Here, a rider from South Africa shares the incredible opportunities she received during her time as a groom for FEI rider Nadine Schwartsman.
By Joha Ludik
As a South African equestrian, I never imagined I’d find myself grooming and traveling alongside one of the top dressage riders in the United States. But that’s exactly what happened when I joined Nadine Schwartsman, head trainer and owner of Les Bois Dressage in Eagle, Idaho, for the 2024 show season.
Nadine is not only an international Grand Prix competitor – she’s also a true horsewoman, whose program is built on precision, compassion, a deep understanding of classical dressage, and, most importantly, love for the horses. Being her groom has been one of the most impactful experiences of my professional career.
Over our time together, we traveled across the United States, attending some of the country’s most prestigious CDI competitions, including the legendary Ginny Rattner Memorial Dressage & CDI3* at DevonWood, where Nadine and Kelli Hajjar’s Royal Flash R brought home the win in the Grand Prix Special. I was honored to be there for every moment – from early morning feedings and detailed preparations, to watching the victory pass with tears in my eyes and pride in my chest. Even though I had to hold onto him and Nadine for dear life and make sure they stayed in the awards ceremony arena because he was too excited for his victory lap.
Another highlight of our journey was watching Nadine qualify not one, but two horses for the 2024 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions: Be Happy SB, owned by Melissa Connelly, and Seniorina Swarovski, owned by Lauri Nielson. Both horses finished in the top six in the nation, a huge testament to Nadine’s training, the owners’ trust, and just the amazing horses giving it their all. Being part of that journey – grooming, traveling, supporting the horses’ physical and emotional needs every step of the way – is an experience I will never forget.
Coming from South Africa, where opportunities to groom (let alone ride) with top internationally trained professionals are rare, I consider this experience not just a privilege, but a turning point. Working with a German-trained U.S. rider like Nadine exposed me to a level of professionalism, detail, and horsemanship that elevated every part of my skill set. From meticulous grooming routines and FEI jogs, opportunities to ride and show “my” horse, Dumbledore (owned by Trinjia Dell’Aglio), and also having the opportunity to take lessons on top-level horses, I was pushed to grow in the best way possible.
But more than anything, I’m grateful for the trust Nadine placed in me – to care for her horses like they were my own, to represent Les Bois Dressage with pride, and to ride and learn under her guidance. Her program is world-class, I’m honored to have been part of it, and hopefully get to be again.
I carry the lessons, memories, and inspiration from my time with Nadine. Grooming at this level isn’t just about shiny coats or tidy braids. It’s about being a partner in pursuit of excellence.
And for me, that pursuit has only just begun.
