Young Guns in Dressage

Mafalda Galiza Mendes Reaching for the Highest

July 13, 2009

At age 18, Portuguese Young Rider Mafalda Galiza Mendes shone at the Sunshine Tour CDI in Spain this year, attaining nine first places with over 70% classifications. In Portugal she is the number one in the national riders' ranking, a six times gold medalist and she has reached a sixth individual place at the 2008 European Young Riders Championships.

Unfortunately she missed the opportunity to become the 2009 Young Riders Champion at the National Dressage Championships in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal, due to a lack of participants at this level.  Mafalda Galiza Mendes is a young gun in dressage and is an outsider for a high ranking at the 2009 European Young Riders Championships in Ermelo, The Netherlands.

The Portuguese website Equisport interviewed Mafalda about her dressage career and future plans.

When and where did you start riding? Who were your first instructors?
I have been riding ever since I can remember.  I have photographs of myself six months old on my Father’s lap on a mare called Sammy. At the age of 2 to 3 years I started on the lunge line, on ponies and then horses.  With the ponies I did carriage driving, jumping and dressage. With the help of my trainer Francisco Cancella de Abreu and my father I rode my first dressage tests on a horse called Gitane when I was nine.  My first ‘clinic’ was with Daniel Pinto at the age of 10 and also later on with Rick Klaassen, Mariette Withages, Kyra Kyrkland among others to whom I am very grateful for all I have learnt from them.

How did your relationship arise with horses and when did you realize that you would be so involved with the equestrian sport.
My relationship with horses goes back five generations so I never really had to adapt as I have always been involved with horses.  My passion for horses has always existed and has evolved according to my age and to results obtained.

Who were your initial motivators and how did the influence you then and now?
My principal motivator was my father and closest family who continue to support me all along.

Which was the first victory most important to you?
I was ten years old when I competed with Ne-Opus for the first time at the Hipódromo da Anadia, unaware that he had been given to me by Mr. José Manuel de Mello.  I won the very competitive three days of the competition.

Which were your first horses and what did they mean to you in your career?
I had several horses and ponies which helped me ate the right time.  The ones I most remember are Sammy, Gitane, Speedy Gonsalez, Diana de Montaigou, Pinóquio, Jardim, Rehedição, Owni and Luderitz.  Today I am competing with D´Artagnan in dressage and Violino in show jumping.

Who were your idols?
None in particular.  I always followed what I learnt at home with continuing support of my trainer Francisco Cancella de Abreu.

Relating to your various excellent results, tell us about your most recent unforgettable experience.
There are various victories of which I am very proud, the Portuguese Cup at St. Georges level in 2003; the Portuguese Cup at Grand Prix level in 2006; the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 championships and especially the victory on the second day of the Junior Jumping Riders Cup at Coimbra which was perhaps an unforgettable moment as it was very competitive and the victory was totally unexpected.

Which was your most difficult moment in this sport and why?
It was recently.  A noise startled D´Artagnan and he ran off just as I was putting on his bridle.  It was the scare of my life.  Fortunately all ended well; my horse was intact despite my own torn trousers and abraised knees.

Which horses are you riding at the moment?
At the moment I only have D´Artagnan in which I place all my effort and hopes

What degree of training do you need to achieve Grand Prix level?
The degree of training necessary to achieve Grand Prix level is the same as any other level
given that without effort one does not reach the highest level.

If you had a choice between the Lusitano or a Warmblood which would you choose and why?
I initiated in dressage with Lusitano horses.  I completed three European Championships with Lusitanos of which I am very proud. However I cannot but recognize the warmblood as a doted breed  for this sport, although the development of the Lusitano breed is making it more competitive.

Is it possible for someone not born into the equestrian sport to be competitive nowadays?
Yes it is possible, but they must have all the professional and personal support needed to overcome the lack of involvement in the environment.  But as all things in life where there is a will there is a way.

Which international riders do you consider examples to be followed?
I follow closely the top riders such as Anky, Isabell Werth, Kyra Kyrklund. However I do try to establish my own mark.

If you could choose any horse belonging to an international rider, which would you choose and why?
I would choose Matiné, a 12 year old mare formerly ridden by the Danish rider Andreas Helgstrand. She has fantastic movements.

Do you think that in Portugal dressage should be a more popular sport?
Certainly.  Although the number of competitors is increasing yearly, this sport deserves much more publicity within the media.

How can it become more popular in Portugal?
I believe there should be more commitment from the various organizations and from the Portuguese Equestrian Federation itself in the pubmishing of the national and international competitions and their respective results.

Do you think saddles should be made to the measure of horse and rider?
It is an idea I scientifically respect but have not experienced results above normal. However if done correctly it should have a positive result.

How do you feel about having reached your objective and what are your future aims?
Having reached some of my goals proves that we are working in the right direction which makes me very happy.  There are no limits to the future and my aspirations are the highest.

PROFILE

Name: Mafalda Galiza Mendes
Date of Birth: 13/09/1990
Place of Birth: Porto
Profession: Student
Hobby: Horses
Birth sign: Virgo
Favourite quality: Dedication
A Personal defect: Perfectionist, stubborn
Favourite book: “Baunilha e Chocolate”
Favourite film: Australia
Favourite actress: Catherine Zeta Jones
Favourite actor: Paul Walker
Style of music: All types of music
Favourite singer or band: Jason Mraz
Favourite car: BMW X5
An unforgettable journey: The European Championship in Germany
Favourite place you would like to visit: Bora Bora
Favourite dish: Curried prawns
Personal mania: Always having my dogs with me

Related Links
Coverage of the 2008 European Young Riders Championships
Results of the 2008 Portuguese Dressage Championship
Young Guns in Dressage: Maria Caetano Is in It for the Long Term