The Belgian Young Riders have gotten off to a strong start again. They won the first Nations Cup of the year, traditionally held on home soil. T1 talent Leon Brutsaert (21) was the only Belgian to ride two clear rounds. “Corleone jumped well,” was Leon Brutsaert’s initial reaction — a comment that says a lot about the importance of his horse. Always by his side is Lieven Devos: his companion, mentor, and above all, his friend. “When Leon wins, it feels like I win. I never thought it would bring me so much happiness and satisfaction,” admits Lieven. Why is he a good coach? “We talk and consult. It’s not one-way traffic. My opinion matters,” says Leon Brutsaert.

Was the first thing you saw after leaving the maternity ward a horse?

Leon: My parents always say that “horse” was the first word I spoke — after mama and papa, of course. Every Wednesday afternoon, we’d have lunch at my grandparents’ house, and I insisted on seeing the horses. My father would carry me in his arms because I wanted to touch them. And naturally, I got a Shetland pony from my grandfather, and later a pony named Jommeke. My first horse was one bred by my grandfather — the mother of H&M Miro, ridden by Olivier Philippaerts. I jumped my first competitions with her in the children's division.

Is it difficult to express your ambition?

Leon: Yes, because you depend on an important unknown factor — your horse. How fit and healthy is he at the critical moment? That’s true both in the lead-up to the European Championships and during the event itself.

Lieven: On one hand, there’s never a reason to get carried away. On the other, we must dare to admit that Leon is not without a chance for a European Championship selection. He started well in the Belgian Nations Cup and, barring bad luck, he is certainly a contender. We should dare to say that.

Why is Lieven Devos a good coach for you?

Leon: You can talk to him. What I mean is that his coaching isn’t one-directional. We have a dialogue and consult. My opinion matters. And he always stays calm.

Lieven: I’ve always found it important to listen to his thoughts and ideas. I’m not an American-style trainer who programs their riders from the first to the last obstacle and dictates exactly how many strides they should take. A rider is not a robot; riders need to learn to think during a course. Otherwise, they can’t anticipate. I listen to what Leon thinks and says, I share my opinion, and then we have a brief discussion. His opinion genuinely matters.

Leon: For the basics, I still rely on Philippe Vandelanoitte. Lieven coaches me before and during competitions.

Lieven: Our collaboration is unique because we’ve known each other for a very long time. That goes for his horses too. He’s been working with Corleone for seven years. I know the horse and rider inside out — I’m in their heads. When the bell rings at the start of the course, the three of us have already come up with a plan we’re confident in.

Why is Leon a talent/good rider?

Lieven: I can describe Leon in three words: disciplined hard worker. And I should know — I’ve taught many riders in my life. I know no one who puts in as much effort as Leon. And he combines that with impeccable discipline. Leon has never been even thirty seconds late. Nothing is too much for him. In fact, I sometimes have to remind him that he’s human. He still needs to learn to let go. You can’t always be under pressure.

Lieven, what does Leon mean to you?

Lieven: I’m now riding my last few horses and still enjoy it. I’m happy with this alternative. Riders like Leon are grateful students. When he wins, it feels like I win. I never thought it would bring me so much happiness and fulfillment. In that sense, we strengthen each other.