Rotem Jale İbrahimzadeh is a Turkish international Grand Prix dressage rider and the first person to represent Turkey at the European championships. Based between Belgium and Switzerland, Rotem focuses on training and teaching ambitious riders, as well as developing her own Grand Prix competition career. She also loves finding the right horses for people she works with.
Born on March 1, 1996, Rotem lived in Istanbul until she was eighteen. Then, she moved to Milan to study Economics and Business at Università Bocconi, for three years. “It was truly an enjoyable and eye-opening time in my life”. She then continued her studies in Geneva, completing a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing.
After finishing her education, Rotem entered the corporate world, working in marketing for startups and a few bigger corporations. She says “For both me and my family, it was important to gain experience outside the equestrian world, to have a strong professional foundation and the independence to stand on my own, even beyond horses if I ever chose to do so”.
Throughout all of this, horses were always a constant part of Rotem’s life. ” I started riding when I was three years old, and I’ve never stopped since”. Even while studying and working full-time, she continued training and competing. She says “My passion for riding always stayed with me. Balancing both careers required a lot of discipline, effort, and dedication, but it also made me feel incredibly fortunate and fulfilled. My family has always been a huge support in helping me build this path”.
How did horses come into your life and transpire to dressage?
I started riding when I was three years old. My family still tells the story — my kindergarten visited a stable one day, and after sitting on a pony for the first time I just decided never to get off, that riding was what I wanted to do forever. My parents somehow believed me, and that small moment turned into a lifelong journey. I trained every day throughout my childhood and continued until I left Turkey for university at eighteen. Growing up, I was lucky to learn from many great horsemen and riders who gave me different perspectives on the sport. I competed in both dressage and show jumping, but dressage was always where my heart belonged.
Some of my happiest early memories are representing Turkey at international championships winning team medals, finishing on the podium with my pony, and qualifying for the European Championships for the first time as part of a Turkish team. Those experiences shaped who I am today and taught me what dedication truly means.
Through all of this, my family has been my greatest support, the people who gave me the belief, the strength, and the opportunities to keep going. I’ve worked hard, but this sport is never done alone, without them, none of it would have been possible.
Who do you train with?
For the last almost 6 years I have been based with Morgan Barbancon. We are all the time together hahaha. Through our journey we’ve become best friends as well.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Oh, it definitely takes a village. I’m incredibly blessed to have so many wonderful people around me. Above all, it’s my family — without them, none of this would be possible. I also have a fantastic trainer, an amazing groom, a dedicated vet, wonderful sponsor and a supportive federation that always does their best to help. My first trainer in Turkey remains an important part of my career, and I’m grateful for friends who understand my unique lifestyle and are always there for me.
Congratulations on being the first person to represent Turkey at the Europeans, that must have been momentous?
Honestly, it meant the world to me. I don’t think I fully realised what had happened until a few days later. At first, I was either completely stressed or just in disbelief that it was really happening. I went there with almost no expectations, just the mindset that I had earned my place among incredible riders and wanted to let go of any pressure that came with it.
The whole experience was beyond anything I could have hoped for. I still remember sitting in the meeting room, looking around and seeing riders I had watched and admired growing up— and suddenly, I was sitting there as one of them. It was such a surreal, out-of-this-world moment. I just hope I can keep living experiences like this, because I truly feel deeply grateful and blessed to have even been a name on that start list.
Hexagons Double Dutch is the horse you took to the Europeans; can you tell us more about him?
We’ve been a partnership for the last two and a half years. When he came into my life, he was already a very famous Grand Prix horse at 15 years old, and I was completely starstruck. I still have the first photo from the day he arrived at our stables. I remember sending a message saying, “I can’t believe he’s here — he’s so special, everything about him is magical.”
The moment you see him, there’s just something about him that’s unforgettable. The work we’ve done together or let’s say the work he’s done on me is incredible, I’ve learned so much about riding from him. He’s taught me everything I needed to know about Grand Prix — how to build a true partnership with a horse, how to trust, how to let the horse lead when necessary. He’s shown me how to really connect and work together. At home, we call him “Bubbles” because he’s always happy, always motivated. Even though he’s a stallion with that powerful presence, he’s so sweet and calm that I can ride him bridle-less at home one day, and the next day we can step into full competition mode.
