Partners since 2017, Ekkia Sport and Karim Laghouag, who proudly represents Equithème, have built a special relationship in the world of equestrian sports.
🏇🏻 How did they first meet?
🏇🏻 How do both parties view this type of partnership?
🏇🏻 What are the parallels between equestrian sports and business?
These are just some of the questions discussed by our triple Olympic champion and Pascal Gautherin, President of Ekkia Sport.
Karim, first, let’s focus on the beginning of your passion for horse riding. How did it all start?
KL: I spent my childhood in the North of France, in Roubaix, and I started riding at the age of eight during holidays at my uncle Pierre Defrance’s stables in Sandillon, Loiret. My passion was so strong that by the age of twelve, I moved to Sologne with only one goal in mind: to make it my profession. I learned quickly, absorbing everything like a sponge. I also had a strong ability to observe—perhaps because I spent two years immobilized in a hospital bed as a child after a bad fall down the stairs. Later, I joined the sports-study program at Haras National du Pin and, following my grandmother’s advice, earned my instructor certifications. Since my uncle was an international eventing rider, I naturally followed in his footsteps, winning my first medal at the 2001 World Championships in Le Lion d’Angers—the start of an incredible journey.
How did you meet Ekkia?
KL: On the advice of Véronique Gauthier—a key figure in equestrian communication for the CSIO de France, national stud farms, and the French Equestrian Federation—I decided in 2014 to structure and promote my career and achievements. I aimed to build a community around me, highlighting my horses, physical and mental preparation, and, of course, competitions.
The turning point was 2016. Winning Olympic gold in Rio with Entebbe de Hus, I knew it was the perfect moment to attract partners. Véronique, who had managed communication for Equithème, introduced me to their products, and the connection was immediate.
Pascal, what attracted you to Karim, and what does the partnership involve?
PG: The rider must not only share our values but also embody professionalism and approachability within their field. They should be smiling, available, enthusiastic, provide feedback on tested equipment, showcase the brand, and participate in photoshoots or occasional internal events.
Like Pénélope Leprévost, with whom we established an ambitious partnership in 2018, Karim checks all the boxes. That’s why we renewed his contract as a high-level athlete to support him all the way to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He’s a fantastic ambassador—a role model for young riders.
How do you view a partnership with an equipment supplier?
KL: The human connection is key. My meeting with Pascal was decisive—we share a love for sports and competition. He also gave me the opportunity to help improve the equipment I use and even contribute to the development of new products, particularly those related to horse well-being. It’s rewarding and makes me feel like an integral part of the Ekkia team.
To bring out a horse’s full potential, I need to provide optimal conditions, ensuring it feels relaxed. If Ekkia’s equipment wasn’t high quality, it wouldn’t work. I recall equipment provided by a former partner at the Rio Olympics that didn’t suit me. In the end, I kept my old gear—and that’s what I used in the competition. Every detail matters in high performance. Trust is everything.
PG: Karim is right. Over the years, trust has grown. We don’t pressure him about results because we know he does his job exceptionally well year-round. He’s a triple Olympic medalist and could take his success for granted, but he doesn’t. He’s fully dedicated to his sport and approaches communication professionally—an essential asset for securing a brand’s confidence.
Since our partnership has been so successful—with both financial and material support, especially through our Equithème brand—we’ve decided to develop a clothing and equestrian accessories line with Karim, set to launch in early 2026.
Karim, why is this type of partnership important for a rider?
KL: When your partner calls and says, “No matter your results, whether you qualify for the Olympics or not, we’re continuing this journey together,” that’s priceless. Very few brands commit long-term.
Without Ekkia’s continued support, I don’t think I would have pursued my career through to Los Angeles 2028. Every day, I train for three hours, do one hour of physical preparation, and dedicate years to preparing a horse for major competitions. If I don’t have this peace of mind, everything is more fragile.
We, as riders, rely on trusted partners because, although equestrian sports are professional, they don’t always provide financial security. That’s why my wife and I diversified our activities. In 2014, we established our own stables in Eure-et-Loir, offering horse boarding, lessons, corporate workshops, and more recently, equine-assisted leadership training (equicoaching).
What parallels do you see between equestrian sports and the business world?
KL: They are more similar than people think. Team spirit is crucial—if I win, it’s thanks to those around me: my wife, family, staff managing my stables in Nogent-le-Rotrou, physical trainer, mental coach… Balance is everything, in eventing as in life.
There are also clear parallels: preparation for competition, the pursuit of excellence, success and failure, team cohesion, stress management… I love meeting with Padd and Ekkia teams to share these experiences, whether in their stores in Le Mans, Chartres, or at competitions. It’s also a great opportunity to exchange ideas on equipment improvements and emerging trends. I often feel like I’m their eyes and ears in the field.
PG: What impresses me about Karim is his youthful mindset, despite the years passing. He’s always questioning and refining his training methods and approach to competition. He never gets complacent. The business parallel is obvious.
Like us, he leaves nothing to chance. He’s also unique in his openness to other sports, such as athletics for cardio and triathlon for recovery and endurance. He’s a true athlete’s coach.
So, when I’m watching the eventing competition at the Olympics, I’m not alone. The entire Ekkia team is with me. Our bond is truly special.
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