Emilie Conter and Portobella: A Partnership Built on Trust, Patience and Ambition

In the world of show jumping, success is often measured in fractions of a second, clear rounds, and championship medals. Behind every result, however, lies a relationship that cannot be quantified. For Belgian rider Emilie Conter, that relationship is embodied by her exceptional mare, Portobella, a horse she describes as a once-in-a-lifetime partner.

Speaking at Piazza di Siena, one of the sport’s most prestigious venues, Conter reflected on her journey from a horse-loving child to one of the rising stars of international show jumping.

A Passion That Started in the Stable

For Conter, the dream began long before the international arenas and major championships. It started with a simple love of horses.

“I always loved having a bond with them and working with them,” she explains. “When you’re a little girl, you spend your time brushing your ponies, riding them and just being around them. That’s how it all started.”

What began as a childhood passion gradually developed into a serious pursuit. As her skills grew, so did her ambitions, eventually leading her to the highest levels of the sport.

Learning Through Challenges

Like every top rider, Conter’s path has not been without setbacks. Show jumping demands resilience, both physically and mentally, and success rarely comes without periods of frustration.

“It is a very hard sport mentally,” she says. “There are always challenges.”

Yet those challenges have shaped her approach and strengthened her appreciation for the horses that have carried her career forward.

Today, Portobella stands at the center of that story.

The Horse That Changed Everything

Conter’s eyes light up when discussing her remarkable mare.

“What brings me here is my mare Portobella. We have a very strong bond. Since we’ve had her, she’s allowed me to compete at these big shows.”

The partnership between horse and rider is often described as the foundation of show jumping, but in Conter’s case it has become the defining factor behind her recent success.

“It’s all about creating that partnership with your horse. Then you get to places you never imagined being.”

The connection between the pair is evident every time they enter the ring. Portobella’s talent is undeniable, but Conter believes their achievements stem from something deeper than ability alone: trust.

The Horses That Built a Career

While Portobella may be her current superstar, Conter is quick to acknowledge the horses that helped shape her journey.

Among them is Balento, a horse she remembers with particular affection.

“He was very special. Once I won his heart over, he would do anything for me.”

Together they achieved significant success, including individual bronze and team gold at the European Championships, results that Conter once considered beyond her dreams.

Before Balento, other horses also played important roles in her development. Several mares, some of them sensitive and fragile, taught her valuable lessons and helped build the rider she is today.

Each horse contributed something unique, reinforcing her belief that strong partnerships are at the heart of every great performance.

Dreaming Big, One Week at a Time

Despite her rapid rise, Conter remains grounded.

While she openly admits to dreaming big, she approaches her goals with patience and perspective.

“The bigger the dreams, the harder I work,” she says.

Rather than focusing too far ahead, she prefers to take each competition as it comes.

“I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful to go to the next show. We want to prepare for Aachen in the summer, but in this sport you really take it week by week.”

That mindset reflects an understanding of the unpredictable nature of equestrian sport, where progress depends on both horse and rider staying healthy, confident and in form.

Family Support and Trusted Guidance

Show jumping is very much a family affair for the Conters, and Emilie values the support she receives from those closest to her.

Her sister plays an especially important role, helping her stay calm and focused when her thoughts begin to race.

“If I’m not sure about something, I can always ask her. She brings peace to my mind and helps me find the answer.”

Another key figure is renowned trainer Helena Stormans, whose influence has been instrumental in Conter’s recent development.

“She gives me a lot of confidence,” Conter says. “That’s something I struggled with for years.”

Stormans’ ability to adapt to different horses and prepare riders mentally in the warm-up arena has helped Conter approach competition with greater belief in herself and her horses.

A Lesson in Perseverance

At just 24 years old, Conter has already achieved more than many riders accomplish in an entire career. Yet when asked what advice she would give her younger self, her answer is simple.

“Don’t give up.”

She admits that earlier in her career she sometimes wanted to move on too quickly when things were not working with a horse.

Now, experience has taught her the value of persistence.

“When things get hard, keep trying. Eventually it works out.”

It is a lesson learned through years of partnership, patience and dedication, qualities that continue to define both her riding and her relationship with Portobella.

As Conter looks toward the future, the combination of talent, determination and an extraordinary mare gives her every reason to dream big. Whatever milestones lie ahead, one thing is certain: the story of Emilie Conter and Portobella is still only beginning.

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