Stephan de Freitas Barcha: A Life in the Saddle, From Rio to the World Stage

From humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro to the highest levels of international show jumping, Brazilian rider Stephan de Freitas Barcha has crafted a career defined by determination, talent, and a relentless commitment to the sport. With two Olympic Games behind him—Rio 2016 and Paris 2024—and a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Barcha has become one of Brazil’s standout athletes on the global equestrian stage.

“I split my time between Brazil and Europe,” Stephan says. “My family is in Brazil, and I also run a major operation there, so I’m always juggling both sides of my life.”

That operation is Chevaux Team, a full-service equestrian business with roughly 100 horses and around 30 employees. With two state-of-the-art training centers in Brasília and São Paulo, Chevaux Team provides coaching, horse development, and competitive support for a wide range of riders. “I have a solid team working with me—riders, trainers, and staff—so I can keep competing in Europe while everything runs smoothly back home,” he explains.

The Early Ride: From Passion to Profession

Unlike many equestrian athletes, Stephan didn’t come from a horse-riding family. His path into show jumping began organically, through a friend of his father. “I started riding on a farm that belonged to a friend of my dad’s. I fell in love with it right away and asked my parents if I could join a riding school,” he recalls. “From that point on, I was basically always at the barn—riding whatever horse I could. I became that kid who never left the club.”

His early dedication paid off quickly. He climbed through the ranks—children, juniors, young riders—and by the age of 16, had turned professional. “I won Brazilian and South American championships as a junior,” he says. “It was a strong start that gave me the confidence to pursue this as a career.”

Guidance from the Greats

At 21, Stephan began working with legendary Brazilian show jumper Nelson Pessoa, a relationship that lasted through his first Olympic Games in Rio. “Nelson has been a mentor to me for over 15 years,” Stephan says. “He’s still someone I turn to for advice. Working with him shaped how I see the sport.”

He also benefited from the guidance of other world-class figures, including George Morris and Philippe Guerdat. “George was the one who gave me my first real Olympic opportunity,” he says. “And Philippe worked with us in the Brazilian Federation for years. What they all taught me is this: do the basics exceptionally well. That’s where mastery lies. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly hard to execute.”

Winning Calm: The Competitor’s Mindset

Stephan is well known for his bold, fast riding style—but behind that speed is a calm and focused mind. “I love to win, and I thrive on adrenaline,” he says. “But when it comes to performing, especially at the top level, your head has to stay cool.”

He believes that mental balance is one of the most important traits of a great rider. “The key is not letting success go to your head and not letting failure bring you down. You need to be steady. You ride to win, but you also ride with patience and clarity.”

The Mare That Changed Everything

No conversation about Stephan’s career would be complete without mention of his star partner, Primavera Império Egípcio. “She’s my horse of a lifetime,” he says. “We started when she was six—now she’s thirteen. We know each other inside and out.”

Primavera has been instrumental in Stephan’s biggest career moments: gold at the Pan American Games, a fifth-place finish at the Olympics, and two senior national titles. “She’s a strong mare with a lot of character,” Stephan says. “She’s given me everything.”

He also fondly remembers Landpeter do Feroleto, the horse he rode in his first Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “Competing at home, in my own country, at the Olympics—that was one of the most emotional experiences of my life.”

Looking Forward: One Show at a Time

Even with a packed résumé, Stephan remains focused on the path ahead. “Right now, my biggest target is the World Championship in Aachen,” he shares. “Then, of course, there’s the next Pan American Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But I try not to look too far. For me, it’s about the next class, the next show.”

He places strong value on competing at venues with history and prestige. “For me, shows like Aachen, Calgary, and La Baule—they represent the tradition of our sport,” he says. “Wearing the green jacket for Brazil in those places, that’s what drives me.”

A Trainer with a Mission

Beyond his own riding goals, Stephan is committed to shaping future champions through his work with Chevaux Team. “I want my students to understand what it means to ride to win,” he says. “That it’s not just about having a talented horse—it’s about knowing how to use that talent, to be competitive in the right way.”

Respect for the horse is at the heart of his teaching. “You have to ride with purpose, but always with fairness. That’s the foundation of our philosophy at Chevaux.”

Legacy in Motion

Stephan de Freitas Barcha isn’t just riding for himself. Whether he’s guiding a young rider through their first championship or entering the ring at one of the world’s most iconic shows, he brings with him a deep sense of purpose and pride.

“My goal has always been to keep learning, keep competing, and represent Brazil the best I can,” he says. “I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m trying to be better every day—and that’s what keeps me going.”

Valentina Sozzi

ph Stefano Secchi

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