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Petra Lind is a Grand Prix equestrian, model, and pageant participant who seamlessly blends strength, elegance, and passion. Whether she’s commanding the arena with her horse or captivating audiences on stage, Petra uses each platform to express beauty, confidence, and emotion. Her journey is one of discipline and artistry, where sport meets creativity. In this interview, Petra opens up about the inspirations behind her pursuits, the challenges she faces, and the vision that drives her forward.
Riding horses at the GP level is no easy feat. What emotions do you experience when you’re on horseback, and what inspires you during competitions?
Riding for me goes beyond the physical—it’s a way of expressing myself and my emotions, much like any other art form. I’m truly addicted to it, to the point that my overall well-being often feels tied to my time in the saddle. That’s why I can confidently call it my passion.
I wouldn’t describe myself as the most competitive person, but during competitions, I find inspiration in doing my absolute best. My goal is to showcase the harmony and beauty between myself and the horse, creating movements and emotions that captivate the audience. It’s a deeply personal journey, focused more on self-expression than on outshining others.
This artistic approach to riding is likely why I’ve been so drawn to fashion and runway shows. Both equestrian sport and fashion share a similar essence—expressing beauty through style, confidence, and power. The saying, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” resonates deeply with both worlds.
Your career blends sport, beauty, and determination. How does the adrenaline rush of horseback riding compare to the excitement of being on the runway or stage in a pageant?
Thank you! For me, the mental rituals and nervous energy are quite similar before both events. I prepare by ensuring everything is in order and visualizing the task ahead, which helps build my confidence. But just before stepping into the saddle or onto the stage, a rush of adrenaline always kicks in.
Once I’m in the moment, however, those nerves disappear. Whether I’m riding or performing on stage, I become fully present, focused on feeling and delivering my best. Sometimes it’s a relaxed, seamless experience; other times, there’s pressure, but either way, I strive to stay aligned with myself—or with my horse, if I’m riding.
I’m also a risk-taker. Doing well matters deeply to me because I’m driven to be a high achiever, constantly pushing toward grander goals in life.
As both a model and athlete, you embody strength and grace. How has your experience in equestrian sports influenced your confidence and self-image in the fashion and pageant worlds?
Transitioning from being a rider to becoming a model felt natural in some ways, especially because I was already accustomed to the physical discipline and high standards demanded in equestrian sports. Dressage, in particular, often feels like a fashion show on horseback—it’s artistic, elegant, and rooted in precision.
This is where my perfectionist tendencies come into play. I hold myself to high standards, whether in riding or modeling, and I believe this has shaped my confidence. To me, the ideal woman I aspire to be is both strong and gracious, blending power with elegance.
Every athlete has their own rituals or mindset before a big competition. How do you mentally prepare yourself for competitions, both as an equestrian and as a Miss Planet International participant?
Preparation is key for me, regardless of the setting. I focus on grounding myself, ensuring I’m physically and mentally ready, and visualizing success. By addressing every detail beforehand, I create a sense of calm that allows me to step into the competition fully focused.
With such a dynamic and diverse career, where do you feel the most freedom—on horseback, in front of the camera, or representing your vision on an international stage?
Each setting offers its own sense of freedom, but the experiences are unique.On horseback, I feel an intimate connection to nature and my own emotions. In front of the camera, I can play with identity, channeling creativity and imagination. And on an international stage, I feel a profound sense of purpose—representing not just myself, but my vision and the values I hold dear.It’s really impressive and fascinating how you can connect with a horse in a way that encourages them to move so wonderfully. It’s also so important to exercise them on the horses’ terms. My mom is a veterinarian, and my dad is a farrier, so I have learned a lot about horse welfare while growing up. That focus has always been central to me, even when training in the higher disciplines.
@petralinddressage