Chatting with Guillermina Birenbaum

This week I’m chatting with Uruguayan international dressage rider Guillermina Birenbaum. Based in Uruguay where she is currently the National champion, Guillermina was also part of the Uruguayan bronze medal winning dressage team in last year’s South American Games. Read on to discover more about Guillermina, her ambitions, and top tips for success

Tell us about you and your horse

Hi! I’m Guillermina Birenbaum, I’m a twenty-two-year-old international dressage rider for Uruguay. My horse Jazzmate and I currently hold the Uruguayan Vice National and Federal Champion titles. Last year at the South American Games in Paraguay 2022 we formed part of the bronze medal winning team as well as a top 10 individual placement. It was incredible to win that bronze medal since it was the first medal for Uruguayan equestrian sport at any games. Jazzmate has taught me so much about riding and even though he can be a crazy stallion sometimes I’m so happy to be able to learn from him. At the moment I only have one horse, but I hope to get another one in the near future.

     

How did horses come into your life?

I don’t come from a horse family at all; however, I’ve always been passionate about animals and sport. From the start I strongly gravitated to horses and enjoyed being with them and riding them. Before I started at the local riding school, my father would take me on horse rides at the farm and I just have the best memories from those moments.

When and where do you ride?

I’m based in a stable in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay. My horse gets worked 4-5 times a week and that includes suppleness work, lungeing, hacking, etc. To keep myself fit I love to go out on runs, bike, go to the gym, and ride other horses.  

 

How did you start riding?

When I was five years old a friend introduced me to horse riding, and next thing you know I started riding and never stopped.

What you and your horses currently working on?

With my horse Jazzmate (Jazz x De Niro) we are working on getting established in the Grand Prix to hopefully be part of the national team again at the Pan American Games 2023 in Chile. Aside from competition goals, our daily goal is to keep getting better and stronger.

 

What do you love about riding?

To be honest, everything. Just being around horses gives me an amazing feeling of joy and freedom. The connection you build is amazing and you come to understand each other very deeply. I find it very interesting to understand horses’ behaviour to be able to communicate in the best way possible. Every horse is different and each one teaches you different things; you become a much better rider experiencing with different horses. I love how in dressage there’s always something to work on and you never stop learning.  

What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?

I have so many! After becoming established in the GP, I want to become a professional rider to educate horses from all the levels. To be able to work as a rider would be a dream. In terms of competitions the Olympics are a massive goal of mine since I can remember. Representing my country in the World Championships is also a big goal as well as competing in the big shows like Aachen, Gothenburg, etc. I also have a big aspiration to improve dressage in Uruguay and inspire the young generation to dream big and learn good horsemanship and sportsmanship.

 

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding? 

Yes definitely. They usually come at the first competition after the off season since I’ve spent a couple of months without competing.

How do you deal with them?

I just focus on my horse and I and enjoy every minute of it. After the first competition I’m already in competition mode and I’m pretty cool with nerves. It’s a bit harder to keep that cool in the big championships sometimes, but I try to connect with my horse before riding and get in the zone.

Your Top Tip

Exercise gratitude more often. Sometimes as athletes we have so many ambitions that we lose track of the most important things in life like how lucky we are to be working with such amazing animals. Also, I would say surround yourself with a positive team who genuinely want to see you succeed, but don’t forget that you must work hard for what you want.

Down the Centre Line

 

Who would be your dream horse  to ride?

Glamourdale

Who is your equestrian hero?

My trainer Pia Aragao and others like Lottie Fry, Carl Hester, Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl and Nana Merald to name a few.  

If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?

My family

Favourite colour horse?

Black

Favourite horse event?

Aachen

Favourite food?

Candy

Favourite way to relax?

Netflix

Favourite film?

Grown Ups

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Guillermina you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here    You can keep up with Guillermina’s progress and check out her instagram page here