From Czech Beginnings to Championship Dreams: An Interview with Vaclav Stanek

From riding young horses in the Czech Republic to standing at the European Championships with Canada’s Lothlorien Farm, Vaclav Stanek’s career has been a journey of persistence, adaptability, and passion. Now based in Toronto and working alongside Ariel Grange and Daniel Coyle, the 30-year-old rider—who just celebrated his birthday two weeks ago—reflects on the winding path that brought him to the sport’s highest stage.

Early Beginnings in the Czech Republic

Stanek’s story starts in the Czech Republic, where his equestrian journey began at the age of ten. By sixteen, he was already immersing himself in the professional side of the sport.

“I started riding when I was around ten years old,” he recalls. “When I was sixteen, I decided to go to a professional stable just to see how it looks. At first it was only meant to be for the summer, but I ended up staying two years, riding young horses and watching a professional rider at work. That’s when I decided I really wanted to do this.”

That first professional rider was Jiří Hruška, one of the Czech Republic’s top show jumpers. “He was the first professional rider I went to work for, and we’re still very good friends today,” Stanek says warmly.

After high school, Stanek moved to Germany, gaining invaluable experience at several stables, including with Johannes Ehning, where he rode young horses and observed top-level professionals in action. He later spent time with breeders and also worked briefly for Dirk Ahlmann, again focusing on producing and developing young horses.

A return to the Czech Republic followed, where he combined riding for breeders with completing his college studies. His highlight during this time was finishing runner-up in the Czech National Championships with a promising breeding stallion.

Alongside his studies, he continued to build experience, and soon another opportunity came knocking: a place at the Young Riders Academy in Holland. There, Stanek trained with renowned horsemen Ben Schröder, Wim Schröder, and Gerco Schröder.

“It was during COVID, so we didn’t do many shows,” he explains, “but we did a lot of training and a lot of work on their young horses. That taught me a huge amount.”

A Leap Across the Atlantic

After his training stint in Holland, Stanek spent a year as a show rider at Paul Schockemöhle Stables, where he gained further experience riding and producing both young and dealing horses. But soon, a new adventure called.

“I wanted just to experience North America, to see it for myself—especially the Winter Equestrian Festival,” he says. “I always liked taking care of my horses, so I didn’t see grooming as a step down. I enjoyed it. And it gave me the chance to get to know the system there.”

What was supposed to be three months grooming for Irish rider Jordan Coyle quickly turned into a full year, including a summer tour at Spruce Meadows. That year proved pivotal: it was there he met Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange, who later offered him the opportunity to join the team at Lothlorien Farm.

“It’s two and a half years now,” Stanek says with a smile. “And it’s a great opportunity. I’m really happy to be able to do what we’re doing.”

The Horse of a Lifetime

Every rider dreams of a horse that changes their career. For Stanek, that horse is Quintin, a now 15-year-old gelding with scope, heart, and character.

“Quintin is a great horse,” Stanek says warmly. “He has all the scope, a great character, and he’s always doing everything for me. When I ride well, it feels easy for him.”

Stanek first competed Quintin when Daniel Coyle handed him the reins for a Spruce Meadows show while he was away in Europe. What began as a short-term ride quickly evolved into a lasting partnership.

“We won together two five-star Grand Prix in Calgary,” he says, still with a hint of disbelief. “The first time, I thought maybe I’ll never do this again in my life. And then a year later, we did it again.”

Lessons from Young Horses

Much of Stanek’s career has been spent riding and developing young horses—a foundation he believes shaped him into the rider he is today.

“I was never the most naturally talented rider,” he admits. “So I felt I needed a lot of practice. Riding young horses gave me that—eight horses a day, lots of shows, lots of different types. That practice gave me the feeling and adaptability I need now for the big tracks.”

A First European Championship—and Future Goals

This summer, Stanek represented the Czech Republic at the European Championships, a milestone he describes as a lifelong dream.

“When I was younger, I went to watch the Olympic Games in London and the Europeans in Aachen, and I dreamed of one day being there myself,” he reflects. “But honestly, when I first came to North America as a groom, I never thought I’d be standing here as a rider.”

Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear.
“The next big goal is the World Championships in Aachen next year,” he says. “If Quintin stays in good form, we’d like to do that. Of course, it’s still a long way away, but it would be amazing.”

The Road Ahead

From breaking in three-year-olds in the Czech Republic to winning Grand Prix classes in Calgary, Stanek’s story is one of determination and resilience. His path wasn’t always straightforward—sometimes it meant stepping sideways into grooming roles or waiting patiently for opportunities. But every stage brought experience that now pays off in the ring.

As he looks to the future with Lothlorien Farm, his voice carries both gratitude and ambition:
“I’m really happy for the chance I got with Daniel and Ariel, and for the great horses I have now. We’ll see what comes next—but we’ll try our best.”

Valentina Sozzi – PH Epicmanagement

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