Our
Team - Stampfli Equestrian
Nothing is possible without a strong team!
Rider and Manager
Emilie Stampfli
Emilie comes from a family who has been involved in horses for several generations. At the age of four Emilie got in the saddle for the very first time. She immediately discovered her passion for horses. Since the beginning Emilie was not only passionate but also dedicated and hardworking to improve continuously. Hence, she could be found at showgrounds soon after. At only seven years of age she competed at the first regional shows with her pony “Lumière”. Riding every day and regularly competing at shows on weekends became a fixed point of Emilie’s life. Balancing school and horse riding was not always an easy task. Entering the sports school in her hometown opened new opportunities. Emilie stepped up quickly to become a professional competition rider. Before reaching the highest level, Emilie participated in various European championships in the categories children, junior and young rider. She was crowned Swiss champion twice, Junior (2011) and Young Rider (2013) as well as team European champion Young Rider 2013. With her top mares Alessa Z, Nikita du Luot and Queode Historique the ambitious rider got the chance to compete at some of the most prestigious shows, such as CSI5* Geneva, St. Gallen and Zurich (all Switzerland). Emilie was also selected to represent her home nation at several nations cups. In 2014 , due to her outstanding performance, Emilie was selected as one of the six riders from all over Europe to join the very first edition of the Young Riders Academy. Not only has Emilie achieved many top placings and wins with different horses up to 5* level, but she has also already raised numerous young horses to GP level.
During her career, Emilie had the chance to work with and learn from some of the best riders in this sport, such as legend Nelson Pessoa, her long-time trainer Heidi Hauri (-Robbiani) and top rider Kevin Staut, just to name a few.
In 2017 Emilie decided to get her own business started and therefore relocated to Belgium, where she and her team have been based ever since.
Running your own business requires a lot of passion and time. Emilie is very ambitious and gives everything to make her dreams come true. Doing something you love doing is one of the most joyful things in life.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” – Confucius
Partner and Stable Manager
Valdeci Da Silva
Brazilian native Valdeci is Emilie’s partner in business as well as in her private life. Initially coming from a non-horsey background, Valdeci eventually found himself in the middle of the horse world. Little did he know when he moved to Europe at the age of 26 to work abroad for a couple of months, that horses would become the centre of his life. Now, almost 20 years later, he is still around and could not imagine doing anything else.
Valdeci has great experience in grooming – having learned from the best of the best. He worked for almost a decade for Nelson Pessoa, where he had the chance to broaden his horizon and learn everything essential about horses. Today, he contributes a large part to Stampfli Equestrian with his knowledge. Through careful and thorough management he makes sure the horses always stay fit and in top condition.
Today, Valdeci is much more than just a groom for the team. With his knowledge of horse management, his understanding for the needs of our four-legged friends and his good eye for a talented horse, he has become a much valued and indispensable member of the team.
Partner
Alexandra Stampfli
Emilie’s mother Alexandra, having competed at national shows herself a few years back, is the reason why Stampfli Equestrian exists today. Alexandra discovered her love for horses already at a very young age. Today, Alexandra still enjoys riding as her hobby, such as going on relaxed trail rides on sunny summer days. With her passion for horses, Alexandra introduced her daughter Emilie to this wonderful sport.
Today, Alexandra is not only the number one supporter of the team, but with her function as breeder at the ‘Stud Sol’heure’ she is also one of the key partners of Stampfli Equestrian. With her knowledge and expertise, Alexandra tries to match the best genetics to bring out top quality horses. The collaboration has already led to the development of several future top horses.
Besides the breeding, Alexandra is also highly dedicated to the horse’s well-being. With her academic knowledge in horse health, Alexandra supports Stampfli Equestrian to keep the horses fit and in shape.