Scott Brash: "This is gonna be difficult"

Within a period of two and a half years Scott Brash has developed from a normal international rider to world's number one. The British rider is considered a talent according to big names such as Michael and John Whitaker. Today Scott is one of the faces for the British show jumping world. Only aged 28 years old he already has two Olympic Gold Medals and rides together several international victories aboard his top horses Hello Sanctos and Ursula XII.

What is your goal for this year? My focus is on the WEG14 in Caen. Besides this major event I will try to end in the top ten as much as possible, of course this is only possible if my horses stay fit. Hey and if I can dream on... I would like to end up with a nice placing in the GCT ranking as well... ;)

Recently we saw you at work with two young horses. Hello Sunshine and Hello M'Lady. Further you recently acquired Nimble, a seven year old Stallion. What are your thoughts with these three horses?

I think that Hello Sunshine and Hello M'Lady will be two future top horses. Both are 8 years old and although very different they show every quality to reach the top. I'm even a bit impatient to see the result. Nimble is a horse I'm still learning to know. He is willing to work, has a great mind and super qualities. I do believe he will be a very good horse, but only the future

You are laced number one of the world for 9 months now, what did it take to reach this level and to stay on it?

It is very important to have a very good group of people supporting you. You need the best grooms, veterinary, osteopath, owners, farriers and sponsors. You need people to believe 100% in you and by such only want the best for you. Further you need to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices for the sport.

You have an Olympic and European Gold Medal. Does this mean anything for selections for the team?

The last two years have been incredible. The feeling you get representing your own country on this level, it gives me the shivers. Then imagine winning a team gold medal ... I'm still speechless when that memory comes in mind.

In Septembre there will be a referendum for the independence of Scotland,  if Scotland would be independent how do you see your future? This will be a very difficult scenario, very difficult. At this moment I don't want to think about the consequences. Deep inside I hope Scotland remains British. But if it happens, well my horse-owners and I already talk about it, but at this moment it is not a priority. If You could ride an other horse, which one would it be? There are many good horses in the world. Think about Meredith's new horse Fibonacci. But there are also a lot top horses that I admire. Chiara, ridden by Ludger, is at my opinion an amazing horse. Also Cornado from Marcus Ehning. But if I had to choose one it would be obviously, Big Star. For me this horse is just amazing, respectful, intelligent, ...  

Could you inform us a bit why we haven't seen d'Ursula XII and Bon Ami in the arena for a while now? Both horses will be back in competition soon. Unfortunately both have had experienced a minor injury. I hope to take them with me to Lausanne and Vienna. First we will compete in some small classes. But before we go to the big classes in Lausanne and Vienna they will have to be in a splendid health and condition.

Also Scott Brash' groom Hana Colman, didn't escape the attention of Equnews.  She always smiles, is modest but works very hard. She lives for the horses. "I love to work with Scott. I have the honor to travel a lot with the horses and I love it! I admire the horses I work with. Both Ursula and Sanctos are very different and special horses. Ursula is very adorable. She loves to play with everyone. Sanctos on the other hand is a bit more introverted."