Questions & Answers with Felicia Wallin – Richard Vogel’s Groom

Having been part of Richie and United’s [Touch S] second Rolex Major win, this time at The Dutch Masters, how would you describe that experience, and what confidence does it bring with Richie going into the ‘TSCHIO’ 2026 as the live contender?

FW: Winning our second Major was a very good feeling and a big confidence boost for the whole team. United [Touch S] has been jumping amazingly in the last Rolex Grand Slams, but we had an unlucky rail at Spruce Meadows and one in Geneva, even though they were really great rounds. So, it was a super good feeling for all of us to finally get that win. I think United [Touch S] jumped as well as he has done for a long time – he was full of power and energy, and we were already very happy after the first round. It was just a great feeling. Of course, it also makes me even more excited for Aachen, since it’s our home show and there are always a lot of people cheering for us there. But it also brings some pressure, so now it’s up to us to stay focused and try to keep United [Touch S] as happy and fit as possible. We’ll do our best, but it’s very hard to win a Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix, so we try not to have expectations that are too high and just keep working towards it.

You and Richie have grown together from 2-3* level to winning at 5* – how has your working relationship evolved over that journey?

FW: I think it’s been quite a unique journey, and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved together. We’ve really grown up alongside each other – I was only 19 when I started, and Richie was 22 or 23. Of course, there have been a lot of great moments, but it hasn’t always been easy. When you work together for that long and grow up together, there are naturally disagreements along the way. But over the years, we’ve learned how each other works – how we communicate, how we approach situations, and what we both need. Now, we’ve developed a really strong connection built on trust. We know each other extremely well, and that makes everything easier. At this level, that trust is so important. Richie can rely on me completely when I’m at home with the horses, and I don’t feel the need to constantly check in either. That mutual trust gives me a lot of confidence in my work.

Richie has said he relies heavily on you and even credits you with taking over training at times – how do you divide responsibilities between rider and groom on a daily basis?

FW: We have quite a big team at home, with both grooms and riders, and I sit somewhere in the middle, doing a bit of both. When I first started with Richie, I was purely a show groom and travelled everywhere with him. But over the past couple of years, things have changed slightly. I now stay at home more and usually ride between three and five horses a day, including United [Touch S]. I try to get all the riding done in the morning, and then in the afternoon I focus more on my grooming responsibilities – taking care of the horses, doing stable management, paperwork, packing, clipping for shows, and so on. It’s a newer setup, but it’s working really well. It’s added another dimension to my job, which I really enjoy. I also think it benefits the horses – they get a slightly lighter ride with me, and I focus on keeping them fit, relaxed, and happy.

You’re part of a young, ambitious team – what do you think makes your partnership with Richie so effective at the top level?

FW: I think, above everything, it comes down to trust. At this level, that’s absolutely crucial. Richie can focus entirely on his job without worrying about whether routines are followed or things are done correctly, and I feel confident knowing that if I give my best, that’s enough. We’re also both extremely ambitious. We’re always looking for ways to improve and never feel satisfied with where we are. That drive to keep getting better is a big part of our success. At the same time, it’s something we’ve had to learn to manage. We both push ourselves – and each other – very hard, and being perfectionists can bring a lot of pressure. We’ve had to learn not to add extra pressure onto each other when we’re already pushing ourselves.

You’ve described United Touch S as “one of a kind” and even like a friend – what makes him so special to you compared to other horses you’ve worked with?

FW: A big part of it is simply the amount of time we’ve spent together – I’ve looked after him for nearly five years now. When you share that much time, you really get to know each other in every situation, whether that’s at home, travelling, or at competitions. But he is also a very special horse in himself. He’s incredibly intelligent and observant – he’s always aware of what’s going on around him, and if he doesn’t understand something, he really wants to. In a way, we’re quite similar. I also like to know what’s happening and what the plan is, so it’s become my job to help him understand that. It might sound a bit strange, but I talk to him a lot. Even if he doesn’t understand the words, I believe he understands energy and emotion. He’s very sensitive to your mood and how you approach him. Before big competitions, I often talk to him and explain what’s going to happen. Through that, we’ve built a strong level of trust. When he feels unsure or nervous, he looks to me for reassurance. He’s also been there for me during difficult times, and that has made him incredibly special to me. It feels like we understand each other, even without words.

Your work balances training with giving horses ‘happy time’, like forest rides – how important is that mental side in keeping elite horses performing consistently?

FW: For me, this is probably the most important part of the job – keeping the horses as happy as possible. At this level, the horses are incredibly valuable and need to be managed carefully, but it’s still our responsibility to let them be horses in a safe way. They need to use their instincts – to see things, hear things, move freely, and experience the world. If you take that away, you take away a part of what makes them who they are. In most cases, what makes a horse happy isn’t just working in an arena every day. It’s being outside, spending time with other horses, and having variety in their routine. Happy horses are the ones that will give you that extra effort in the arena. If they’re not happy, they won’t perform at their best.

You described the Rolex Grand Prix win at the CHI Geneva in 2023 as “a dream” and an emotional moment – what do you remember most vividly from that day behind the scenes?

FW: I remember feeling incredibly nervous before the class. We were the first clear round after 18 riders had already gone, which was already an amazing feeling. Then, in the jump-off, there were some very strong competitors. We went first, and when Richie came out, he said he’d done what he could. I remember saying that I hoped it would be enough for a top three finish. Looking back, it’s quite funny, because it turned out to be one of the most spectacular jump-offs. But at the time, we still saw ourselves as underdogs and didn’t quite expect it. I had tears in my eyes straight after the round. Winning felt like such a huge achievement – it was validation for all the work and dedication we’d put in over the years.

At Majors like The Dutch Masters, where everything is under pressure, what does your routine look like in the hours leading up to a Grand Prix class?

FW: I always try to keep things as normal as possible, so the horses don’t feel any added pressure. We’ll usually start with an easy walk in the morning, Richie might ride them lightly, and then I prepare them – braiding, using massage blankets, nebulisers, and making sure they’re physically ready. The most important thing is staying calm. These horses are very sensitive and pick up on everything, so I try not to pass any nerves onto them. We stick to their normal routine – feeding, hydration, and keeping them comfortable and relaxed.

You’ve travelled the world and experienced top venues like Aachen, Geneva, and Spruce Meadows – what are the biggest challenges (and rewards) of life as an international show jumping groom?

FW: One of the biggest challenges is finding time for yourself. You spend so much time caring for horses and supporting others that it’s easy to forget your own needs. Another challenge, for me personally, has been being far away from home – especially during difficult times, like when my brother passed away. That made it very hard to be away from my family. But at the same time, there are huge rewards. I’ve travelled all over the world, met incredible people, and experienced things I never would have otherwise. It’s a job that gives a lot back, especially when you’re passionate about it.

What’s your standout moment from your career with Richie so far?

FW: Winning the Rolex Major in Geneva. We were still seen as underdogs, and it was the result of years of hard work and belief. It felt like a real breakthrough and set the tone for everything that followed.

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam

Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Helen Cruden

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