IN CONVERSATION WITH IÑIGO LÓPEZ DE LA OSA FRANCO

Interview by Samo Šajn

Photography by VSMEDIA.EQUESTRIAN AND HORSEFRAMES

At just 22, Iñigo López de la Osa Franco has already become one of show jumping's most exciting young riders. This year, he'll make history as the first athlete to represent Monaco at the FEI World Championship, where he'll compete with his horse Nacco Blue. We caught up with Iñigo to talk about his connection to the Netherlands, returning to Valkenswaard and the lessons that continue to shape his career.

You spent an important part of your development in the Netherlands. What is it about the Dutch approach to show jumping that helped shape you as a rider?

The Netherlands, together with Belgium, is one of the most important regions in the world for our sport. Many of the biggest competitions are held here and it's a place where riders come to learn and improve. I always wanted to move here, so when I was 17, I came to the Netherlands and lived in Nijkerk for four years.

It was a huge learning experience. I worked with different people, discovered different training methods and gained a much deeper understanding of horses and how the sport works. It helped me grow, not only as a rider but as a horseman too.

The Netherlands is known as one of the world's strongest equestrian nations. Looking back, what are the biggest lessons you took from training and competing here that you still rely on today?

The level here is incredibly high. Every competition brings together some of the best riders in the world, so you're constantly challenged to raise your own standards.

That environment teaches you that success isn't only about what happens in the arena. It's also about understanding your horse, building trust and paying attention to every detail behind the scenes.

This year you'll become the first rider to represent Monaco at the FEI World Championship. What does that milestone mean to you personally?

I'm really happy to be able to represent the country where I was born and where I grew up. I did all my studies there, so Monaco has always been a huge part of my life.

To represent the country at the World Championship is a real honour. It's a very important achievement for me, both personally and professionally, and I'm really looking forward to the experience.

You've been coming to Valkenswaard since you were a child. When you arrive there now, does it still feel like another competition, or is there something special about returning to a place that's been part of your journey for so long?

I've been coming here for almost ten years now, so it's become part of my summer schedule. I don't think I've missed many editions over the years.

It's always special to come back because I spent four years living in the Netherlands, so there are a lot of memories here. In many ways it feels like the beginning of my journey, but once the competition starts, the focus is the same as anywhere else.

You've spent years training and competing alongside some of the world's best riders. How has being around that level of talent influenced your mindset and the standards you set for yourself?

I've been fortunate to learn from many great riders, and every one of them has their own way of working. I think the key is to take something valuable from each person and gradually build your own system.

Training with Simon Delestre has been especially important. As a young rider, being able to learn from someone with his experience and success is a privilege.

You've trained with riders like Piet Raijmakers and Simon Delestre, both among the biggest names in the sport. What's one piece of advice that's stayed with you and continues to influence how you compete today?

Piet taught me the importance of becoming a better horseman and understanding the foundations of the sport. Simon has pushed me to keep evolving, never settling and always looking for ways to improve.

They've influenced different parts of my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to have learned from both of them.

What continues to motivate you every day?

For me, it's very simple. I want to keep progressing and achieve every goal I set for myself. Every season is another opportunity to learn, gain experience and become a stronger rider.

At just 22, you've already experienced many of the milestones riders spend years chasing. Looking ahead, what kind of rider do you hope to become, not in terms of results, but in the way you want to be remembered?

I think the most important thing is to do things the right way. I want people to remember me for who I am and for what I've achieved.

As long as I continue to work hard and keep moving forward, I'll be proud of the rider I've become.