Marta Robitschek is an Italian dressage rider with a background that combines both sport and academic study. Marta holds a degree in Psychology and further specialised in Animal- Assisted Therapy at Harcum College in Pennsylvania. “An experience that deepened my understanding of the horse–human connection from both a scientific and emotional perspective”, says Marta.
Originally from Milan, Marta’s journey has taken her across several countries, from Paris to New York, from Madrid to Coesfeld where she am now based. “Each place has shaped me, not only as a rider but also as a person.”
Over the years, Marta have taken on many roles within the equestrian world: working as a groom, freelancing, assisting riders, and riding professionally. Each of these experiences has given her invaluable insight and practical knowledge. “Teaching me discipline, adaptability, and respect for every aspect of the sport.”
Today, Marta is fully dedicated to her career as an athlete. She says, “I am grateful to have explored so many different paths along the way, because each one has contributed to who I am today. Every step, every role, and every challenge have taught me something meaningful and continues to influence my approach to both horses and sport.”
What does a typical day of riding and management look like?
Marta with her husband Aldo, Alma their dog, and of course their filly MSJ Grandstand.
With horses, every day is different. In general, they go out two to three times a day, alternating between work in the arena, the paddock, or the field if the weather allows, and the walker. Their training depends on their age, for example young horses don’t work every day. All horses have one day off, which is Monday, when they just go to the paddock/field or the walker.
I don’t really have a “typical” day, but usually I spend most of my time at the stable. Once I finish, I usually go jogging in the fields with my dog or do some fitness or yoga. Mondays are reserved for laundry, grocery shopping, and phone calls to family and friends.
What was your earliest horse experience and how did that lead to being a dressage rider?
Marta in the stable with Für Sanegro (Fanegro × San Amour I ), stallion born in 2023.
Horses have always been part of my life, in one way or another. When my mother was young, she used to ride as a hobby, and in the basement of our holiday house there were still traces of that part of her life: an English saddle and a large trunk filled with bandages, bridles, and brushes. I remember how I could hardly wait to go there, because it meant I could take that old saddle, place it on a small wooden table, rest the bridle over the back of a chair, and pretend I was riding. It was pure magic. I can still recall the smell of that chest and the atmosphere that surrounded it. Just touching those objects made my heart race; somehow, I felt they were calling me, even if I couldn’t explain why.
Like many others, I started with a few lessons and riding courses. I don’t come from a horsey family, but I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ride somehow. In the beginning, I always imagined myself jumping. I loved it, especially cross-country. Then, after a serious fall in which both the horse and I suffered multiple injuries, everything changed. In a moment of confusion and uncertainty, I found myself drawn towards dressage. I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy at first. It took me a long time to truly feel connected to the discipline and to feel that it, in turn, belonged to me. But when I finally let go and embraced it fully, it became love. Not the kind that strikes like lightning, but the kind you build over time patiently, deeply, and with intention.
It’s not a discipline that gave me instant love. It challenged me, frustrated me, and made me question myself more than once. But that’s precisely why I stayed because it asks you to grow, to listen, and to let go the control in order to find true harmony.
Who have been the most influential mentors?
Focus ZK (Finest x Don Marcelo), stallion born in 2019 — Marta’s smile says everything about the quality and feeling this horse gives her
There have been so many people who, in one way or another, have supported me, inspired me, and taught me throughout my dressage journey. So many that I couldn’t possibly name them all, even though I carry a thought for each of them every single day. A special mention goes to Marco Aondio and his team: when I was just six years old, during a week at Tenuta La Mandria, I realized that horses were and always would be my life. From him, I learned a kind of discipline that still guides me today.
Anette Illum, who took me in at a time when I felt a bit lost and taught me so much about the horse. To Flora Benshila, who taught me how to work cleanly, quickly, and in an organized way.
Enrique Serrano, who gave me strong foundations and a great base to build on. Juan Matute accompanied me for a short period, but he gave me invaluable advice, especially on how to highlight the strengths of the horse I’m riding. Borja Carrascosa, who I am currently training with a great rider, an example of hard work and constancy, but also a dreamer and a visionary. He’s guiding me toward a more balanced and aware way of riding.
