Going for Gold: Interview with Scott Brash MBE

Home to a renowned golf club, luxury residences, and a Six Senses resort in the pipeline, Les Bordes Estate in the Loire Valley is evolving into one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe. As part of its transformation, Olympic team gold medallist Scott Brash MBE has partnered with the estate to enhance its equestrian facilities. Here, he discusses his vision for the estate and his approach to training the next generation of riders.

Words: Harriet Hirschler
Reproduced with kind permission of: Luxury Briefing / FMS Publishing

What drew you to partner with Les Bordes Estate, and what aspects of the equestrian centre collaboration are you most excited about?

For me, the plans which Les Bordes Estate has for the future represent what will be a blend of world-class sport and luxury, so when I heard of their ambitious plans to develop an equestrian centre to match the high standards set, it sounded incredibly interesting. To have the opportunity to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking project was an exciting proposition.

What stood out most in these plans was their commitment to developing a luxury riding environment — one that prioritises both the wellbeing of the horses and the ambitions of the riders.

You’ve had an incredible career, from winning Olympic gold to the Rolex Grand Slam. How do those experiences shape the way you approach training and mentoring riders?

I’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible horses in my career, and incredible owners to facilitate this. Winning at the highest level has taught me that success comes from attention to detail, patience and a true partnership with these horses.

My approach to training is centred on these principles — helping riders develop feel, discipline and a long-term perspective with patience.

Every horse and rider is unique, so mentorship is about guiding them to find their own path while instilling the foundations needed to perform under pressure.

Les Bordes Estate is introducing cutting-edge equestrian facilities. How do you think these innovations will impact both riders and horses?

For me, it’s about creating the right environment for the horses to thrive. State-of-the-art facilities can only enhance performance, horse welfare and overall rider development.

From advanced footing that reduces strain on the horses to training arenas designed for all-weather conditions, these innovations allow both horse and rider to train at their best all year-round. It also creates an environment where professionals, up-and-coming riders and equestrian enthusiasts and can all thrive together. I hope Les Bordes can achieve this at their destination.

Sustainability is a key focus at Les Bordes Estate. How important is it for the equestrian world to embrace more eco-conscious practices and lead by example?

I think this is an important topic in general, and one we need to be very conscious of in our own team and set-up.

Sustainability is crucial for the future of our sport. Horses rely on nature; clean air, open spaces, and quality land for grazing, so we have to take responsibility to protect these resources and be the change we want to see.

Les Bordes' eco-conscious facilities and focus on sustainable materials and responsible land management are setting an important example for the equestrian world. If we want future generations to enjoy this sport, we need to prioritise sustainability now.

With Les Bordes Estate offering a unique blend of equestrian sport, golf, fine dining and wellness, how do you see these diverse elements coming together and complementing one another?

I think these elements create a like-minded community of people who share passions around each of these areas.

For me, as I get slightly older whilst high-performance sport is still my focus, I’m learning life is about balance, along with the training. Riders, like any elite athletes, need time to recover and refocus, and having access to world-class golf, for example, allows for that.

And for many, there’s a lifestyle aspect to it, and Les Bordes isn’t planning to be just a training centre; it has ambitious plans to be a place where people can fully immerse themselves in high-end experiences, whether that’s in sport, relaxation or social activities.

Having a home at Les Bordes Estate puts you in an ideal spot for the European circuit. How will this base influence your training and lifestyle?

Sure, I think it goes without saying that Brexit presented challenges for British riders, and being able to develop a base at Les Bordes in the future provides incredible access to major competitions across Europe while offering a peaceful retreat for the horses in between events. The idea that it will provide less travel time for me and my horses at such a beautiful destination, felt perfect for what I want to achieve moving forward.

Is there a moment in your career that stands out as a defining experience, and how does that memory shape what you hope to bring to Les Bordes?

I’ve been lucky enough to have several of these moments, which include winning the Rolex Grand Slam, which was a defining moment not just for me but for the sport as a whole, and winning gold medals in 2012 and again in 2024, brought so much joy, as I was able to share it with my teammates and friends. It proved that dedication, the right strategy, and a strong partnership with the horse could achieve what was once considered impossible.

Those experiences reinforced the importance of preparation, belief and having the right team around you, from my owners to all of my team at the yard and beyond.

These solid foundations are something I hope I can bring to Les Bordes, to help other aspiring riders push the boundaries of what they think is achievable in a sport that has given me so much.

Les Bordes is described as embodying understated luxury. What does that mean to you in the context of equestrian sport?

I’m a very humble Scottish lad who’s fortunate enough to have been given an incredible career in what is now seen as a luxurious sport. So to me, understated luxury is about excellence without excess. It’s about developing the best facilities, the best care for the horses, and a refined yet authentic environment. In equestrian sport, the finest details make the biggest difference, and I see Les Bordes as a place that, with the right plans, can provide those details in a way that feels natural and effortless.

Beyond competition, how important is it to build a strong sense of community among riders and enthusiasts?

Community is everything in this sport. We truly are unique in that riders competing head-to-head actually help achieve this while the class is going on! I think this stems from the equestrian world being built on shared passion, and having a space where riders of all levels can connect, learn and support each other, which is invaluable. It’s one of the things that I think can make Les Bordes Estate special, we can create a place that won’t just be for professionals; it can be a place where the equestrian way of life can be fully embraced by everyone who shares a love for the sport.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the equestrian centre, and what message would you share with those looking to follow in your footsteps?

I hope the equestrian centre at Les Bordes will become a place of inspiration, where all riders, whether aspiring professionals or passionate amateurs, can develop their skills and enjoy the sport all the way to the highest level, which I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve.

I still remember vividly my rides as a youngster in Scotland and want the centre to spark similar dreams.

For those looking to follow in my footsteps, I’d say: never stop learning, always prioritise the horse, and remember that success in this sport comes from patience and perseverance; what you get out of it certainly depends on what you’re willing to put in.