He’s truly my best friend. Now, we’re like an old married couple — he definitely knows better than me. He knows the job, he knows life, and I feel so lucky just to be along for the ride. Sitting on a horse this magical is a gift; I’ll never stop appreciating.
He’s been a game-changer in my life he’s just different, he’s taught me so much about myself and about horses. We call him “the Big Boss” at home because of the way he carries himself — he knows how special he is, and I want him to always know that. He never says no; whatever you ask of him, he gives 100%, whether it’s training or competing. Riding him, you feel that every ounce of his heart and energy is in everything he does. It’s emotional, then you’re like oh what a cool and once in a lifetime feeling to have on a horse.
How did you qualify for the Europeans and what preparation did you do?
The qualification process for the Senior European Dressage Championships in Crozet was challenging, as it requires riders to meet strict criteria to earn their spot. For us, this meant achieving an overall score of 66% or higher from at least two different four-star judges, which is by no means easy. Thankfully, we were able to meet these standards and secure our place.
In terms of preparation, he is a horse who already knows the job very well, so we tried to keep his routine as consistent as possible, avoiding any extra pressure. We did focus a little more on combining exercises and test-specific preparation, but largely the training was about me fine-tuning my skills rather than him. Traveling was quite straight forward — just a few hours by truck and he is so familiar with the show environment that it all went smoothly.
Can you share your experience competing at the Europeans?
As I mentioned, it was absolutely wild, life-changing, and just wonderful. Honestly, most of it I spent extremely stressed until I finished my test and saw our score — and when we did, we were so happy. Part of it honestly felt like an anxiety attack, but the whole experience was just so lovely. The team organizing the competition was incredibly kind and welcoming, so I never felt out of place, and every rider I interacted with was sweet and supportive. Overall, it was such a positive experience, and I feel truly lucky to have been there.
European special memories?
I just remember finishing my test and leaving the arena, and there they were — my grandmother and grandfather, my mom, and my dad holding a shining Turkish flag, my brother on Facetime all jumping up and down, my trainer crying. Even before I saw my score, just seeing them filled me with so much joy and in that moment, I thought, “What a lucky person I am to feel this kind of emotion in my life.” I took a mental picture of that exact corner and moment in my mind — it’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever. Oh!! On the morning of my Grand Prix, I had an incredibly lucky moment: I got to share a cab with Isabell Werth and chat with her. She’s so kind, so inspiring, and it just lifted my spirits completely. I was nervous and stressed, but having the chance to speak with her was just so cool! I truly couldn’t have asked for a better start to such an important day!
Did you get nervous about competing at the Europeans?
I was incredibly nervous! But I have a fantastic trainer, and we had a pep talk before going in. Morgan reminded me to focus on the experience, to block everything else out, create a little bubble around myself, my horse, and my loved ones, and just enjoy the moment. It wasn’t about the score — it was about the journey. From learning Grand Prix just two years ago, to being here now with my heart horse, I had to switch my mindset and think, “I’m here to enjoy this, to savour the ride.” It was about smiling, soaking in the moment, being surrounded by people I look up to, feeling my loved ones’ support, and just going out there and having fun.
Plans for you and Double Dutch?
With him, I just want to be lucky enough to enjoy every ride, whether it’s at home or at a show. Our partnership is all about learning from each other, and every ride teaches me something new. After the European Championships, we just won the World Cup qualifier in Budapest — that felt like the cherry on top. Now we’re planning a few more shows, and it would be amazing to qualify for the WEG 2026, but I’m taking it day by day and seeing where life takes us
Future aspirations?
Of course, I’d love to compete in big shows and have a successful professional riding career, but beyond that, my goal is to be a well-rounded rider. I want to be someone who can truly communicate with horses, develop young horses, and enjoy spending my days riding. I hope to also teach younger riders and continue growing as a complete horseperson — someone who can combine skill, knowledge, and passion in everything I do.
Your Top Tip
Spend time with your horse other than just riding. Building a connection from the ground, getting to know them and understanding their personality. Those moments are just as valuable as training in the saddle and are what truly strengthen a partnership.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Surround yourself with people you trust, love, that you look up to that inspire you to grow and become a better version of yourself.