This week I’m so excited to be chatting with international dressage rider and trainer, Eric Chaman. Based in Lima, Peru, Eric represented Peru in the recent Pan-American Games. Read on to discover more about this incredibly talented rider, his life to date, his amazing work with horses and plans for the future.
Tell us a little about you and your horses
Eric and Catalina representing Peru at the Pan-American Games 2019
My name is Eric Chaman and I am and International Dressage Rider living in Lima, Peru. My horse is a 15-year-old Wüttemberger white mare. We did the Pan-American games 2019. I bought her as a jumping mare but she had potential for dressage, so we started working and ended up representing Peru in international events as well as the Pan-American games.
How did your horses come into your life?
Stunning image of Eric working with one of the horses at home. Image courtesy of Carmen Queca Franco
My family owns a breeding station of Peruvian Paso horses, Lusitanos and Andalusians in Lima Peru. So, thanks to my parents I was introduced to the horses.
How long have you been riding?
Since I’ve memory I was already on the back of a horse.
When and where do you ride?
Riding at home. Image courtesy of Carmen Queca Franco
I’m currently the horse trainer of Horses Unlimited in the USA.
How did you start riding?
I started riding Peruvian Paso Horses but by the age of twelve, I began with the Spanish doma vaquera and high school movements with the PREs and Lusitanos. Moreover, I started doing dressage, the discipline that later on became my favourite.
What you and your horses currently working on?
looking great in the sun with Party Line HU
I am working with every age horse at Horses Unlimited. I train them for in hand work, lower levels up to FEI levels.
What do you love about riding?
I love that every horse teaches you a valuable lesson not only for riding but also for your daily life and the bond that you develop within each of them is so unique. There are different personalities to work with so it’s important to always listen to your horse.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Eric and L Patron HU competing
My goal is to work hard to get to the Olympics with the current horses I’m working with.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Eric looking happy, calm and confident riding Party Line HUcompleting a test in style
When I first started showing I did, but within the practice and time the nerves when showing were gone. Besides, there’s so many details to think about that there’s no time for being nervous.
How do you deal with them?
I just think of having fun with my horse and bring out the best of it.
Your Top Tip
“Always be humble. Don’t get frustrated. Be consistent and work hard at everything. Be uncompromising. Focus on your progress, and don’t compare your advances to others. But most importantly, never stop having fun!”
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
It is difficult to say but it must be a pleasure to ride Totilas, Fuego Xii and Valegro.
Who is your equestrian hero?
I frankly respect any rider in general, but I have to say that the riders that inspired me the most when I was kid were Edward Gal and Juan Manuela Muñoz Diaz.
If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?
Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Robert Downey, Jack Black, Emma stone.
Favourite colour horse?
I honestly don’t have a favourite colour
Favourite horse event?
The Pan American games, Olympics, Aachen, Bundeschampionate and the WEG.
Favourite food
Pasta and Peruvian food but I’m open to try other dishes.
Favourite way to relax
Hiking or a trail hack
Favourite film
I think Marvel movie.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Sarah you might like to view more chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Eric’s progress and check out his amazing instagram page here
