Necmi Eren’s Journey to the European Championship and the Road to Olympic Glory

Necmi Eren, a 25-year-old Turkish show jumper, has made a name for himself in the competitive world of equestrian sports. Based in the Netherlands, Eren is focused on growing his career while also building a family business that involves breeding and selling horses. In an exclusive interview, he shares insights into his career, the challenges he faces, his connection to horses, and his goals for the future, including his dream to compete in the Olympic Games.

Early Beginnings: A Passion Born in the Stable

Necmi Eren’s love for horses runs deep, and it’s no surprise that his journey into show jumping started at a young age. “Actually, I was born in the stable because of my family. Before my mom and dad got married, my mom’s biggest dream was to have a stable and a lot of horses and animals,” Eren explains. This deep connection to horses became an integral part of his life from the start.

“Since I was a child, I’ve never been able to stop riding horses. It’s like a drug — once you get hooked, you can’t get enough,” he adds, reflecting on the addiction that keeps him in the sport to this day.

Breaking into Show Jumping: The Road to Success

Necmi’s competitive show jumping career took off when he was just 21 years old. “I jumped at the European Championship for the first time at 21,” Eren recalls, noting that this was a significant milestone in his early career. Fast forward to this year, and Eren’s biggest goal is to compete again in the European Championship, this time with a team.

“Last year, I competed in four Nations Cups, won the Balkan Championship twice, and was second twice. This year, I hope to do even better,” he shares, expressing his optimism and determination for continued success in the coming months.

Training for the Big Stage: Preparing for European Championships

As Eren prepares for the European Championship in La Coruna later this year, he is using every opportunity to fine-tune his skills and prepare his horses. The competition will also feature a Nations Cup, giving Eren a perfect platform to prepare for the high-stakes event.

“This show is an amazing preparation for me, especially with the Nations Cup coming up. The arena is huge and the stables are perfect for my horses,” says Eren, describing the event as the ideal environment to ready both himself and his horses for the big stage.

Top Horses: From Youthful Talent to Elite Competitors

When it comes to his horses, Eren is focused on developing strong partnerships with his top performers. “I bought my best horse, PSS Levilensky, five months ago,” he shares. “He’s already jumped in 1.60-meter events and has participated in big shows. I also have a mare that I’ve used in four Nations Cups.” With these experienced horses in his stable, Eren is confident in his preparation for the European Championship.

While PSS Levilensky is Eren’s current top horse, he also has younger horses that he’s nurturing for the future. “I’m always looking to find new, better horses, but for now, these two are my best,” he notes.

The Family Business: Horses and Entrepreneurship

In addition to his competitive pursuits, Eren runs a family business focused on buying and selling horses. He explains that his decision to move to the Netherlands was driven by the desire to tap into a more established equestrian market. “Turkey has a lot of potential in the equestrian world, but the market is still developing,” Eren says. “That’s why I moved to Holland, where the infrastructure and opportunities for business in the equestrian industry are more developed. This move has allowed me to access a broader market and continue growing the business.”

Eren’s family plays an important role in the business. “We’re a family business,” he explains, “and I’m always looking for better horses to sell, which allows me to reinvest in quality horses and continue growing.”

Building a Partnership with Horses: The Key to Success

For Eren, building strong relationships with his horses is crucial to success. “When I get a new horse, I start with small classes to gradually build their confidence and trust,” he says. Eren emphasizes that he never pushes horses too hard, instead opting for a more patient approach. “I’m really soft and nice to my horses. You have to be kind to them; they can feel your energy,” he adds, highlighting the importance of a trusting relationship between rider and horse.

His philosophy extends beyond just riding. “Every day, I spend time with my horses in the stable. That’s my biggest hobby,” Eren explains, demonstrating the deep bond he shares with the animals.

Mentorship: Learning from the Best

Throughout his career, Eren has sought guidance from some of the world’s best riders and trainers, a trait he believes is crucial for personal growth. “I’ve trained with many top riders and trainers, like Ullrich Kirchhoff and Albert Voorn,” he shares. “Now, I also work with Sencer Can, one of the best riders in Turkey.”

He also believes in learning from as many people as possible. “I try to learn from everyone, even my friends and other riders. Everyone has something valuable to teach,” he says, showing an openness to new ideas and techniques.

Dreams of the Olympics: A Long-Term Vision

While Eren has set his sights on the European Championship for this year, his ultimate goal is much higher: the Olympics. “My biggest goal is to compete in the Olympic Games one day,” he shares passionately. “It’s not easy, especially for the Turkish team. Only Omar Karevili made it to the Olympics after 56 years.”

Despite the challenges, Eren is determined to reach the highest level of competition. “I always set my goals high, and even if I don’t get exactly what I want, achieving smaller steps is still a success,” he says. His optimism shines through as he continues to build his career and work toward the biggest stage in sports.

Overcoming Challenges: The State of Show Jumping in Turkey

In discussing his home country of Turkey, Eren speaks positively about the potential and growth of the sport. “In Turkey, the sport is still developing compared to Europe,” he says. “We have many talented riders, and the enthusiasm for the sport is growing, but there are fewer high-quality horses and top-level competitions. However, the interest in equestrian sports continues to increase, and more opportunities are being created for riders to showcase their skills.”

Despite these limitations, Eren has made the most of his opportunities in Turkey. “I’ve won many of the major shows in Turkey, but my parents encouraged me to move to Europe to further expand my business and compete at a higher level,” he explains. “While there are fewer shows and customers in Turkey, the move to Europe has allowed me to grow and achieve greater success both in business and in the sport.”

From Humble Beginnings to World-Class Competitor

Reflecting on his career, Eren acknowledges that his journey has been shaped by key moments. “One of my horses, Nectar des Roches, helped me win 1.45-meter classes when he was 21 years old,” Eren recalls. “I lost him last year, but he played a huge role in my early career. Another horse, Unique Dalbe, gave me the potential to jump bigger classes.”

Looking to the future, Eren is excited about his top horses, PSS Levilensky and Chin It, and the prospects of finding even more talented horses. “I’m always searching for the next great horse to continue progressing,” he says, smiling with excitement.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

Necmi Eren’s journey is a testament to his hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to both his sport and his family business. With his sights set on the European Championship and the Olympic Games, Eren is determined to make his mark on the world of show jumping. As he continues to build relationships with his horses, train with top riders, and push himself to new heights, the future looks incredibly bright for this ambitious equestrian.

Text and photos by VS Media

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