The Collective

Bryan, Mike & a Community Behind Them

The BM Smits Collective was created with the aim of supporting the sporting careers of Bryan and Mike Smits, two ambitious young riders, and also supporting a cause for less fortunate children through this association. Established in 2025, it brings together horse enthusiasts as well as individuals and companies who believe in what these two riders are building.

Having completed his training as a horse professional in the family business, Bryan already has solid international experience. A member of the national youth show jumping team, he competed in the European Youth Championships finishing an impressive 20th place over jumps of up to 150 cm. He has won a 2* Elite Grand Prix in Germany and the Under-25 Grand Prix at the prestigious CHI Basel. His goal is to compete regularly at the highest level — including CSI 4* and 5* events — and to become part of the show jumping elite.

Currently completing his apprenticeship as a horse professional at the family equestrian center in Chevenez, Mike is working hard to follow in his brother's footsteps. A participant in the European Children's Championships, he competes at 140–145 cm and has already achieved strong results in Junior Grand Prix events. His short-term goal is to represent Switzerland at the European Junior Championships.

For each ranking at 140 cm+ for Bryan and 130 cm+ for Mike, every member contributes CHF 5. Of that, CHF 4 goes directly to the riders to help finance competition entry fees, and CHF 1 (20%) is donated to the cause supported and chosen by Bryan and Mike. For podium finishes in individual championships, donations vary according to the importance of the event — from Jura and Romandie to Swiss and European level.

Last year, Bryan and Mike chose to support AJAFEC — the Jura association for families of children with cancer — with a donation of CHF 2,000. This year, their chosen association is the Association des Colonies de Vacances des Rouges-Terres in Porrentruy, founded in 1954, which organises ski and summer camps for children and teenagers open to all, without distinction. This summer alone, 54 children aged 8 to 15 spent their traditional camp week at Les Rouges-Terres in the Franches-Montagnes, surrounded by a full team of leaders. With more than 45 members, the Collective continues to grow — pursuing both sporting and societal goals.