I am so thankful to all the grooms who have taught me essential skills: how to bandage, give injections, and take a horse’s temperature but above all, how to observe, listen, and truly understand the horse. And finally, I am grateful, to all the people who have shown me what I don’t want to be, I’ve found the strength to move away from certain models and gain a clearer vision of my own path.
What do you love about dressage?
Marta and MSJ Grandstand (Grand Galaxy Win x Don Shufro), mare born in 2020, privately owned
What I love about dressage is that it leaves you nowhere to hide. There’s no adrenaline rush to mask the details, no distractions, just you, the horse, and the truth of your connection. Every tiny imbalance, every hesitation, every thought you carry shows up instantly. It forces you to become incredibly honest, not only as a rider, but as a person.
I love that it’s a conversation more than a performance. When it’s done well, it almost disappears, there are no visible aids, no tension, just a feeling that the horse is offering everything willingly. Those moments are rare, and that’s exactly why they’re so addictive. Dressage has taught me patience in a way nothing else has. Progress is often invisible, built over months in what feels like repetition but then, suddenly, everything aligns for a few strides, and you realise that nothing was wasted.
Most memorable moments?
Definitely the first lap of honor with my mare Swarovski.
Most difficult challenge?
Swarry and Marta enjoying a nice walk after a training session in Germany.
The greatest challenge in my dressage journey has been learning to navigate my own mind. For a long time, I’ve had to confront the mental limits I unconsciously set for myself: never feeling quite enough and judging myself harshly after almost every training session. That inner dialogue can be relentless. And in dressage, managing it is not optional because the horse feels everything. Every doubt, every tension, every shift in your energy is reflected straight back at you. Learning how to manage those thoughts and more importantly, how to redirect them so they become a source of growth rather than something that holds me back, has taken a great deal of effort. It’s still work in progress. But in a way, that’s also what dressage is about: refining not only your riding, but your mindset. Turning self-doubt into awareness, and pressure into something that can actually move you forward.
A horse that holds a special place in your heart?
Swarovski aka Swarry the cherry. Our whole lives together. We’ve grown up side by side and traveled all across Europe. She is the horse who has challenged me the most and still does, but also the one who has taught me more than anyone else ever could.
What do you feel is important to build a strong relationship with your horse?
It’s important to be sensitive, to be able to listen to a form of communication that has no words, and to pay close attention to the smallest details. You need to understand that each horse has its own personality, its own habits, and interacts in its own unique way sometimes not at all how we might expect or want. And sometimes, it’s equally important to respect their pace and give them the time they need.
What do you think horses have taught you?
There are so many things’ horses have taught me, and they continue to teach me every single day. The most striking, I would say, is to be consistent with your emotions and your state of mind.
Your future aspirations?
My ambition is to continue my professional training and development, refining my equitation, and producing young horses capable of excelling in the sport. Ultimately, I aspire to compete among the best, proudly representing my country with the national colors close to my heart.
Your Top Tip
Stay curious, stay hungry and listen, listen, listen. Trust the process, focusing on progress rather than perfection. A famous Italian jockey once said “Steal with your eyes” meaning to always observe in an active way, learn and make that knowledge your own.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
You can’t control the events that happen, but you always have the power to choose your reaction.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Teamwork makes the dream work! Without a doubt, my number one supporter is my husband. A true horseman, he comes from the horse racing world and has extensive experience in breeding. He dedicates all his time, his positive and rational energy, and is an active and essential part of the dream. There’s no one in the world who pushes me to believe in myself more than he does.
My team also includes my sponsors, to whom I owe a huge and heartfelt thank you. Without their support, I would never be where I am today. I am deeply grateful to each and every one. Then, of course, there’s Borja. I’m deeply grateful for every piece of advice, every detail, and every insight he shares.
Alexander Brennikmeijer is the best stable manager, rider, driver, groom, organizer, handyman, photographer, team builder, first aid provider and veterinary assistant I have ever met. I honestly don’t know how many hours there are in his days, because he manages to do everything and always be there when needed. Having him by your side is a real reassurance, as well as an example for everyone around him.
And I couldn’t do it without all the professionals who care for the horses every day: the grooms, farriers, veterinarians, and everyone working behind the scenes. Finally, my friends, both equestrians and non-equestrians. Especially those who aren’t into horses; they sometimes ask the funniest questions and have completely no idea of what we’re doing all day long but I know they support me wholeheartedly in every circumstance.