From watching at the in-gate to standing atop the podium, Tony Stormanns has quickly risen through the ranks of international show jumping. Despite coming from a family deeply involved in the sport, his passion for riding didn’t fully ignite until he won double gold at the FEI European Championships at just 14 years old. That defining moment sparked a determination that has since led him to even greater success, including victories at the German Championships and most recently, the $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix.
Tony continues to develop his skills, focusing on the details of strategy and horsemanship beyond just riding a course. With support from his parents, professional riders, and others around him, he is working toward the next steps in his career. While he knows there is still a lot to learn, he remains dedicated to improving and building strong partnerships with his horses.
With his sights set on a professional career, Tony remains focused on the journey ahead—one built on patience, perseverance, and the invaluable lessons learned from the horses beneath him.
Could you please share how your passion for horses and riding began? How did being raised in a family where your parents were involved in riding influence your connection with the sport?
My passion for riding actually came quite late in my career, I’d say. It only developed around the age of 14 when I won double gold at the European Championships in Oliva Nova, Spain. Riding was always something I did, but I never felt particularly motivated to get on a horse by myself. I never had a problem with riding, but it wasn’t something I was truly passionate about. However, when I saw what I could achieve at such a young age—winning European Championships and gold medals—it awakened something inside me. That’s how it all started.
In 2023, you achieved double gold in the Children’s category at the FEI European Championships and, more recently, at the German Championships. Could you describe the experience and what these achievements meant to you?
I must say, for the first two weeks, it was difficult to process what I had achieved. Even now, I still carry it with me, and it remains one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.
How do you think you’ve grown as a rider since that 2023 double gold?
I’d say I’ve grown quite a lot. When I was younger, around 12, 13, or 14, it often felt like the horse was carrying me around while I just held onto the reins. I’m not saying it’s completely different now, but there is a lot more thought that goes into navigating a course.
What are your long-term goals within the sport of riding? Do you envision pursuing a professional career in this field?
I definitely think so. I’ve been given incredible opportunities through my mother’s management, my father’s stable at home, and the many professional riders around me who support and guide me. I have the freedom to choose my own path, but I believe I will ultimately decide to become a professional rider.
You mentioned in 2023 that horsemanship is a significant focus in your life. What does that mean to you on a day-to-day basis, and what do you hope to impart to others as you continue to grow in the sport?
I still stand by that statement. I also firmly believe in my mother’s philosophy of horsemanship. To me, horsemanship is not just about sitting on a horse and jumping clear over a course. It involves so much more—training others, improving horses whether you’re on the ground or in the saddle, and understanding the bigger picture.
For example, on Mondays and Tuesdays, we give the horses time off. We take them for hacks around Grand Prix Village, which is designed perfectly for that. Then, we slowly bring them back into their training schedule before they compete on the weekends. It’s similar to how professional human athletes structure their training and recovery.
That being said, I wouldn’t call myself a true horseman yet. I still have a lot to learn and experience before I can claim that title, but I know how important horsemanship is.
Last weekend, you won the $50,000 Grand Prix. What unique qualities do you think make a horse like Donjon d’Asschaut stand out?
He is best compared to a grandpa—that’s the first thing that comes to mind.
He’s not actually that old, but he gives off that wise and steady presence. Our journey together has been ongoing for about a year now, and he has proven to be an incredibly experienced and kind horse. No matter what happens, he would never intentionally harm me. If I make a mistake in a course, get frustrated, or misjudge a jump, he never takes it personally. That’s one of the things I love most about him.
On top of that, his mentality is outstanding, and he is simply an unbelievable sport horse.
You’ve been attending the Winter Equestrian Festival since you were 11. How does it feel now to win a class that you once watched from the stands?
I have two very distinct memories.
One is of me and my friends sitting next to the in-gate or in the stands, watching the competition unfold. We were horse people, but we had just as little understanding of what was actually happening in the ring as many of the spectators.
The other memory is of me winning that class, competing against the very professionals I used to watch as a kid. It’s truly unbelievable.
What advice would you offer to younger riders who sit in the bleachers, dreaming of accomplishing what you have?
One of the most important things in riding—and something I remind myself of every single day—is patience.
Be patient with yourself, with your horse, and with the amount of progress you make each day. Progress takes time, and every small improvement adds up over time.
