Spanish Grand Prix rider Jaime Amian has decided to go independent and has started his own business as well as taken over the training management at the fabulous Ecuries des Pres in Leudelange, Luxembourg. Having established himself internationally aboard Berndatte Brune's talented horses in 2013, Amian is now looking forward to a bright future with new horses and students.
Most recently Amian won the 5-year old Finals test at the 2013 CDI Biarritz with 77.600% aboard Revue Girl. He feels that this victory was the highlight of a 2013 full of new opportunities. The Spanish is grateful to have made the most of what he has learnt over the years, across several nations, and seeks to shine big in 2014.
Training Background with the Best
Amian started his training as a dressage rider with Juan Manuel Munioz Diaz in Spain and later moved to Germany to obtain the Bereiter degree working for Klaus Balkenhol and Jan Bemelmans. Thoughout 2007 he competed in Germany and was based in Krefeld at Bemelmans' barn. In 2012 Jaimie jumped the puddle and worked at Flo Brown's beautiful Dove Hollow facility in sunny California
"I really had a super experience in the USA, but it is a little bit more difficult than Europe because the distances to-and-from shows is much greater. Luckily, in the San Diego area where I was they have a couple of very good international shows like the Del Mar International Horse show or the one in LA," Jaime told Eurodressage.
Although riding in great company and ideal weather, Jaime returned to Europe in 2013. He was put in touch with Monaco based German Bernadette Brune through Canadian Olympian Evi Strasser and Brune offered him a top job as assistant rider and trainer at her prestigious facility Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins in Vidauban, France.
“This job gave me a chance to ride at a higher level at international shows in the small tour classes as well as in the Grand Prix," Jaime said in recognition. "I really appreciate the oportunity she gave me." Amian competed quality horses such as youngster Dairy Dream, small tour horse Sir Rubinstein and KWPN licensed Grand Prix stallion Valeron.
Spanish Globe Trotter
As Amian has proven himself to be a globe trotter soaking up training, gaining experience and getting exposure world wide, he is still closely conected to his Spanish root and hails his identity with pride.
"I have been training in Spain with Juan Manuel Muñoz, Fuego’s rider, and also had over ten years of education in Germany. One thing I can say for sure is that today there is not much difference between the two. Spain has amazing riders like Juan Manuel Muñoz, Jose Antonio Mena, Borja Carrascosa, and Beatriz Ferrer Salat and I think during the last 10 years we have developed incredibly in a very positive way, particularly as a result of the profound effort and experience from our long time trainer, Jan Bemelmans. I do believe that in Spain we are a bit more artistic and creative than other nations could be and this, combined with a good system, can be very interesting for the sport at an international level."
Quoting himself as an experts in piaffe and passage, Jaime believes that it’s as if the Spanish were born with this talent already inside them. He feels that is why many important riders ask for Spain’s help in training these high collection movements. "For example, Jose Antonio Garcia Mena visits Isabell Werth to help her with piaffe and passage," Amian listed.
Amian's own training philosophy, developed over the years and through the different national training systems, pays a lot attention on having the horse off the rein and on a light, soft contact in the transitions. “I ensure that each horse reacts to the half halt in a positive way and not against the hand, feeling that the horse stays short in the body and with a long frame. I try to find the right balance and self carriage and combine it with a good relaxation. I'm learning a lot at shows now and I believe that the judges like to see a horse engaged but at the same time relaxed during the test. For that we need horses that are more sensitive and hot than lazy. When they are a bit behind the leg it makes everything a bit more difficult.”
With the Grand Prix test always in mind, Jaime knows that at that level riders need a horse that likes to work and enjoy the everyday training and works hard to make sure the training is a pleasure for both horse and rider. “Horses are like people, some people also don't like to go to work everyday and go to the office with a negative mind. Horses also need to have a positive mind and be happy in the arena," he stated.
A New Adventure in Luxembourg
Eager to establish himself more as an independent rider and trainer, Amian searched for even bigger opportunities. Thanks to the support of Philippe Blard, judge Christof Umbach and the Sunnen family, he accepted the position as head trainer for dressage at Ecuries des Pres in Luxembourg
"I currently have many different horses in training of all different levels, but I have particularly good expectations for the 7-year old Frimeur (by Furst Junior x De Niro) owned by the Mersch family," said Jaime.
His journey as a dressage rider so far has made him very capable of working independently and getting the most from his and his clients' horses. Jaime feels that working on his own certainly has its advantages and disadvantages. “It's much more responsibility," he said, adding that "it does open up more chances for you to develop yourself. Right now I would like to continue to keep developing the good work that Christoph Umbach and Sascha Schulz have done in Leudelange and keep competing on international level."
Jaime will train clients and prepare them for the shows as well as compete at national and international events himself.
Certain that passion is a key element to anything in life, Jaime feels that it’s important to love what you do, to love the horses, and to be excited about your job. “I still have many goals to achieve but I believe that working hard and a lot of patience will help me to get there," he said.
Text by Sarah Warne - Photos © Astrid Appels
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