This will be your first time competing at Aachen. What does it mean to make your debut at one of the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping?

OL: It is a real “pinch me” experience. To be here, riding alongside so many of the best riders in the world, and to have the chance to compete in this arena, is incredibly special. For me, Aachen is one of those places every rider dreams of riding at once in their life. After the warm-up yesterday, I joked that perhaps I could just tick it off the list and go home, but of course it is much more than that. It is a huge honour.

It is also important for me looking ahead. If I want to dream of competing at the FEI World Championships later this year, then to have already experienced this arena and this level of atmosphere is very valuable. It gives me a chance to understand the ring, the scale and the pressure that comes with it.

Aachen is known for its scale, atmosphere and history. What had you heard from other riders about competing in the Main Stadium, and how did it compare to what you experienced?

OL: I have watched Aachen many times, so I knew how impressive it was, but I still expected to feel a little “lost” when I went into the ring because it is so big. This season I have done a lot of indoor shows, in much smaller arenas, so this was definitely outside of my comfort zone, and also a little bit outside the comfort zone for my horse. To be honest, it felt even bigger than I expected, but I had prepared myself for that feeling. I knew I would need to rethink things a little in the ring and adapt to the space.

You have spoken before about taking a different route to the top of the sport. How has that journey shaped the rider you are today?

OL: I did not come from a horse family, or from a family that could really help push me forward in the sport. They have always supported me, but they could not provide me with horses or opportunities in that way.

I started in a riding school, and I rode everything I could. If it had four legs and looked like it might be able to jump, I would ride it. I also tried different disciplines, including dressage and eventing. For me, it has always been about the passion for horses and for riding.

I always had big dreams, and I have always wanted to be better. I would look at other riders and think, if they can do it, then it should also be possible for me. I knew I had to work very hard for it, try to improve myself every day and take the chances that came my way.

My journey has taken time. I was 24 when I jumped my first 1.40m class, whereas now you see riders at that age who are already competing in the top 5* classes. So, my path has been different, but I knew what I wanted, and I believed that if I had the opportunity, I could keep moving forward.

I have now been with Stal Hendrix for almost 12 years, and that has been a huge part of my journey. To be able to learn, ride, watch, develop horses and slowly take small steps towards those dreams has been incredible.

Carabella vd Neyen Z has helped take you to some of the biggest stages in the sport. What makes your partnership with her so special?

OL: She came into my life at a time when, after trying so hard for many years, I was starting to have doubts. You can begin to wonder whether it will ever happen, or whether all the work and all the dreams have been for nothing.

Then Carabella came along, and she started opening those doors for me. She showed me that together, it was possible. That is why I often get emotional when I speak about her, because she has made me believe in myself.

I believe in her, and she has helped me believe in myself, and I think that is what makes our bond so special. There is a real trust between us.

Alongside competing at 5* level, you continue to produce young horses at Stal Hendrix. How does that work influence your riding at the highest level, and what qualities do you look for in a 5* Grand Prix horse?

OL: I think it teaches you to understand different types of horses. I do not really have one specific type that I look for. Whatever horse I get to ride, I try to understand what that horse needs and how to ride it in the best way. I try to help them become the best version of themselves. That has shaped me a lot as a rider, because every horse teaches you something different.

For me, attitude is the most important quality. A horse can have the most beautiful technique, but if it does not have the right attitude, it will be difficult for it to go all the way.

Carabella is a good example. She may not have the most beautiful style or the most athletic body, but she has the attitude to fight. She wants to do the job, and she loves it. For me, that is the most important thing, especially in a young horse - that feeling that they want to work with you and that they really enjoy what they are doing.

How do you build a relationship and connection with your horses, and how important is that when it comes to competing in 5* competition?

OL: I think the relationship comes from understanding the horse and not trying to make every horse the same. You have to feel what they need and work with their personality. At 5* level, that connection is very important because the margins are so small. You need the horse to trust you, and you need to trust the horse. When the pressure is high, that partnership makes a real difference.

In your opinion, how important has the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping been for the sport?

OL: I have a huge respect for what the Rolex Grand Slam means to the sport. I think what Rolex does for show jumping is very impressive and very important. I still remember watching Scott Brash win the Rolex Grand Slam, and those are the kinds of memories that stay with you in the sport. They are moments that inspire riders. The Rolex Grand Slam brings so much prestige to the sport, and I think that is incredibly valuable.