaboration with Yuri Mansur, one of Brazil’s most accomplished international showjumpers. Today, Sato is fully integrated into Mansur’s operation, working within the Yellow Team structure and sharing horses, experience, and long-term goals.

“Yuri and me, we always had a good connection,” Sato explains. “That’s why we keep going.”

The transition required adjustment, both professionally and personally.

“These six months were hard work—different work,” he says. “But I’m there. I’m here. I’m quite happy.”

Competing with the Yellow Team

Now competing consistently at five-star level once again, Sato has found stability within the Yellow Team environment.

“I try to stay at this level,” he says. “It’s not easy, but okay. I try to be here.”

A key component of this consistency is the careful management of experienced horses from Yuri Mansur’s string, horses that know the demands of top sport and require thoughtful, precise care.

“Consistency is difficult, for sure,” Sato admits. “But good management is very important for me.”

Horses That Defined His Career

When Sato reflects on the horses that have shaped his journey, he first mentions Chacanno JRA, a horse with whom he formed a deep partnership early in his international career.

“We stood together,” Sato says. “He always tried.”

Although they never competed at a championship together, the horse remains a defining part of his story.

Another pivotal partnership came with Saphyr des Lacs JRA, with whom Sato represented Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“That’s a really big memory,” he says.

Experience, Responsibility, and Management

Today, within the Yellow Team, Sato is also responsible for managing several highly experienced horses belonging to Yuri Mansur.

“One is 19 years old, another is 18,” he explains. “That means something. You really have to understand how the horse feels—everything.”

This level of responsibility has further shaped Sato as a horseman.

“My main horse now is 15, but he’s fitter than ever,” he adds. “Management is everything.”

Building for the Future

Alongside these seasoned campaigners, Sato and Mansur are building toward the future with a group of promising young horses.

“Yes, I have a few good young ones—eight and nine years old,” Sato says. “We share the horses together. Sometimes things happen, but we keep going.”

The structure of the Yellow Team allows for continuity and long-term planning at the highest level.

“The next step for this level is coming,” he says.

Eyes on Los Angeles

When asked about his ultimate goal, Sato’s answer is immediate.

“L.A.,” he says. “That’s my biggest goal.”

It’s a vision he shares closely with Mansur.

“Yuri and me—Team Yellow,” he adds with a smile.

From Japan to Europe’s Biggest Arenas

Sato’s journey began in Japan, where horses were part of his daily life from a young age.

“My parents had a riding stable,” he recalls. “My father rode eventing. I saw horses every day, so I started.”

Determined to reach the top of the sport, he moved to Europe without speaking English.

“That was my dream,” he says. “No English—zero. I came to Europe step by step.”

Lessons That Endure

Looking back on his career, Sato highlights one principle above all others.

“Never give up,” he says. “Keep pushing yourself. Hard work.”

He adds simply, “If you give up, you never get a chance.”

As Eiken Sato continues forward with Yuri Mansur and the Yellow Team, his journey reflects patience, trust, and a deep respect for the horse—qualities essential for lasting success at the highest level of showjumping.

We wish Eiken Sato and the Yellow Team the very best of luck for the season ahead.

Valentina Sozzi

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