Could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role is…

My name is Alin, and I have worked for Maikel van der Vleuten for almost one year. I started my career 10-years-ago in Germany at Holsteiner Verband.

What made you want to pursue a career in horses?

I started riding with my father when I was a child – it was our father-daughter time. I used to have a horse that I would compete with, but in Germany there are so many good riders, and I did not think that I would quite make it to the top level of the sport. So I was honest with myself and thought about how I could travel the world with horses, and I realized that grooming was the way. I could still be with horses, ride, and see the world – it was the perfect solution.

For you why is The Dutch Masters such a special show?

The atmosphere here is incredible. The feeling inside the main arena is insane – the crowd is so supportive.

It is also one of the nicest shows – we have everything that we need. The food is amazing, and everything is close for us so we do not have to walk very far. The space is incredible for horses – they are happy and so long as they are, then we are too.

Can you tell us about the horses that you have with you?

Beauville Z N.O.P. is here, I call him the ‘main man’. He has his own personality, he is totally unique, and is a once in a lifetime horse. Then we have a 12-year-old mare, Elwikke and Kentucky TMS Z, who is our young stallion – he is very nice but needs time to develop a bit more.

As a show groom you travel around the world, how do you ensure that your horses are happy and ready to compete?

I try to keep everything the same, no matter where we are going. We make sure that there is never any stress, we take our time, and if we are three hours late then that is what it is – we always put the horses first. I make sure that they are comfortable, if a horse needs more space then we give them that or if one is better with a gelding beside them then we do that. You have to know your horses and understand how to make sure that they are happy.

What qualities does Maikel have that makes him such a successful rider?

He is a real horseman. He understands the horses when he rides them. He knows if they feel good or if there is something a little bit wrong. We talk about any issues and then make a plan about how to fix it. It could be as simple as changing the food, or speaking with the vet or the physio. It is important that we make a plan together to make sure that we can fix it in the best way possible.

Can you tell us about the wider team?

We have an amazing team at home – we would not be where we are without them. All of our success starts at home. The travel and shows are my responsibility, but if the horses are happy at home then we can ensure that they are happy at a show. The team at home keep the horses healthy, and they ride them when we are not there – they are so important.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10 year anniversary, how important this initiative mean for the sport?

I have been to all Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors apart from the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I think the initiative has been so important for the sport – you have the best riders in the world competing against each other, and they always bring their best horses. It is not that common that you have this calibre of competition, and so I think it is great for the fans, as they get to see the very top of the sport.

What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?

I would tell her to do exactly the same. I would tell her to do what you love and to make sure that your dreams come true.

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Photo: © Rolex / Ashley Neuhof

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