Glitter, Glamour and Greatness

“At first I thought: what am I doing here at a selection NK Subtop? I had no clue of how and what; so much so that I drove into the ring myself already to report to the judges. So actually I was already disqualified, but they let me start anyway....”

This was told by a student when I asked about her first experience at a big competition. Now she is used to it and no longer gets impressed by who steps out of which truck with which horse.

It happened to me too; thoughts like ‘do I arrive with my simple old four-wheel drive with one-and-a-half-horse trailer and my sweet but simple little fox among all those top riders... Well, I'm a bit older and can put things into perspective reasonably well and after a win, that humble feeling was gone.

Still, it can be quite imposing. You had seen it on the start list, of course, but on arrival it was even worse than you imagined. Huge trucks, studs, famous riders and amazons with ditto trainers and the most expensive-looking outfits. The courage sinks further into your boots by the minute... Then at least think of a few things: that truck is not going into the ring anyway and neither is the trainer. Most of our judging panel judges in good conscience and will judge you no differently from a celebrity. Of course, top riders may score a nine more often than you, and that makes them sometimes make mistakes and still score high. They, through experience and talented horses, have quite a bit ‘left’.

This sometimes creates the tenor that top riders can ride backwards and still score. That is simply not true. They too have to work hard to present their horses in the best possible way, just like you! And you, as a hobby rider, don't have all that pressure; you don't eat a sandwich less if you don't score once. You just often have other challenges; combining training with your full-time job or with your family and having to turn every dime to pay for your hobby. And you love doing that, you're willing to do it!

And that is exactly what you have to think about when you allow yourself to impress again. What are you doing it for, what wasn't your enthusiasm when you scored your tenth profit point and were allowed to start at Subtop, for example! Enjoy the road you are on and set realistic goals. Riding among ‘celebrities’ also has advantages. You can pull yourself up by them. ‘I want to be able to sit like that too’ or ‘how beautifully she always rides to the front’. And sometimes you see things happen that make you think: ‘I'm glad my horse is a lot easier...’.’

There will always be people who are better than you, but also those who have not come as far. Those who compare themselves to another run the risk of becoming sour and bitter. And take it from me, a jury sees that, subconsciously or not!

Years ago, an interview with Adelinde Cornelisse That she drove Parzival everywhere with her little trailer and had to park between the huge trucks. I have never forgotten that. Those willing to work hard and stay true to themselves can go very far. I still have that old four-wheel drive and a borrowed trailer. But it is my old car and I have lovely people around me who lend me that trailer. Of course, sponsors always help me look peaky at competitions, which gives an extra good feeling. But these days you can look well-groomed with little means.

Your happiness does not depend on material things, if you radiate that you are happy and joyful with yourself and your horse, then that is the most beautiful thing you can radiate....