What did this victory mean to you personally? Where does this prize rank in your career?

"Winning is always great, but winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major in your own country, in front of your own crowd... that is what every rider dreams of. Whether it’s Steve Guerdat or Martin Fuchs winning in Geneva, or a German rider in Aachen; those are the moments that define a career. I also hope that we, as riders, inspire the youth with this. I grew up in the era when Jos Lansink, John, and Michael Whitaker were my idols. Today, the sport has evolved enormously, but it remains essential that young riders dare to have big dreams."

Let's talk about your horses. How do you compare Grandorado TN N.O.P. and Pretty Woman van 't Paradijs N.O.P.?

"I’ve been riding Grandorado for eleven years now. I got him as a four-year-old, so we know each other inside and out. He’s actually like a little boy in a very large body, though he is becoming more mentally mature. He is sensitive and needs to be managed with great care. Pretty Woman is a completely different story; a 'special lady' with a heart of gold. She’s a real fighter. She actually lacks a year of experience because she carried a foal herself at the age of seven, but she gets better every year. She knows full well that she is special!"

Success doesn't happen by itself. How important is the team around you?

"Crucial. Whether it’s the stable manager, the farrier, the vet, or the home rider; everyone must understand how vital their role is for those two minutes in the ring. My stable manager, Trix, handles absolutely everything regarding paperwork and transport. And my groom, Richie, is an incredibly hard worker. I probably spend more time with him than with my girlfriend! My philosophy is: never change a winning team. Even when things aren't going well for a moment, you have to be able to rely on each other."

Aside from the sport, how do you recharge your batteries?

"I enjoy being at home and working with the young horses. Just spending some time with friends, family, and my girlfriend, or going out for a nice meal. Actually, I often have more free time at shows than I do when I'm at home! Right now, I am fully enjoying life; everything is going exactly as it should."

Finally, what are the main goals for the rest of the year?

"The focus is naturally first on The Dutch Masters, followed by the World Cup Finals in Fort Worth. After that, we are working towards CHIO Aachen and the World Championships in Aachen. Those are the absolute highlights on my calendar that we are coordinating everything around."