You’re again number 1 in the World Cup Ranking, how does that feel?
Indeed they label it being the number 1. However I don't consider myself the best in the work. But I was super happy of the show. It was really impressive. Amsterdam is one of the best shows in the world. So high quality. I almost had 80% and with that I was seventh. Normally with this score you win almost every show. So it was crazy, but I love it when it’s good riding and when it’s good people. That’s what makes it so interesting. The public in Amsterdam was just like when I was in Mechelen. They’re all really supportive for each rider and that’s what makes the sport just perfect.
How was the feeling with Watermill Scandic?
He was super, almost to fresh. He is 17 years old now but he just keeps getting better and better. When he’ll be 25 he’ll still do piaffe-passage I think, even in the field. He’s a real fighter and always wants to do his best. I love him for that. He has a great character.
Are you going to start him in the final?
If I can, I would love to do that. It’s for the home crowd in Goteborg. If he feels like now, he’ll be for sure my choice for the final.
What are your plans After the WEN?
I will start in Neumunster, then I will do Doha and then the World Cup final. So there are quiet a lot of shows now before the final. After that there will be a little break for four weeks. I’ll also go to the USA because I have some students there. The first outdoor will be Hagen.
You have three horses qualified for Rio, do you do something special to prepare them for the Olympics?
I always do as normal, never change anything. Just do your own thing, keep going, keep doing as normal and that’s it.
What did you think about the clinic here at the WEN?
I loved it. It’s really nice here. I didn’t think it would be this big. There are lot of people. I’ve never been here before; everyone is really supportive. You really want to do your best and I hope everyone could take some advice home. I hope some more Belgian dressage riders come along. You can see Fanny Verliefden, Jorinde Verwimp, Jeroen Devroe… They’re all getting better and better. The more we do, the more we train, the better it gets.
Jorinde Verwimp had a six-year-old horse in the clinic. I’ve never seen him before, but I really liked him. He was a bit nervous in the ring, which is totally normal. I like that with the young horses. Isabel Cool rode Coolhorses Cheatodon, who I know really well. He has a lot of talent but has to work on relaxation. He can get really sensitive and hot. We showed how we work on the relaxation. I rode Toy Story. He did a super job in here. He loves the public, you can ride him and he doesn’t look at anything. I feel really safe doing a clinic with him.
Is there some advice you can give our readers?
My advice is to look at people with an open mind, look at riders with an open mind and take the best from everybody. Steal something from everybody. Nobody made it all themselves. Look at everyone you want, Edward Gal, me, Isabel Cool, you name it. Steal some stuff and try it at home. Don’t be afraid of trying. The worst thing that can happen is that you make a mistake. Don’t be afraid of trying, do things!