We are here at The Dutch Masters, your home Major. How special is this venue to you?

It is very cool to be here – it is one of the biggest shows not only in Holland but also on our calendar. It is a great opportunity to be competing here in the five-star competition – I rode here as a child on ponies, but this is my first time at the top-level.

The atmosphere here is incredible, and the crowd is amazing. I am always motivated, but the home crowd gives me that extra push because I want to perform at my best in front of them.

How do you prepare yourself and your horses for a show like The Dutch Masters?

There is a lot that goes into it, but it is also not as complicated as people might think. The most important thing is to maintain the horses’ routines – you know your horses the best! One of my horses competed last week to get into top form, while another had a quieter week at home. Each horse is different, so you have to create a schedule that works best for each individual. We try not to change too much.

You were part of the Young Riders Academy supported by Rolex – how special was that experience, and what did you learn from it?

The academy has been incredibly supportive. They are very approachable, and I can easily reach out to them for advice. They have given me the opportunity to compete here and have helped me manage everything, from my horses to my social media. They are always there to help!

You come from a show jumping dynasty – how does it feel to be competing at the top-level with your siblings?

We are all very used to this lifestyle, and my two siblings and I all chose this path – we were never pressured into it. Each of us has our own plans and careers, as our horses are very different.

I would say I am most similar to my brother. We are at the same level and compete in the same types of shows. We work together, ask each other for advice, and try to help one another as much as possible.

Who are your role models outside of your family?

I do not have one specific rider I look up to – I admire many different riders, as they all have their own unique styles. I try to learn from them, take little bits from top riders, and incorporate them into my own style. I do not think you should copy anyone – you should try to be your own rider.

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

It represents the highest level of the sport – every rider dreams of competing in the Majors. Being able to compete here at one of these events is a huge opportunity for me. It is a benchmark in a rider’s career – if you are competing in one of the four Rolex Grand Slam Majors, it reflects the level you have reached in the sport.

How important is the team behind you in your success?

So important! They are the pieces of the puzzle that come together to make everything work. A horse’s success is about so much more than just the rider – the whole team especially the grooms are absolutely essential.

My groom knows my horse so well and he can recognize even the smallest changes. As riders, we can feel our horses, but the grooms can read them. Everything works together to make success possible.

What qualities do a horse and rider need to win a Rolex Grand Slam Major?

Trust in each other is essential. A horse must have scope, a good brain, and the ability to think for itself. You also need a horse that enjoys the ‘game,’ one that is eager for the next fence and naturally fast in the jump-off.