From Family Farm to European Fame: Vince Jarmy’s Unstoppable Ascent in Showjumping

With the European Championships in La Coruña just around the corner, Hungarian rider Vince Jarmy reflects on his lifelong bond with horses, standout partnerships, and a career that’s rewriting history.

Rooted in the Saddle: Lessons from a Childhood with Horses

Before he was rewriting records on international stages, Vince Jarmy was a boy on a pony, flying off more often than staying on—but never considering giving up. His journey began on his family farm, where horses weren’t just part of life—they were life.

“Ever since I remember my thoughts were always around the horses. Well, ponies at first,” he laughs. “I remember the first lesson on the lunge, the first ride out in the forest, or the first official competition. In all these cases I flew off the ponies, so I really don’t know why I stuck around. But I never hesitated about continuing. Sharing my life with them is a privilege now, and I’m very thankful I grew up around horses from the beginning.”

That early exposure instilled in Vince not only resilience but a profound respect for the animals that now define his life.

Koronaőr: A Partnership Etched in Bloodlines and Bravery

Among Vince’s most iconic equine partners is Koronaőr, a horse whose story is intimately intertwined with his own family’s history and passion for breeding.

“He was bred at home by my parents, and his pedigree goes way back together with my family,” Vince explains. “Koronaőr’s sire, Keve, was sold as a youngster, but his dam, Kitara, was the mare I rode in my first international classes—including my first European Championship in the children category. Kitara’s dam, Lotti, was a very competitive mare for my mother.”

Their shared journey from green beginnings to jumping Nations Cups and Grand Prixs is a testament to patience and trust. “What makes him very special is definitely his smart character with a huge heart. We were cautious stepping up levels, but he always took on every obstacle with confidence and bravery.”

The milestones are many—from clear rounds at the 7-year-old World Championships to Grand Prix wins and helping Vince qualify for his first World Cup Final. “He is a horse who shapes my career to this day. Without him, I could not be where I am today. He will always be a forever favorite.”

Carbon Girl and Basel: Breaking Boundaries on the World Stage

Vince’s breakthrough came at the 2025 World Cup Final in Basel, where he and Carbon Girl delivered a performance that made Hungarian showjumping history.

“It came as a little surprise that we could overwrite the Hungarian record of József Túri—better known as Joe Turi—because he was a huge success in the sport,” Vince says. “Carbon Girl was just the perfect partner for the big stage. I always felt she had all the qualities in the world, but we were both newcomers at that level.”

After a strong showing at a 5* Grand Prix in Mechelen, Vince knew he could trust her. “She just did everything for me,” he says with quiet pride. Their synchronicity made them a force to watch, setting the stage for what’s next.

Eyes on La Coruña: A New Chapter at the European Championships

Now, all eyes turn to La Coruña, where Vince will make his senior European Championship debut—and he’s bringing Carbon Girl along for another chapter in their evolving story.

“I’m very excited for my first senior championships, especially doing it with a great horse like Carbon Girl. It has been the main goal for this outdoor season,” he shares. The road to qualification was tight and intense, with little margin for error. “My goal is always to do my part correctly and let the horses show their best selves.”

Preparation has also meant leaning on experience. “Currently I’m enjoying the expertise and knowledge of my teammate Ferenc Szentirmai. He is a mentor for me and a key member of the whole team—whether he is riding or not.”

For Vince, gratitude runs deep. “Before traveling for my first senior championships, it’s a good time to stop for a moment and think of all the people that contributed with adding value to my career—family, the federation, sponsors, trainers, grooms… it’s an endless list. I owe all of them my gratitude.”

Driven by Connection: The Motivation Behind Every Season

From the Youth Olympics Team Silver in Buenos Aires (2018) to top 5 finishes at European Youth Championships, Vince’s rise has been anything but accidental. His biggest launchpad? Horses with heart—and the harmony to match.

“My biggest motivation was always that with the right partnership, anything is possible,” Vince says. “Great success always comes down to harmony, and the proof is in the pairs we see at big shows. That’s what I’m looking for with horses—to create a team, because after all, riders are recognized with their horses together. That gives me enough motivation all the time.”

A Rising Star with Deep Roots

As Vince Jarmy prepares to enter the arena at La Coruña, he brings with him not only Hungary’s hopes but a legacy of horses, family, and fierce commitment. Whether it’s Carbon Girl lighting up the ring or Koronaőr galloping through memory, Vince rides with more than talent—he rides with purpose.

And if his journey so far is any indication, this is only the beginning.

By Valentina Sozzi | Ph Stefano Secchi

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