First steps on the Global Champions Tour, two legs across the Atlantic, zero number-one horse. Nathan Budd didn’t choose the easy route for his big debut. Between Miami and Mexico, the 34-year-old Belgian juggled two young horses, Ely des Rosiers Z and H’Aubigny de Talma, while Touardo Blue stayed home to rest. The result: a fast-tracked tour, rich in lessons… and full of promise. A look back at the Brabançon rider’s first strides on the Global.

Without Touardo, but not without answers

The initial plan fell apart right from the start. The stable leader stayed behind. A minor setback after Geneva forced Nathan Budd to rethink everything and head out with two horses still in development.

« I’m very lucky to have been able to take part in these two shows. They were different, but both very good. It was a great experience for me. Touardo picked up a small injury after Geneva, so I couldn’t bring him. I had two nine-year-olds, but I’m very happy with how they jumped. One was fantastic in Miami, the other in Mexico. »

Two young horses, two arenas, two solid performances.

« They each did their share of the job. »

First flight, first immersion in the Global

The Global is not just a CSI5* with more glitter. It’s a whole different logistical and sporting world.

« It was the first time the horses flew, so that was a special experience. A bit stressful at the beginning—we didn’t really know what to expect. Then I had to understand how the team (Doha Falcons) worked. They’re people I know, but not very well. It’s different from the Belgian team. And there was also a slightly different format this year, so it was interesting to see how everything worked. »

Once immersed, it’s hard not to get hooked:

« It’s incredibly motivating and inspiring. In places like that, you just want to jump. I was with two teammates (Jessica Mendoza and Sanne Thijssen) who had strong horses, so I knew they had priority and I had to be ready if needed. »

Miami for Ely, Mexico for H’Aubigny

Two stages, two scenarios, one clear verdict: progress confirmed.

« Before going, we knew they were still a bit green, especially one of them who has less experience. But they both jumped really well. »

In Miami, Ely des Rosiers Z took the spotlight:

« He jumped the team qualifier in Miami. We went straight in at 1.60m, cold, and he handled it very easily. »

In Mexico, H’Aubigny de Talma stepped up:

“On grass, he really came alive. He went clear in the first class. Then I was called up for the second round of the team event. I didn’t start well, with faults at the beginning and in the middle, and he got a bit unsettled. But the feeling was really very good.”

And the follow-up confirmed it:

“We decided to enter him in the smaller Grand Prix. Going first, he produced a double clear, which is very encouraging for the future.”

The Global as a career accelerator

For Budd, entering the Global circuit is far from trivial. It’s a real career decision.

“That was the goal this year. We had the opportunity to join a team. For a profile like mine, it’s difficult to reach the very top level. Last year, I didn’t have many shows or selections compared to what my horse had shown. In Belgium, there are so many top riders. When Willem offered me this opportunity, we thought about it a lot. For me, it was a way to compete more and gain experience at this level.”

The calendar puzzle (and horse welfare)

The Global also requires careful horse management. No cutting corners.

« You have to know your horses and think things through. If you try to do everything, it’s very hard on them. But with good planning, you can limit it to two classes per weekend and manage their efforts. Team rounds are still real, demanding classes. »

Budd is already looking ahead:

« I won’t do Shanghai. Maybe Madrid, but it’s not certain. Then we’ll spread things out between Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Paris and Monaco. That gives the horses almost two months to recover. »

The conclusion is clear:

« As always, if you do everything, it’s tough. If you plan well, it remains high-level sport, but no more demanding than elsewhere. »

Building before aiming for Grand Prix classes

No rush toward the biggest classes. A deliberate choice.

« “It was a choice. I only had two nine-year-olds and the season has just started. The deal was to be there for the team. I prefer them to gain experience at 1.50m, 1.55m, sometimes 1.60m. »

With a clear progression strategy:

« For now, it’s good for them to develop at these heights and be ready for the team, while waiting for Touardo to return. At that point, we’ll have a more complete string. »

Touardo, the key piece waiting in the wings

The real leader is still in the stable… but not for long.

« It’s a shame, because he was the reason I made this choice. But it allowed my two other horses to step up and try things I might not have done otherwise. »

The news is reassuring:

« He’s much better. He’s starting to work again धीरेly. The most important thing is that he comes back 100%. He’s on the right track. »

No unnecessary pressure:

« It will be for the second half of the season. He’ll tell us when he’s ready. I don’t want to force it. If we go too fast, it’ll break down again. The goal is a full return to top-level sport. »

Miami, Mexico… and the atmosphere

Because the Global is also about the setting.

« Thanks to Sylvie Robert and Alban Poudret, I’ve had the chance to compete at extraordinary shows like Geneva, the Saut Hermès or Lyon. Without them, it would almost have been impossible given the depth of top Belgian riders. Those are forever among my favourite shows and among the most prestigious in the world. »

But the LGCT has its own identity:

« The Global offers exceptional venues. Jumping on the beach in Miami is rare. And Mexico has an incredible atmosphere, with a very passionate crowd that knows the horses. The city is beautiful. I don’t want to compare—each event has its own qualities. »

No Grand Prix yet, no headline statistics. But a foundational tour. Nathan Budd has made his mark. With two rising young horses and a returning leader, the Belgian is patiently building a trajectory that could well go beyond the role of a simple guest on the Global circuit.