Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof.
What are your plans for 2021 and what would you like to achieve?
Well, obviously the biggest goal for 2021 is the Olympic Games in Tokyo. That is my number one target; I dream about getting a medal at the Olympic Games. Another main focus for me is the Rolex Grand Slam, especially for me, as I’m currently the Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. In any normal year, the four Majors are the most important shows, but being the Live Contender gives an extra edge to it.
You won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva in 2019, which makes you the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender. Does this give you extra motivation to win the Rolex Grand Prix at this year’s The Dutch Masters?
Being the Live Contender of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is very exciting. I do try to look at it like any other show, as every time I bring Clooney to the big classes, I try to win, and at any Major that I go to, I’m always trying to be at the top of my game. So, I’m trying to approach it like any other competition, although it does cross my mind every now and then that this could be a really big achievement to win two in a row.
What have you learnt over the course of the last year (about yourself and generally), and what positives will you take?
I’ve learnt that I can be happy and enjoy other things, rather than just horses, that I don’t have to be at horse shows every week. I’ve liked spending time with friends and family; of course, I’ve done that before, but it’s usually been done on the road. I’ve appreciated having some down time and not constantly traveling.
© 2021 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam