With the Worldcup finals closing in at the end of the winter Equnews had a nice chat with one of the leading riders in the Dressage world, Hans Peter Minderhoud.
1. You had a very good season this winter 2015/2016, and even topped the ranking for the Worldcup, how do you look back on this now?
We have had a very nice season indeed. Glock's Flirt has did a great job with scores around 77% in the Grand Prix and high scores from over the 80% in the Kür. Being leader in the ranking is a nice extra, but it does not say everything, it just says we are currently on the right track and it is a compliment to us.
The fact is that only the best four competitions count. And due to me riding four World cups early in the season, because I wanted to competition with Glock's Romanov twice, I had a small advantage for the ranking.
2. So, you have three great horses right now, who will you be taking to the WC-final?
Frankly, Glock's Flirt is my first choice.
3. What does your schedule look like the upcoming months?
Our focus is totally on RIO and the selection competitions for the upcoming months. And ofcourse our short term planning is working towards the World Cup final in Gotenburg.
4. This summer the Dutch have sent a unique and successful all males team to the Europeans in Aachen. Do you expect the same team to go to RIO?
For me it does not matter who goes, as long as we sent the best four combinations we have. But I must say last summer in Aachen it was a nice change and the atmosphere was really good in our all male team.
5. With three fantastic horses in the Olympic short list for the dutch team, which one would you prefer to take to RIO?
Glock’s Johnson TN NOP is my first choice and I have Glock’s Flirt as a great back up. Glock’s Romanov is a really good horse that can present a good tests. But he is not as constant as Johnny and Flirt.
6. With your focus on RIO, how do you train and keep your other horses on the higher level?
I keep on training my horses as usually. And when I get selected for RIO those who won't be coming with me there will have a short break during the Olympics. But till then they will just compete as usual.
7. What does your weekly routine look like?
Actually it is mostly riding horses, riding horses and giving some education to other riders. And when we have no competition in the weekend I work half a day on Sunday, that is my free time then.
8. Your stables are filled with top horses, what is the secret? What qualities do you look for in a horse?
A top horse is something you have to create with a lot of hard work. It takes great time management and loads of practice to get a horse to the high level you want it to compete.
When scouting for a horse we always look for a horse that can collect itself easily and has a strong walk, troth and canter. If those basics are good it is then important that the horse is willing to work. They are allowed to have some character, but the willingness to work is needed to make progress in training.
9. Do you have other hobbies next to your horse riding
I do exercise once or twice per week. But I can't really call that a hobby. I do like to do it because it is also nice to do something else then horse riding once in a while.
10. If you would have the chance to ride any other horse, which one would it be?
I have been in the lucky position that I have been able to ride Totilas and Valegro. Next to that I must say that I am very happy with the horses I currently have to ride for myself.
11. As a wrap up, any big advice for our readers?
Follow your guts and dreams!
