You’ve had a great career so far – what has been your proudest moment?

The proudest moment of my career so far is winning team gold at my last competition as a junior in 2021, which was at the FEI European Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Vilamoura. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had. I think that it is every rider’s goal to go to the Europeans or a championship and win a gold medal.

You come from a show jumping dynasty – what advice do you take from your father and brothers?

It is not always easy to follow my father and brothers, but the best advice they have given me is to simply look at myself and try to make my own path. It is useful to see what my father and brothers have done, and to know that I can ask them for advice when I need it.

Do you feel any pressure to follow in the footsteps of the success that your father and brothers have had?

I definitely feel pressure!  My father achieved so much in his career and now my brothers are very successful. However they don’t pressurise me, I put the pressure on myself. I try my best not to think too much about it and focus on my own path.

Who are your role models away from your family?

Aside from my dad, I would say Ludger Beerbaum, he was at the top of the rankings for a such a long time. From of the riders that are competing now, I admire Henrik von Eckermann –  who trained in Ludger’s stables – and Jeroen Dubbledam. They have both won numerous championships, and for me they are some of the best examples in the sport right now.

What keeps you motivated and hungry for success?

I’m getting older now, this year is my last year as a young rider and I didn’t really have the horses for winning this year. However, I think it makes me more hungry. I have a few promising young horses for the future as I transition to competing as a senior. I am going to try my best to get to the top level, and to hopefully one day ride in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen.

Can you tell us a little bit about the horses that you have at the moment?

I have a few nice eight-year-olds, one of which I am riding this week, Gabell D’arvor. He has a long way to go but he is a promising horse. All together I currently have four eight-year-olds and one seven-year-old. They are a very promising string of horses, but I know I have to be patient with their progress.

The CHIO Aachen is the second Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major in 2024, can you explain how special this show is?

I rode at the CHIO Aachen for the first time last year in the Under-25 classes and the first thing I said after doing so was that I wanted to ride there again this year. The feeling of riding in the arena at Aachen is spectacular – it is the most beautiful arena in the world. I have been going to the event every year for a long time, watching my brothers and my father jump the big classes there, so it is a dream come true to be able to ride in there again this year.

As a young rider, what does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you?

For me, it is the highest level of the sport, taking place at the most beautiful shows in the world. The atmosphere at the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors is phenomenal. These shows attract the best horse and rider combinations in the world. For me, it is my biggest dream to compete in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors.

Away from show jumping, what other sports are you interested in?

I love to watch football and I follow Formula One a little. I sometimes play paddle tennis with my friends and when I was younger I used to play a lot of football, but there came a point when I had to choose, and I chose riding.

Do you have any superstitions before you compete?

I don’t really have superstitions. I try to keep my routine the same as usual, so that my preparations for myself and my horses stay consistent.

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Photo: © Dirk Caremans / Hippofoto

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