GAT Brazil 2025 - Training Show, Qualifiers and a Big CSI4*-W Adventure
- Mia Lerchl
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Sometimes a major competition doesn’t begin with a starting bell, but with a first careful ride. Just a few days before the CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo, I suddenly found myself standing next to my competition horse Jossete Polana – with no shared history, no real training time, but a very clear goal: to be ready when it mattered. This is exactly where my next chapter with the Global Amateur Tour Brazil 2025 began.
Getting to Know Jossete – First Day, First Ride
I met Jossete Polana for the very first time on the day of the local show jumping competition – the horse I would be competing with at the CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo. It was an exciting moment: hardly any time, hardly any preparation, but a lot of anticipation.
Before the class, I briefly warmed Jossete up and did a few practice jumps – the feeling was good right from the start. For this local show, we chose a height of 1.10 m, allowing us to get to know each other calmly and build confidence. Despite an unfortunate pole at the first obstacle (due simply to my excitement), we quickly found our rhythm. The rest of the round felt very good and gave me a strong sense of confidence heading into the CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo.
CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo – The Big Stage Begins
Finally, the first big day of the CSI4*-W Longines São Paulo had arrived. I competed in the Children 1.20 m class. The qualification format consisted of two rounds: both results would be added together, and only the 10 best riders made it into the final.
My first qualification round with Jossete went very well. We found a nice, flowing rhythm and maintained a strong pace throughout the course. The time was excellent, but unfortunately a pole at obstacle number seven. Even though this mistake, I was extremely happy with the round – especially knowing I was competing at the largest indoor show jumping event in South America. After the first day, the result put us in 7th place, a very promising position on the way to the final.
A Tough Moment, But We Fought On
Two days later, the second qualification round took place. I was highly motivated and determined to secure a place in the final.
The round started well, and Jossete felt fantastic. However, on the approach to the double combination, I felt her incredible power and speed. The jump over the first obstacle in the combination went well, but with that strong canter, Jossete came too close to the second obstacle, and the rail fell. This mistake affected our approach to the next jump as well. We couldn’t quite find the perfect rhythm, and another rail came down. At this point, it was all about staying focused and getting back into the rhythm. We couldn't afford another mistake. And from there on, we finished the rest of the course fault-free. The mistake in the double combination was frustrating and avoidable, but we showed that we could stay on track and maintain composure under pressure.
Finale Narrowly Missed – 11th Place Overall
In the end, the results of both qualification rounds were added together – and unfortunately, it was enough only for 11th place overall. That meant the final would be watched from the stands rather than ridden in the arena. Even though this was a tough moment, I am incredibly proud of what we achieved. It was my first major international indoor appearance with a completely unknown horse, on one of the biggest stages in South America – and I gave everything.
Special Honour – Best Placed Foreign Rider
As a special recognition, I was awarded Best Placed Foreign Rider in the Children 1.20 m class! A perfect way to close this unique journey with the Global Amateur Team – and a reminder that I can compete at this level and continue to grow with every experience.
What a Journey
My time in São Paulo was filled with challenges, unforgettable moments, intense teamwork with Jossete, and invaluable learning experiences. Even though we narrowly missed the final, I'm taking away so many positive things.
Thank You, São Paulo! Thank You, GAT!
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