Interview with Jules Orsolini: “If you miss, you miss, but the next day, you have to show up again”

At just 21 years old, Jules Orsolini has already etched his name into the international show jumping circuit as one of France’s most promising young talents. With roots in a family of horse traders, Jules didn’t always envision a future in equestrian sport—but once he did, he jumped in headfirst.

“I didn’t want to ride at the beginning,” Jules admits with a laugh. “Even though my father was in horse trading, I was more into basketball. But eventually, I was too small for the sport, so I gave riding a go.”

That “go” quickly turned into a career. He began riding at nine and by twelve, he was already competing in his first Nations Cup. His first European Championship came in 2017 in Šamorín, Slovakia. Though the result wasn’t what he had hoped for, it was a pivotal step on his path.

“The hardest moment for me was probably 2021 in Vilamoura,” he recalls. “I was really aiming for the European Championships that year with my horse Qlandestin. He was in incredible shape but getting older. On the same day I was supposed to be at the European, I won my first 2 Grand Prix with him in Vilamoura. Same place, same date—it was bittersweet.”*

From there, Jules’s career continued to build momentum. After Qlandestin, he developed Charlotte 198, a talented mare who led him through an impressive young rider campaign.

“I jumped with Charlotte in Oliva, Gorla, and finally in Peelbergen,” Jules shares. “Peelbergen was the cherry on the cake—we won silver with the team and bronze individually. That was a really special moment.”

Now, Jules has a strong string of horses for the future. Among them are two standout seven-year-olds already winning classes and Grand Prix.

“They’re called Special van de Noordheuvel and Ua Pou Island,” he says. “I’m really hopeful about both of them.”

He’s also producing a horse he’s known from the very beginning. “We bought Ua Pou Island when he was two and a half. I’ve been working with him since he was five, and I think he’s going to be a top 1.50m horse—maybe more.”

Other promising names include Caethe Z, an eight-year-old who jumped her first world ranking class earlier this year in Valencia, and a new nine-year-old who, while still green, is already showing excellent form. And then there’s Ibrahim, a top Grand Prix prospect who’s still finding his rhythm.

“He’s a bit more up and down, but I believe in his quality,” Jules says.

Now part of the prestigious Young Riders Academy, Jules has joined a group of Europe’s top rising athletes and is eager to make the most of the experience.

“I’m really happy to be part of this journey,” he says. “I hope it will bring me new chances to compete at a higher level. I would love to work with trainers like Jeroen Dubbeldam or Rolf-Göran Bengtsson. If I could work with one of them—or both—it would be incredible.”

Looking ahead, he’s aiming to continue jumping 4* classes and, with solid results, perhaps break into the 5* circuit.

“Of course, the Olympics is a dream,” he says. “But my main goal is to keep producing young horses to the highest level and compete in the biggest shows in the world.”

Like many equestrians, Jules understands that this sport is as mentally demanding as it is physical. One day you’re winning, the next you’re learning from a mistake.

“At first, I handled setbacks really badly,” he confesses. “I kept thinking about the day before. But now, I’ve learned that every day is a new chance. If you miss, it’s okay—you come back the next day better. The sport is so mental, and if your mindset isn’t right, your results won’t be either.”

That shift in mindset has been key to his growth, especially when every ride counts.

“You only have one minute in the ring to be focused and do your thing,” Jules explains. “If you miss, you miss—but the next day, you have to show up again. If you keep thinking badly, then you won’t ride well. It’s about staying present and putting your horse in the best possible shape.”

Above all, what sets Jules apart is his connection with the horses under his care.

“Every horse is different. You have to adapt to them—not the other way around,” he says. “The better you understand them, the more they’ll give back. That’s what makes a good horseman.”

With his grounded approach, growing list of international results, and the backing of the Young Riders Academy, Jules Orsolini is without a doubt one to watch as he enters into the next chapter of his career.

V. Sozzi | Ph VS Media

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