Niels Bruynseels, like all top riders, has been home for a few weeks because of the rhinovirus. However, Bruynseels already has a very nice victory to his name this season: the Grand Prix of Doha. "I've had a few weeks now to enjoy that victory" he laughs.
"It's always special to win a Grand Prix of the LGCT as you know that really the 'big guns' are brought out here. The best riders in the world and their best horses come here hoping to win the Grand Prix. If you manage to do that, it gives you an indescribably good feeling," Bruynseels started. "Of course I had taken a risk by only starting Delux that week in the GP qualifier and the Grand Prix. I went to the show office at least five times to ask if that was allowed," he laughs. "The week before he had jumped three rounds so I didn't think it was necessary to keep jumping him. I mainly wanted him to be there during the Grand Prix. It might have been a risk but it worked out well," he says.
"What do I look for in a good horse? There are no specific traits I look for. Every good horse has something 'special', I actually just look for that 'sparkle'. For example, Delux was not the easiest horse as a young horse. He really didn't want to work with me and used his strength to oppose me. And I can tell you, Delux is a strong horse (laughs). However, I also felt that he was a very special horse, who had a lot of qualities to make it at the highest level. So we gave him every opportunity to become a real superstar. His owners also gave him that chance. That is very important. They really love the sport and also know that you can't always win. Good owners who stand behind you are so important. So I am very proud to have a team of different owners who give me all the confidence to work with their horses."
"My victory in Doha is also a team achievement as far as I am concerned. I may be in the saddle but without my team it would not have been possible. Our horses are taken care of 7/7, 24/24 and of course that is not only my achievement. Both the homegroom, the homerider, the showgroom, ... As far as I'm concerned, everyone on the team is equally important," he continues. "Whether I think I can make the top three of the GCT? Definitely! I've got four Grand Prix horses at the moment so it won't be up to me.
"The cheapest horse in my stables? That will be a pony that I got from Jérôme Guery," Bruynseels laughs. "I got him for my children but now he actually spends his old age between the sporthorses and he seems to enjoy that very much."
Watch the full video below
Source: GCT
