Tatiana Antonenco is a professional dressage rider competing for Moldova. Based in Belgium, Tatiana and her boyfriend Serge Pais own a small stable where they train and breed horses for sales and competition. Tatiana says “We also help riders to find their future partner and support riders through their competition and training routine”. For most of her adult life, Tatiana lived and worked in Istanbul, Turkey and still has close relationships with riders from there.
Who are the horses in your stable?
Most of our horses are home-bred and we are fortunate with their qualities to be able to bring them to Grand Prix level. My favorite one is I-wonder. He is 13 years old and has a very special character. I-wonder was born with us and has never stopped surprising us with his abilities.
We have few talented young horses too, hopefully soon I can shine with them too. We focus on breeding spectacular movers with sweet characters. In training we give time individually to each horse as needed.
How did horses come into your life, and can you share your dressage journey?
My family had nothing to do with horses, but ever since I can remember I could not imagine a life without horses. It was a big struggle to convince my family that the horse world existed and I needed to be part of it. I was lucky to start riding in a riding school at a very young age and Moldova offered at that time free training in dressage and jumping with club horses. My first own horse Topol I got as a present from my sister Svetlana, she was the only one at that time who believed in me and my riding career. I chose dressage because I immediately fell in love with the dedication required to build a partnership and teach them exercises, and this was the road I loved the most.
Who have been the mentors on your dressage journey?
Tatiana with Alisa Glinka. Moldova’s two international dressage riders
I am mainly an autodidact but there were many people in my life who have influenced me and I really love to observe and learn from good riders and trainers.
You are one of only two riders to represent Moldova, what does that mean to you?
The funny thing about there being only two dressage riders to represent Moldova is that we are best friends and have been since childhood. We met at riding school where it all started. We both are hoping that one day we represent Moldova as a team since we miss at least one more rider.
What do you love about dressage?
Everything, I love getting first half steps with young horses first flying changes, I love feeling that my horses want to please me. I love riding freestyle. It is the most beautiful, elegant and harmonious sport.
Dressage comes with challenges, what have been yours?
Tatiana and Serge
My dream has always been competitions. Since Moldova and Turkey logistics wise were not close by CDI’s venues I had difficulties to reach it. Now I am in mecca of the top sport in Belgium, so I enjoy every moment.
What do you think horses have taught you?
Horses teach me to recognise feelings and moods without being able to talk. They teach me patience, love, care and dedication.
What is your training philosophy?
I like to train my horses with the idea that they want to do things for you.
Your Top Tip
Always come back to basics, no force, give horse time and explain them again and again.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
Family, friends, our staff and of course my biggest supporter is my boyfriend. He really made all my dreams come true.