Philip Svitzer U25 rider: Hunger, Horses, and a Long-Term Vision

At the beginning of January, the historic Basel Classics once again brought together top sport and rising talent. Among the U25 riders competing in the iconic St. Jakobs halle was Swedish rider Philip Svitzer, who returned to Basel for the second time—this time with experience, clarity, and even bigger ambitions.

“It’s been great. This is the second time I’m here,” Svitzer said during the show. “I was here before for the World Cup Final with the U25 as well. It’s a fantastic venue and a really great arena to compete in.”

For Svitzer, Basel Classics is more than just another show on the calendar. It represents opportunity, development, and a concept he genuinely believes in.

“I really like the U25 concept,” he explained. “We compete against riders in the same age category, but sometimes it’s speed classes and sometimes it’s a normal Grand Prix. It challenges you in different ways, and I think that’s very valuable.”

Familiar Ground, Clear Goals

Coming back to Basel meant familiarity—not just with the arena, but with the pressure that comes with it. For this edition of Basel Classics, Svitzer competed with his speed horse, while his main Grand Prix horse enjoyed a winter break at home.

“My Grand Prix horse is still on his winter break, so I’m here with my speed horse,” he said. “She used to be my top horse, and last spring she was third in the Grand Prix here. She’s jumped very well in this arena before, so I have high hopes.”

Asked about his expectations, Svitzer was honest but composed. “My goal is to jump a nice clear round. And if we get to the jump-off, I’ll probably take a bit more risk than I did last time.”

A Competitive Mindset — Built on Horsemanship

Competition is what initially drew Svitzer into the sport, but it’s the relationship with the horse that keeps him grounded.

“I’m a very competitive person—I like to compete in everything,” he said. “But with horses, it always comes down to the partnership. Before thinking about my own goals, I have to understand what my horses are capable of, and what they’re capable of with me on their back.”

Long-term thinking is a recurring theme in his career. “I never think short-term. Everything is planned carefully and with precision. That’s how I’ve worked from ponies, to Young Riders, and now U25.”

His main sporting ambition is clear: “I want to become the best U25 rider in Sweden. Basel is a great step on that path—it allows me to combine international experience with competing at home in Sweden.”

Building a Career — Inside and Outside the Arena

What sets Philip Svitzer apart from many riders his age is that he is entirely self-made—not only as an athlete, but as an entrepreneur.

“This is an expensive sport,” he said plainly. “Traveling, competing, feeding horses—it all costs a lot. I realized early that I needed to find my own way to finance it.”

That realization came when he was just 16 years old. Svitzer began live streaming on TikTok, quickly becoming one of the platform’s most successful creators in Sweden.

“I earned very good money through live streaming,” he said. “And now I’ve taken that experience and built my own agency.”

Today, Svitzer runs an agency where he teaches others how to earn money through TikTok trading and live streaming. “I now work with over 200 traders. I guide and help them every day, and I really enjoy it.”

Balancing business and sport isn’t optional—it’s essential.

“It’s not a question of how I manage it. I have to do it,” he said. “If I don’t do a good job there, I wouldn’t be able to compete at this level.”

Financial Freedom, Sporting Patience

That independence has given Svitzer a rare advantage in modern show jumping: time.

“I don’t need to earn money from the horses. The agency supports the horses, not the other way around,” he explained. “That means I can make decisions that are right for the horse, not decisions based on prize money.”

It’s a philosophy that allows him to compete without pressure. “I can go to a show and not win a class, and it’s fine. I never get stressed about money—and that’s crucial.”

A Horse Built, Not Bought Ready

One horse in particular represents everything Svitzer believes in.

“My best horse right now is at home,” he said. “I bought him one year ago with my own money that I earned on TikTok.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. “He was very difficult in the beginning. He wouldn’t even go clear at 1.10m—he stopped.”

Fast forward one year. “This summer I debuted him at 1.50m, and in November we jumped our first clear round at that height.”

The long-term goal? Gothenburg.

“He’s on track to hopefully jump the five-star in Gothenburg, maybe even start at 1.55m. I really think he’s something special.”

Advice to the Next Generation

For young riders watching from the sidelines, Svitzer’s message is direct.

“Never give up with horses—because most people do,” he said. “If you just keep going long enough, you’ll still be there when others stop.”

He’s seen it happen year after year. “The competition gets smaller every year. Riders lose the hunger or the energy. If you keep that hunger, you’ll stand out.”

Eyes Forward, No Stress

Looking ahead, Svitzer keeps his biggest goal in sight—but without rushing.

“Jumping 1.60m with my new horse would be fantastic,” he said. “Maybe in a year or a year and a half. But there’s no stress. If he needs time, we take a step back. There will always be another competition.”

At Basel Classics, Philip Svitzer didn’t just show his form in the ring—he showed a blueprint for a modern riding career: self-made, patient, and driven by hunger rather than pressure.

Valeintina Sozzi- VS Media

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