An Interview with Olympic Dressage Rider & Influencer Olga Safronova
Must Love Horses Interviews Olga Safronova
From the stable aisles of her childhood to the Olympic arena, Olga Safronova has spent her life immersed in the world of horses. A twice Olympic-qualified dressage rider and one of the most recognized equestrian influencers on Instagram, Olga represents the perfect blend of elite sport and emotional authenticity.
Her journey is a story of intuition, discipline, and an unshakable bond with the animals that shaped her life.
Olga Safronova is a professional dressage rider who has qualified for the Olympic Games twice—first individually for Tokyo, then as part of a team for Paris. She’s also a top finisher at the National Dressage Championships in two different countries, and a prominent digital creator with a strong following on Instagram.
Whether in the arena or behind the lens, Olga channels her pursuit of perfection into everything she does—offering a rare mix of world-class sport and engaging storytelling.
"Don’t expect something in return—you will get much more than you can imagine."
1. What about horses captured your heart and made you fall in love with them?
My mom is an athlete and show jumping coach, so I've been around stables since I was born. I just don't remember my life without horses. I remember as a little girl coming to the stables with my mom and helping her with everything. Horses were and are to me absolutely incredible creatures that feel our moods and emotions. They don't need to be explained or told anything. They know everything. This feeling has never left me since I was very young. The feeling of absolute unity of souls!
2. In your experience, what’s the most fulfilling moment or accomplishment you’ve had while working with horses?
For me, the most important thing is the emergence of an absolute understanding with the horse. This is the moment when the horse starts to feel and understand not even your every movement, but even guess your thoughts. And you completely understand it. And with each new horse I go through this again and again and every time I am absolutely sincerely delighted with such moments. Of course, performing in big arenas and competitions, such as the World Cup Finals, are also inexpressible emotions, but they are completely different achievements.
3. For someone just starting their journey with horses, what’s the first piece of advice you would give them to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience?
If the love for these animals is really real, the key lies within your heart. When a true passion for horses lives in your soul, you will always have the strength, the time and opportunities to be around them. Horses are the best at teaching patience. Horses are the best at teaching caring. Horses teach dedication better than anyone else. Don't expect something in return, don't expect instant results or success and you will get much more than you can imagine.
Thank you, Olga!
Welcome back to Must Love Horses. Here’s to learning about each other's love for horses. I hope you join the blog's journey ahead. Check out more interviews: