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“We made many debuts at fantastic venues, such as Aachen and Rome,” Felicia Wallin –  Richard Vogel’s show groom for the last four years – tells World of Showjumping about her 2023. “These shows were all new for us; it was a year of many firsts.” 

Felicia and Richie started their year in Wellington. “We had a great run there with many good Grand Prix classes, even though we were a bit unlucky in the jump-offs sometimes. However, we finished off well with Cepano Baloubet giving us our first Rolex Grand Prix-win, which was also his first five-star Grand Prix start. This was special for us; we have had him since he was six and have always liked him a lot and believed in him.” 

“Then, we came back to Europe and did our first five-star Nations Cup in Rome, which was very exciting, even though not as successful as we would have maybe hoped for,” Felicia continues. “However, we learned a lot.”

I think United showed how special he is 

Another first was the World Cup Final in Omaha. “We were a bit lucky to get in at the last minute, and going there, we did not have our expectations too high. However, we ended up finishing eight – which we were happy with. United Touch made us very proud there, jumping four clears in his five rounds. That was a big highlight in my year. I think United showed how special he is and that he is a championship horse; he jumped so well over so many days.” 

“We also had a great week at CHIO Aachen, it was Richie’s first time competing in the five-star classes there. To work for a German rider and have your horse jump clear at this venue is a special feeling – the atmosphere is just amazing,” Felicia tells. “And it was my first time over at Spruce Meadows as well, which now is one of my favorite shows – everything over there is just so beautiful.”  

To end the year of firsts on a high note, Richard and United Touch – Felicia’s favorite – won the last Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in Geneva at the beginning of December. “Geneva was the last five-star show of the year for us,” Felicia explains. “Since Barcelona, we planned to hopefully be able to go there with United – and we were waiting to get in. We have a good team at home that took care of United while we were competing in Mexico and he was in great form when we returned. Richie came back two weeks before Geneva and did a smaller show with him, and I came back one week before Geneva.”

That was just a magic moment

“To win the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva is something I have only dreamed about,” Felicia continues. “I think what happened there has still not really sunk in; I was so overwhelmed by it all. United is a very special horse for me, he is like a friend. He has so much character, he is just lovely, and always wants to do well. For being a stallion, he is by far the nicest horse I have ever met. I was so proud of him in Geneva; he proved everyone what he can do – I already believed in him. He jumped his heart out there, and Richie rode well – that was just a magic moment. I cried like a baby already after the first round, because I was so proud of him. Before the jump-off, I was on the phone with Naomi, our home groom, and we both agreed that it did not really matter what would happen in the jump-off; we were both so, so proud of United. And to win in the end; it was like a fairytale, it was unbelievable.” 

“Spending time with so many top riders and grooms and seeing how they work has been very interesting,” Felicia tells about the lessons learned during the hectic 2023-season. “There has been a lot of traveling and I have seen a lot. While the bigger shows in Europe are very good at acknowledging the grooms, there are still shows where this is not the case. Over in Mexico for example, the attitude and culture is not the same – that is just a fact. Grooms do not get any food, at some of the shows it is hard to even find food to buy, and the rest rooms are mostly very poor. From a groom’s point of view, there is still a lot to improve even though the shows are very beautiful.” 

While the bigger shows in Europe are very good at acknowledging the grooms, there are still shows where this is not the case

“I am so proud of Richie and our horses and how they have developed, and that we are now competitive at five-star level,” she continues. “We are new at this level, and we all work really hard for it. When it is a first at any show, you are happy to be there, but actually being there and jumping clear, being competitive, that makes me really proud. I have worked with Richie for the past four years, and I was there for his first three-star Grand Prix – it has been a huge progress in these years. It is amazing to now take part in shows I used to watch as a child; it has been a very special journey.” 

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good group of people at home,” Felicia – who spends most of her time on the road traveling from one show to the next – points out. “Geneva would not have been possible without our home team, who did a fantastic job with United while we were in Mexico. I travel a lot, and our team makes sure we have everything we need at home, that everything runs smoothly. There are so many people involved to make it all go around. I am so grateful for the people we have; they have been there for a few years and we all know each other and the horses. I can be sure that what needs to be done gets done, and if anything would go wrong, they would let us know immediately – despite where we are. You can only be strong together if you trust each other.” 

You can only be strong together if you trust each other

“I think everyone knows that 2024 is going to be a big year,” Felicia says about the new year ahead. “I try not to have my hopes too high, because in this sport, there are so many things that can go wrong; both with horses and humans. I hope everyone stays healthy and sound, and then we take it from there.” 

30.12.2023 No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.