On a beautiful spring day, I drive into the beautiful yard of Dinja van Liere Dressage. In the distance, I can already see many horses enjoying the sunshine. Most of them without blankets and with only a pair of springs on, many are in pairs in the spacious paddocks and further on there are four horses in the meadow together. How lovely I think, a nice start to this afternoon. Once in the stables, I see that most of the stalls are empty, as they are outside. There is a horse in the grooming area that is being quietly saddled but otherwise there is complete peace and quiet. Everything is fresh, clean and tidy.
My eye catches the large board that lists all the horses and what they are doing that day and week. I stand studying it a bit and come to the conclusion that `pasture', `paddock' and `longing' are on it much more than `riding' or `competition'. During the interview with Dinja that follows, she tells several times that she is much more concerned with everything other than riding and training. Staff, as well as owners, often look at her strangely when she once again decides that certain horses can do just fine together in the pasture or paddock. I must confess that it also took me somewhat by surprise. You don't expect it while it is important to Dinja that her horses are happy. Of course, she thinks carefully about which characters fit together and whether it is responsible, but - says Dinja - sometimes they come in with some bites and wounds. She takes that risk for granted but generally it goes fine.
We take a tour of the grounds and show Dinja where there will be more large paddocks, especially for the studs. She is constantly concerned with the welfare of her horses, she talks hundred and one about how much she loves having all the space she can get for that. Otherwise, I don't like it she says. `My horses work hard, perform well in the ring and deserve rest and fun in life'. Thus an inspired Dinja. That enthusiasm is not only admirable but it moves me. How quickly we have a distorted view of top riders from the outside.
And although it is not the subject of the series of articles I produce for The Hoefslag; Dinja cannot avoid it either: public opinion. She sometimes gets tired of it; you don't get it right easily is a statement that recurs regularly. She is so busy with welfare, sports and managing that she is often not at all concerned with ‘what others think’ but at the same time she is well aware that there are lapses. When I ask if she has ever spoken to a fellow rider about his or her behaviour, the answer is a resounding YES! At big competitions, there really is togetherness with other participants and people talk among themselves about how things can be even better! The general public has little knowledge of this and many make all sorts of assumptions based on ignorance or ignorance. In this respect, there is still a long way to go. We have to be willing to walk it. It will not be up to Dinja.
The way Dinja is in life evokes nothing but admiration from me. She is very aware of what she asks of her horses and pushes the limits but always the main thing is that her horses have a good life. She is also very socially adept and knows how to put her opinions and philosophy well under the spotlight. Her top sport mentality, a down-to-earth head on her shoulders and a good dose of humour make her a worthy ambassador for our beautiful dressage sport!
The whole article can be read in De Hoefslag of 29 June 2025.
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