The Australian rider, competing for the 2012 London Olympic Games, Edwina Tops-Alexander, visited the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre

After a journey into the fascinating world of fine horology, Edwina shared her impressions: “I had a very interesting visit through the factory learning about some of the details that go into making a watch. Of course you appreciate this much more when you see this, and the amount of details and time that goes into making a watch is really incredible. I’m not sure what is more difficult making a watch or producing a Grand Prix horse!”

Throughout 2012, Edwina will participate in the most prestigious jumping competitions, wearing a perfect symbol of a life dedicated to sport, the Reverso, which becomes a bejewelled and feminine evening watch at the flick of a wrist.

Having won the prestigious Global Champions Tour with her legendary horse Itot du Chateau in 2009 and 2011, Edwina still has many ambitions to fulfill in 2012 with the London Olympic Games on her radar and the 2012 Global Champions Tour season where Jaeger-LeCoultre will once again be the official timekeeper and partner.

Whether through the sports partnerships forged by Jaeger-LeCoultre in many countries or the agreement signed with the world’s greatest show jumping competition, the Global Champions Tour, the long-established bonds uniting Jaeger-LeCoultre and equestrian sports are very strong. The same key principles of nobility, speed, precision and perfect dexterity that grace Jaeger-LeCoultre watches have always been the inspiration for the rules of equestrian sports.

Born in Sydney, Australia, she had a great success as a young rider in her country. Her outstanding competitiveness motivated her to compete against the best riders, so Edwina decided to come to Europe. As soon as she arrived in the Old continent, she received recognition by winning an impressive number of top class competitions.

In the 2000s, Edwina’s career took off as she met Jan Tops, one of the World’s best known trainer and horseman. She took part in the World’s biggest competitions, including the World Championship in Aachen (4th), and Grand Prix in Zurich, Brussels and London.

During the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Edwina finished at the superb 9th rank, and since then, she is ranked amongst the top riders in the World. From 2009, she is the highest ranked female rider. In 2009 and 2011, she won the prestigious Global Champions Tour with her legendary horse Itot du Chateau.

Currently ranked No. 10 rider in the world and the world’s No1 female rider, she has also been the first rider in the history of the Global Champions Tour to win over €1 million in prize money in one season.

At the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Jumping competition will be held during August 4-8 in the beautiful surroundings of Greenwich Park. Dating back to 1433, it is the oldest Royal Park in London, part of the Maritime Greenwich area that has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Jumping competition is a tense, exciting test of skill, speed and power. Held in an arena around a short course containing 12-14 fences, the event requires huge reserves of boldness, accuracy and nerves of steel – from both the riders and their horses.

Edwina’s efficiency on a horse is due to an immense talent, but also to a delicate feeling with her horses, that she keeps developing through constant training.

“I am making my programme for the Olympics for both of my horses – Itot and Vluet”, said Edwina Tops-Alexander. “Itot is in super shape. This horse is really a magical little horse and it just goes to show that I’m very fortunate to have it. For Itot it is very important that I have a good balance of competitions and for Vluet that he gets enough experience. For myself it’s crucial that I am riding almost every weekend to stay up to date with the sport and my skills plus doing fitness three times a week”.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is proud to count Edwina Tops-Alexander among the brand’s aficionados.