Recently Harrie Smolders was at the top of the world, now ready for an exciting outdoor season after the retirement of his trusted Emerald.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME BETWEEN CLASSES? DO YOU MAKE TIME TO VISIT THE CITY?

We don’t visit much. We are on the show’s site early the morning to warm up the horses and after the classes we stay around to cool them down. We keep our mind focused on the show.

IN WHICH CITY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU IMAGINE A NEW CSI5* COMPETITION

I heard about Tokyo after Shanghai. I never been to Japan but it will be interesting I guess.

WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG, WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE RIDER?

I must say I never really looked up to only one rider. I have respect for many top riders, I try to learn from them all. But I don’t really have one idol.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A SPORTSMAN A GREAT CHAMPION?

His results, of course, but I think it’s also the way he handles defeat. His attitude when he doesn’t win.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GRAND PRIX HORSE?

A horse who jumps clear to the other side! (laughs). When they have the heart and the passion, when they want to do their best, that’s what makes them so special.