I am Mikko Piirala, I was born in 1976 in Oulu, Finland.

I am a professional rider, a coach, a dad, and a husband.

 

I started riding at 13 years old and right from the beginning, I knew that showjumping was my thing! 

 

Before moving to Germany, I worked in Finland for Henrik Ehnroth in Gammelgård mansion for few years.  

In 1996, I permanently moved to Germany to develop as a rider. The first few years were spend in

Schleswig-Holstein horse area in Pinneberg with Carsten Lauckin and Kari Nevala. 

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In 1998, I made the move to work for Agneta and Wolfgang Herz.

I spent the next 10 years working closely with Carsten-Otto Nagel. While working for the Herzs,

I competed at numerous international competitions with their horses as well as trained

young horses to succeed in competitions in the future.   

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In the winter of 2008-2009, I worked in Denmark for Baekgaarden Stables as a rider and competed

with their horses in 130-140 cm levels as well as trained and competed with their young horses.

I was also actively training riders of all different levels. 

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I returned to Germany in the spring of 2009 and I opened my own stables, Stall Piirala.

I work as a showjumping professional and I have achieved nearly 1500 wins and placed

at the national and international levels during my career. 

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I am the Finnish National young rider silver medalist from 1995 and I have represented Finland

among other things at Nations Cup in Hamina Bastion winning two competitions

and placing second in another.

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My family consists of my wife Julia, my two daughters Iida and Sofia, and our dog Aada.

We are a strong team and horses are a lifestyle for us and

we always do everything with their well-being in mind!