Odile Gierech: The Resilient Spirit of Show Jumping

Odile Gierech, a talented show jumper from Luxembourg, has carved out an impressive career in the equestrian world. Currently riding for GDR Stable, owned and operated by renowned horseman Gilbert de Roock, Odile’s journey to success is one marked by dedication, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the sport. We caught up with her at the Sunshine Tour to learn more about her story, her challenges, and her ambitions.

A Passion Rooted in Family

Born into a family immersed in the equestrian world, Odile’s love for horses was almost inevitable. Growing up with parents who ran a riding school, she was surrounded by horses from the very start. “I was lucky,” Odile recalls. “My parents were already in the sport, so from a young age, I was riding different horses.” It wasn’t just a matter of passion but necessity—she was constantly exposed to new horses, as the family’s practice involved selling horses regularly.

By the age of eight, Odile had already begun competing, and by twelve, she was riding internationally. The experience of working with so many different horses from a young age shaped her into the versatile and adaptive rider she is today. “I could only keep one horse at a time, so every month, I had new horses to ride,” she says. “It became normal for me to adapt quickly.”

From Setbacks to Success

Despite her achievements, Odile’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most profound moments in her life was the tragic loss of her husband, which was soon followed by a serious accident that left her questioning her future in the sport. “That year changed my life,” Odile reflects. “I lost my husband, and just as I was trying to keep going, I had an accident at Lanaken, which took me out for a long time.”

For Odile, the thought of giving up crossed her mind, but the love for her children and her passion for riding pushed her forward. “I wasn’t scared for myself but for my kids. They had already lost one parent, and I couldn’t let them lose another,” she admits. Her partnership with GDR Stable and Gilbert de Roock gave her the support and motivation to get back on her feet and continue pursuing her dreams.

Finding Strength and Positivity

What truly defines Odile is her unwavering positivity. Even when things don’t go as planned in the ring, she maintains a hopeful outlook. “Every weekend, there’s another chance to do better,” she says with a smile. “We only have one life, and if we make it negative, it’s not going to be nice. Even if it’s hard, we have to find the positive.”

Odile’s determination and resilience are not just reflected in her riding but also in her ability to balance her career with motherhood. Raising two children while constantly traveling for competitions is no small feat, but with the help of her supportive family and her own careful organization, she makes it work. Her daughter shares her passion for riding, while her son is less involved, but both inspire her to keep pushing forward.

Training Philosophy: Respect and Connection

Odile’s approach to training horses is grounded in building a connection rather than enforcing a single method. “Every horse has its own personality, and I don’t want to change that,” she explains. “They didn’t choose to be here—we brought them here—so it’s important to respect their individuality.”

She focuses on understanding what each horse needs, taking her time to think from the horse’s perspective and allowing them to express themselves. Whether she’s working with experienced competitors or young prospects, her goal is to help each horse realize its potential without imposing unnecessary pressure.

Looking Ahead

As she continues to train and compete with GDR Stable, Odile’s goals remain ambitious. She dreams of competing at the highest levels, including making it to major international championships. One of her biggest aspirations is to return to Lanaken and secure a victory after the disappointment of her previous attempt.

More than just achieving personal success, Odile wants to see a stronger sense of community and horsemanship within the equestrian world. “We’re a small community, and we need to support each other more,” she says. “It’s not just about individual achievements but about fostering respect and positivity.”

Odile Gierech’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound connection between rider and horse. With her resilient mindset and dedication to her craft, there’s no doubt she will continue to make her mark on the show jumping world.

V. Sozzi | Photo VS Media

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