Fifteen-year-old Eric Krawitt exudes talent beyond his years. The Calgary native is making waves and turning heads on the show jumping circuit, most recently with a commanding win in the $5,000 NorthStar Tour Welcome CSI2* during Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Week at the Palm Beach Masters Series at Deeridge Farms in Wellington, Florida. Riding the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding High Jack, which he purchased four years ago from Beth Underhill, it was the pair’s first major win at the 1.30m level.
Pretty nice international debut for this young rider, who is coached by a couple of industry heavyweights: his mom, Sandra Anderson, who had her own stellar career and was a member of the 1991 Pan Am Games Silver Medal Team, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.
When did you first start riding?
It was always in the family, but my brother started riding and then I wanted to try! Ever since I started riding, I really loved it and never wanted to stop. I started showing when I was nine; my first-ever show was the two-foot hunters.
What was your first horse’s name?
I had a little pony named Chocolate. I did the short stirrup ponies on him and a little bit of the jumpers. He was a really, really good first pony.
Why were you competing in Germany in 2017 and what was that like?
I went to Germany in 2017 to compete in the German Friendship Games. I was paired up with a girl from Germany and rode one of her horses in the competition. It was a very good experience because I was able to ride in a different country and meet lots of people that I still am in touch with today. It is very nice to be able to compete for your country at such a young age and get in the ring on different horses to gain experience.
Is there a friendly rivalry between you and your older brother Austin (17)?
We cheer each other on most of the time, but when we’re in the same classes, we might have a little competition every once in a while.
Was the $5,000 NorthStar Tour Welcome CSI2* at Deeridge your best result to date?
It was my first international class, so it’s nice to go out and start with a win. Deeridge is a very nice show, very well run. It’s really nice to show there.
Who are your heroes in real life?
One of them is Eric Lamaze for being able to just keep going and keep riding in his circumstances right now, and just keep fighting for what he loves to do.
If you could ride any horse in the world, who would it be?
I would pick [British show jumper] Ben Maher’s Explosion. I think it’s a very nice horse, top quality, and it’s going to be a horse in the top placings for the next couple of years.
Do you have any hobbies?
Just high school and riding most of the time – I don’t really have much time to do other sports!
How do you work your schooling out while you’re competing away from home?
I go to a self-directed learning school when I’m down here or away. I take online courses; they’re on my computer so I can do them really easily without having to go anywhere.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would like to be jumping some bigger grand prixs and maybe have a small sales operation going.
What is your long-range plan beyond that?
I would like to ride as long as I can. I really enjoy the sport and the connection that there is between a horse and a rider. It is something you can’t have in any other sport.
Eric and Sandra at Oktoberfest II at Spruce Meadows in 2019. (Amanda Ubell Photography)
Fast Facts:
Age: 15
Home base: A.E.S. Equestrian, Calgary
Coaches: mom Sandra Anderson (Calgary and California); Tiffany Foster (Wellington)
Horses:
Godfather B Belesbat, 9yo KWPN gelding
High Jack, 12yo Irish Sport Horse gelding
Go-to snack food? Chick-fil-A!
Social Media fave: Instagram: eric_krawitt
