The art of trust

The vision of creation

A rider's relationship with their horse demands time, consistency, and above all, the ability to listen to a creature that does not use words but instantly perceives fear, doubt, tension, or overconfidence. For Anna Maria Papageorgiou, this bond began at the age of six and evolved into the steady axis around which her entire life is organized.

Her connection to competitive equestrianism and elite sports was forged very early on, through years of systematic training, participation in events both domestically and abroad, and the highest of standards. She studied maritime studies in Athens and later lived in Italy for two years with her horses and coach, seeking to evolve within an environment of a higher competitive caliber.

Her return to Thessaloniki was linked to a dream she had harbored for years: the creation of a modern equestrian center capable of hosting both daily training sessions and international competitions. Founded in 2020 in Nea Raidestos, Ippos Club today spans 151 stremmata, making it the largest equestrian club in Northern Greece and the second largest in the country. Inspiration was drawn from facilities she visited abroad, such as the Horses Riviera Resort, Borgo la Caccia, and the X-Bionic Sphere. Her goal was to create a high-end space where hospitality truly stands out. "There are many facilities in Europe. However, our atmosphere and hospitality are what I want people to remember when they leave here," she says.

From the outset, the venture carried significant risk. Equestrian sports remain a relatively niche pursuit in Greece. Nevertheless, she chose to invest precisely in this gap, believing it was the only way the sport could evolve. Today, she believes that Ippos Club has substantially contributed to the revival of equestrianism in Northern Greece.

The power of trust

For Anna Maria, an event successfully completed through collective effort is just as important as creating a team of people that functions like a family. Accordingly, patience and understanding -values her horses taught her - now also guide the way she manages the people around her.

She is certain that a rider's most crucial virtue is composure. Horses directly perceive the emotional state of the person riding them. Thus, trust is built daily, both inside and outside the arena. In equestrianism, nothing is achieved individually. It is a partnership between two athletes, and this relationship requires constant care. Despite the pressure of competitions, she makes sure to spend time in the stables, grooming her horses and observing their daily needs. She considers them her friends and family. Through them, she also learned to know herself better, recognizing thoughts and emotions that affected both her and their performance as a team. That is why she rejects the notion that "the horse does all the work." Success is the result of a complex collaboration, where the rider is responsible for preparation, guidance, and the deep trust cultivated between the two.

This journey, of course, came with its price: less personal time, countless hours of training, and a shift in priorities. Yet she never regretted these sacrifices, nor her decision to pursue a professional career in equestrianism, despite the contrary advice she had received. Today, she considers it a true luxury to be able to make a living from what you love.

And if a young person were to ask her whether it is worth chasing a grand dream, her answer would be simple: no dream is too big, as long as you are willing to pay the price to make it come true.