In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.
French Grand Prix rider Pierre Volla had a career making time on his one-hit wonder, Badinda Altena. The pair represented France at the 2012 World Young Horse Championships in Verden and competed for France at the the 2015 and 2017 European Championships and 2016 Rio Olympics. They were the 2016 and 2017 French Grand Prix Champions and they won bronze at the 2018 French Championships. In February 2019 he sold his horse to Denmark. Volla runs a training and sales stable with his wife, French Grand Prix rider Perrine Pelardy.
Hit & Run - Pierre Volla
What is your earliest memory?
...
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
Isabell Werth, for the longevity of her career and success
When were you the happiest?
When we achieved the qualification for the Rio Olympics at the 2015 Aachen European Championships
What is your biggest fear?
When a doctor told me it was finished with my riding after a fall
What was your first thought today?
Which horse shall I ride first
What is your most annoying character trait?
I never know when to stop. I keep on working
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Wickedness and jealousy
What is your dearest possession?
My kids
If you look into the future, what do you see?
A lot of top horses
What makes you unhappy?
Abuse of children and animals
What is the love of your life?
My family
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
Taking up dressage
What's your guilty pleasure?
I love parties
What do you owe your parents?
Everything. My tenacity, and my love for life
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
Rafael Nadal
What was the worst job you ever did?
I have always done jobs that I love
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
To have never known my grandparents
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
Nothing
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
An indoor arena.
What is your biggest achievement?
My stables and my home, which is paradise
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
That friends and family are very important
Where would you like to be right now?
Out competing
What's your favourite scent?
L'Homme Ideal (by Guerlain)
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
Dracula
To whom would you like to say sorry?
No one
What does love feel like for you?
A big trip
When are you most relaxed?
In my bed
What super power would you like to have?
To send love and peace around the world
When did you last cry, and why?
When I sold Badinda
When were you closest to death?
?
How do you want to be remembered?
As a nice and cool rider
Related Links
Badinda Altena Sold to Charlotte Heering
French Federation Drops Bomb by Deciding Not to Send Team to WEG
Morgan Barbançon Mestre Wins 2018 French Grand Prix Championship
Volla Wins 2017 French Grand Prix Championships, Takes Second Consecutive Title
France Wins Final Nations' Cup Leg at 2017 CDIO Hickstead, Overall Winner Sweden Undecorated
French Selectors Choose Team Spirit and Talent for 2015 European Dressage Championships