This week top riders gather at Stephan Conter's place. Also USA's Jessica Springsteen is competing in Brussels. For her it's her second home as she's based there during the year. "Horses have played an important role in my life. Even as a child they thaught me much about responsibility, patience, hard work and perseverance."
What is your very first memory of horses, and how did you take your first steps in the jumping world? I started riding when my family moved to New Jersey. We lived on a farm there, and my mom (singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa), who had always wanted to ride when she was younger, started taking riding lessons. Seeing her ride made me want to start too. So my earliest memories are from that farm, where I mostly rode Western. Coincidentally, we lived opposite one of the largest training stables in the United States. That’s where I took my first steps in show jumping and started competing. From that moment on, everything moved very quickly.
How have horses influenced your personal growth? Horses have played a huge role in my life. Even as a child, they taught me so much about responsibility, patience, hard work, and perseverance. They give you such incredible life lessons. To this day, I’m constantly learning from my horses, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to work with these amazing animals every day.
How would you describe the feeling that jumping gives you in three words? I would say: immense gratitude — for my horses, for being able to do what I love, and for the connection we build with our horses. Jumping also keeps me very much in the moment. When you’re riding a course, you have to be in the now, focused on the jumps ahead of you and your horse. It’s a very intense feeling. And of course, there’s the excitement of working towards a goal and the adrenaline rush in the arena. I’m very passionate, so it’s hard to sum it up in just three words (laughs).
What is the atmosphere like among the top riders? Is there a sense of togetherness or healthy competition? There’s definitely a sense of camaraderie among the riders. We travel from competition to competition and often see the same people, so it’s nice to have that sense of togetherness. You can always ask questions, and everyone is helpful. But ultimately, it’s about staying focused on yourself to give your best in the ring.
You spend a lot of time in Belgium. What is your impression of our small country? I’ve lived in different places in Europe, but I really love Belgium. Stephex Stables is fantastic for the horses — there’s so much space to ride, with perfect tracks and woods, and the horses are all very happy there. It’s been great being stabled there for the past few years. The unpredictable weather is the only downside, but I love the chocolate — and of course the waffles!
Does the enthusiasm of the audience influence your performance? Absolutely, you can really feel the enthusiasm of the audience when you’re riding. The horses feel it too, and it can make them extra excited or fresh. I remember from last year, it became even more impressive in the evening, when we ride under artificial light.
What is the most unexpected "WOW" moment you have experienced during a 5-star competition? One of my most memorable moments was winning the Rolex Grand Prix here in 2021. It was an unexpected victory, and I was the last one to start in the jump-off. Immediately after my round, I knew I had won. So amazing! The atmosphere and the crowd were incredible, and it was very special to have my whole team there to celebrate. It’s still one of my fondest memories and one of my favorite victories in my career.
What is your routine on competition mornings? Do you have any rituals that help you get pumped up? My routine on competition days varies. At the Brussels Stephex Masters, where so many different competitions take place, you’re busy all day, so there’s not much time for rituals. But if I have a quieter morning, I often go for a jog or do a short workout. My constant, however, is coffee (laughs). I always need coffee before I ride, especially for early competitions. As soon as you’re on your horse and enter the arena, the adrenaline kicks in and you’re ready to go.
Besides horse riding, what are some of your other hobbies and passions? How do they complement your work with horses? Besides horse riding, I love jogging and running. It’s a great way to explore new cities, as we travel so much. Running in a new city is one of my favorite ways to discover it. I also love reading, although I don’t always have much time for it. When I have a free moment, I try to spend it with friends and family and really enjoy our time together.
What is your very first memory of horses, and how did you take your first steps in the jumping world? I started riding when my family moved to New Jersey. We lived on a farm there, and my mom (singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa), who had always wanted to ride when she was younger, started taking riding lessons. Seeing her ride made me want to start too. So my earliest memories are from that farm, where I mostly rode Western. Coincidentally, we lived opposite one of the largest training stables in the United States. That’s where I took my first steps in show jumping and started competing. From that moment on, everything moved very quickly.
How have horses influenced your personal growth? Horses have played a huge role in my life. Even as a child, they taught me so much about responsibility, patience, hard work, and perseverance. They give you such incredible life lessons. To this day, I’m constantly learning from my horses, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to work with these amazing animals every day.
How would you describe the feeling that jumping gives you in three words? I would say: immense gratitude — for my horses, for being able to do what I love, and for the connection we build with our horses. Jumping also keeps me very much in the moment. When you’re riding a course, you have to be in the now, focused on the jumps ahead of you and your horse. It’s a very intense feeling. And of course, there’s the excitement of working towards a goal and the adrenaline rush in the arena. I’m very passionate, so it’s hard to sum it up in just three words (laughs).
What is the atmosphere like among the top riders? Is there a sense of togetherness or healthy competition? There’s definitely a sense of camaraderie among the riders. We travel from competition to competition and often see the same people, so it’s nice to have that sense of togetherness. You can always ask questions, and everyone is helpful. But ultimately, it’s about staying focused on yourself to give your best in the ring.
You spend a lot of time in Belgium. What is your impression of our small country? I’ve lived in different places in Europe, but I really love Belgium. Stephex Stables is fantastic for the horses — there’s so much space to ride, with perfect tracks and woods, and the horses are all very happy there. It’s been great being stabled there for the past few years. The unpredictable weather is the only downside, but I love the chocolate — and of course the waffles!
Does the enthusiasm of the audience influence your performance? Absolutely, you can really feel the enthusiasm of the audience when you’re riding. The horses feel it too, and it can make them extra excited or fresh. I remember from last year, it became even more impressive in the evening, when we ride under artificial light.
What is the most unexpected "WOW" moment you have experienced during a 5-star competition? One of my most memorable moments was winning the Rolex Grand Prix here in 2021. It was an unexpected victory, and I was the last one to start in the jump-off. Immediately after my round, I knew I had won. So amazing! The atmosphere and the crowd were incredible, and it was very special to have my whole team there to celebrate. It’s still one of my fondest memories and one of my favorite victories in my career.
What is your routine on competition mornings? Do you have any rituals that help you get pumped up? My routine on competition days varies. At the Brussels Stephex Masters, where so many different competitions take place, you’re busy all day, so there’s not much time for rituals. But if I have a quieter morning, I often go for a jog or do a short workout. My constant, however, is coffee (laughs). I always need coffee before I ride, especially for early competitions. As soon as you’re on your horse and enter the arena, the adrenaline kicks in and you’re ready to go.
Besides horse riding, what are some of your other hobbies and passions? How do they complement your work with horses? Besides horse riding, I love jogging and running. It’s a great way to explore new cities, as we travel so much. Running in a new city is one of my favorite ways to discover it. I also love reading, although I don’t always have much time for it. When I have a free moment, I try to spend it with friends and family and really enjoy our time together.