Belgian international Grand Prix dressage rider and coach, Alexa Fairchild was born in New York City but has lived in many different European cities since the age of two. A professional dressage rider with a strong connection to fashion, Alexa says, “I don’t like to call myself a designer but more of a curator.” She currently lives in Paris and loves to spend her days at the barn with her horses. “I live and breathe horses and absolutely love to compete.”
Tell us about your horses and what does a typical week looks like for you?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
I currently have three horses in Paris. Fairplay, Odin and Nacho. Fairplay is my main Grand Prix horse. He is a 15-year-old KWPN gelding. I just competed with him in the World Cup Finals in Fort Worth. He is the sweetest horse with the kindest heart. Odin is a 7-year-old KWPN gelding that is so talented and the fastest learner I have ever met. He is basically Grand Prix ready; we just need the 15 one tempis he has mastered 3 one tempis so far. He learns almost anything new in a week. I have never seen anything like it. Nacho is an 8-year-old KWPN gelding that is also extremely talented and did super well in the youth classes. We are currently training towards Grand Prix at home and taking our time.
I like to change my weekly schedule. Mondays are always a stretching day; Tuesdays I choose two dressage exercises to focus on for each horse. Wednesdays are often a lunging day. Thursdays another stretching day. Fridays are focused on dressage exercises. Saturday’s, I like to sometimes ride my test. Sundays are rest days for the horses. My main focus with all of my horses is suppleness and transitions. My day often starts with a 6:30am wake up, a matcha and journaling, a 30 min workout at home (yoga, Pilates or barre), a shower then breakfast. I am out the door at 9:30am and on my first horse at 10:30am. I finish at the barn around 2pm. The horses hand walk in the morning before riding, they then go into the paddocks in the afternoon and hand walk again. I like them to be able to move around. When I get home, I have lunch and then do some work before settling into my nighttime routine.
Describe your dressage journey, starting with your introduction to horses?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
I was always drawn to them. When I would see the little ponies in the park in Rome, I would always ask my mom if I could ride. She then booked me my first riding lesson at the age of five in Brussels and I have been hooked ever since. I did jumping and dressage and even pony games when I was young. I did two competitions in Jumping but felt slightly lost and did one dressage show and won with a little Shetland pony. That’s when the path was clear. I then was scouted by my first trainer, and she brought me to my very first European Championships at the age of twelve and then to 9 consecutive European Championships. I will always be super grateful to her for bringing me that far at such young age. She really taught me a lot, and we worked super well as a team and shared a passion for the horses and competitions.
Who has mentored you on your journey and who do you train with currently?
I would say my mentors have been my horses, and two of my trainers. The trainer I mentioned above Virginie Deltour that really taught me the base of the sport and my current trainer Norbert Van Laak. I have been training with Norbert for over four years. He has really been incredible as he listens to the rider but also has so much knowledge. I really admire his way of training and am grateful to have someone like him in my team. I train with him once a month more or less. It depends on competitions, our schedules, etc.
What do you love about dressage?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
I love so many things about dressage. I love being around the horses first of all. I love how intricate the sport is and how you are constantly challenged to think out of the box and find solutions to improve yourself as a rider and to improve your horse. I love when that “click” happens when you and your horse are speaking the same language. And I absolutely love it when the hard work shows off at home or even in the competition arena. These are the reasons I do this sport and I feel like the possibility of learning is endless. You are challenged daily but also the horses teach you so many important life lessons.
Your dressage highlights?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
I would definitely say that being part of the Belgian Team as reserve for the Tokyo Olympics was a huge highlight and gave me even more drive to want to compete in the Olympics one day. Another highlight was the World Cup Finals in Fort Worth. I loved competing in such an incredible show and every aspect of it was super fun. Being six months pregnant also made it more special. I am just so grateful for the horses that have taken me to these places.
What has been your biggest challenge?
There are challenges everywhere in the sport. I would say one of my biggest challenges was trusting myself and my knowledge. Sometimes I was too reliant on my trainers. It took me a while to figure this out but once I started listening to myself a bit more, it felt like I unlocked something big.
What does it take for a horse and rider to work well as a combination?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
It takes time, patience and trust to work well as a combination. To build a strong and trusting relationship I think it is important to really listen to the horse. It is important to take the time and not be too quick to judge a bad day. Everyone has them whether it’s the rider or the horse. Relationships take time too. I always say it takes about a year with each horse. I think it’s important to spend time with the horse, practice different types of training with the horse. Lunging or hacking and switch it up so you can really speak the same language. Also really use positive reinforcement even if it’s something really small that was good.
What advice would you offer to someone wanting to reach Grand Prix in dressage?
It takes drive and dedication and consistency. First of all, you have to want it and not feel forced to want it. Believe in yourself and your horse. You also have to accept that it’s a long journey and it’s a nicer journey if you enjoy the entire process. Small wins for you and your horse are what counts. I would recommend surrounding yourself with a great team, a good trainer and really taking the time to study your work on video. Go into every training with a clear and fresh mindset and if you need to take a break and time away from the horse, I always find this can sometimes answer so many questions.
What attributes have you learned from your horses?
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
Patience and softness. They are such big animals but have the most sensitive hearts and they really give everything when the trust is there. They are also healers and I never take that for granted. They have such a special energy to them.
Your future aspirations?
My future goals and aspirations are to get back into the saddle as quickly as possible after giving birth. Then I would really love to get back into the competition rings as soon as October and aspire to do my best to try and reach the Olympics in 2028.
Your Top Tip
image courtesy of Lucie Dubuis
Love what you do
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to focus on your own path and not compare yourself to others.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My family, my trainer, my grooms, my vet and Ferrier and of course my dog.