Congratulations! You won the inaugural HeadFirst Group Prize - Best of Champions competition on Thursday night. How do you feel?

I think the class was pure promotion for our sport. We were all, as riders, very focused on getting the best out of each other’s horses, and I believe we saw true horsemanship. Additionally, the commentary from Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam was wonderful. I think it was a fantastic night for our sport.

I really enjoyed competing in the class. Actually, it is what we do aim to do every day – to try to get to know a horse, to understand a horse, and help a horse to understand us. We only had three minutes to get to know the new horses, but it was really fun, and I think we all enjoyed the challenge.

I was lucky that the first horse I rode, apart from my own, was Maikel van der Vleuten’s horse Lalique, and she was quite easy – you just had to let her jump. This meant that I got to see the other horses with the different riders, which gave me a bit more insight. In the end, you try to feel the horse and understand how they react to the questions you ask, then adapt to that.

What does horsemanship mean to you?

Horsemanship means trying to have the best approach and getting the best out of the horses – to understand and read them. I think all four of us did a great job. The class was not just enjoyable for horse people but also for the wider crowd who may not know much about the sport. The commentary from Harrie and Jeroen made it more approachable and helped people understand.

How special is it to be here at The Dutch Masters one year after your victory in the Rolex Grand Prix?

Expectations are high – last year, it was a dream. It was a thriller, and for me, something I only ever dreamt of. The show is outstanding – like all of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors. They are the highest quality, and the organizers think of every detail. The expectations are, of course, high but I will my best and try not to let the pressure get to me. Hopefully, it will be a good competition on Sunday.

How would you explain The Dutch Masters to someone who had never been here?

The Dutch Masters is a very high-level show, but it is also for the local people. For example, there are several national classes in the second ring, and they are all full. On Sunday, there is also a class for ponies, so it is for everyone – for people who are passionate about our sport or just horses in general. There is something for everyone. It is possible for anyone to qualify and ride here in the national classes – it is a dream for many people. This is a very horsey area with a lot of history, and many horse people come from here, so it is a real gathering for people who love horses.

Can you tell us about your wider team, and how important they are in your success?

I am here at The Dutch Masters with my groom, Richie. But at home, we have a number of other horses and a wider team that takes care of them. Next week, we will go to another show with different horses so there is a lot of organization involved including paperwork, veterinary care and blacksmiths.  

Everyone involved is key to our success. I am so appreciative of the effort and work they put in – myself and my horse only have one-and-a-half minutes in the ring, but it is impossible to succeed in the ring without the team. I have a team that suits me, for example, I have worked with my blacksmith and food supplier for over 15 years, in both good and bad times. I am very loyal to those people, and they are loyal to me.

What does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping represent to you as rider?

It is the pinnacle of the sport. Every show jumper would love to have at least one Rolex Grand Slam Major victory on their list of achievements, and I am very privileged to have one on mine. There are a few riders who have won three or four, and obviously, Scott’s achievement is unbelievable. I am proud to be part of that list of Major winners.

What advice would you give someone jumping in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday for the first time?

Just ride like you always do – you have made it here, so you have qualified or had good results at this level. You just need to focus on your horse and try not to change anything.