Pim Mulder: Better Friesland than Egypt

After Jumping Tolbert, the selections for the coveted Horses2fly finals at Indoor Friesland went straight to Drenthe. The courses were set up in Zuidwolde, where the classes were also full. Competition for Golden Tickets and placement points was fierce, and Pim Mulder was one of the riders who secured a starting spot in the final at Outdoor Zuidwolde. He will compete in the 1.35m class on Wednesday, October 22nd, and likely in the international classes in the days following. We called Pim Mulder.

Pim flatly declined an invitation to compete in a three-star competition in Egypt, as it coincides with Indoor Friesland. We're happy about that, because of course we'd love to have him back. Whenever he appears in the arena, we're guaranteed an exciting battle; he always gives it his all.

Outdoor Zuidwolde 

Pim: "Things are suddenly moving fast now; it's already next month. I'm now guaranteed a starting spot nationally and hope to compete internationally as well. I'm really looking forward to it. I won the class in Zuidwolde with Diamond Z, an eight-year-old stallion owned by Freek and Corien Hoogenboom. This stallion is very well-trained by Christel Kalf and came to me as a six-year-old. This is an ideal age for me, because most horses are ready for the next level. I haven't often been in this position; usually, I have to train young horses myself. In Zuidwolde, I was unsure whether to start the Grand Prix or the 1.35m. However, the horse still needs to gain some experience, and I chose the 1.35m for my learning experience. It wasn't the easiest course, and my goal was to ride competitively. Earlier in the class, I started another horse and took the lead. Unfortunately, I was knocked off. That was the trigger I needed. Diamond Z can do well He's not the fastest horse, but he's not the fastest. Still, to my great joy, we were able to secure the win."

Diamond Z

Diamond is a tough horse, a macho guy. (laughing) Just like your average guy, so to speak. He acts like a lion, but he's very sweet. He roars, but he's always on a loose leash. He means well.

Golden Ticket 

"To be honest, I didn't specifically compete in the Horses2fly class for a starting spot, but in hindsight, I think it's a great experience and I'll definitely use my Golden Ticket. It does feel a bit like I'm taking a place from a national rider. However, it's a good learning experience, a great experience for every horse to compete at Indoor Friesland. I mean, it's something different; there are so many competitions every week that the horses are familiar with."

Kind of Ron Jans

Indoor Friesland is an important competition in any case. I was just recently talking about it with Frank Schuttert. I never tour abroad and am tied to competitions here in the area. It's difficult to get good starting positions and thus advance to a higher level. What I experienced with Memphis was a boyhood dream of mine. I got him under saddle as a five-year-old. A while later, he was sold to Egypt. That owner asked me when he jumped at 1.45m level if I wanted to ride him again, and I happily obliged. We started with competitions locally and ended up in the orange jacket in Aachen, after which he was sold again. I see myself as a sort of Ron Jans. Football fans will know what I mean. I can compete at a high level, but I depend on my horses. If I have the right horses, they are sold again when they are up to par. It's a great journey, but it's often a shame when a top horse is sold. Indoor Friesland is a three-star competition. The level of the The obstacles aren't that different from those at a five-star competition. Plus, Leeuwarden always has some of the best riders, some of them truly top-notch. I love competing in these kinds of competitions and I learn from them. Just like my horses. After all, there are many good riders here in the North, and an event like Indoor Friesland belongs in an environment like this.

Party for Pim and his family at Formula 1 in Zandvoort

The orange jacket still fits

We've seen Pim jump in the orange TeamNL jacket before. We asked him when he'll be donning it again. Pim: "I came close recently, and it always tickles my fancy. My results have been pretty good lately, if I may say so myself, and I'm waiting for an invitation. I did get one recently, twice even, but it wasn't feasible. I was asked to go to Hickstead at the last minute, but it overlapped with my vacation, which I'd already booked. I was also asked to go to Warsaw. I agreed, but unfortunately, we couldn't put together a team, partly because it coincided with Outdoor Gelderland. But, to reassure you, the jacket is still in the closet and it still fits."

Horse welfare 

Horse welfare has been a hot topic for a while now. We asked Pim for a response. We received a decisive answer. Pim: "At competitions, this isn't difficult at all. This should become a way of working where you can address your fellow riders. Things often stem from emotion. For example, a cyclist might throw his bike away if something isn't going his way, and a football player might kick a teammate. Unfortunately, we also react this way sometimes. However, we're dealing with living beings, so we have to prevent this. We have to moderate our reactions and address each other and help each other. Then it's not so difficult. Incidentally, we riders also have to sense when a horse really doesn't want to ride and accept that. This applies to competitions. Regarding home, I have a large horse walker for ten horses, and I find it a great way to train horses. My horses also go on a trail ride every week, which I find very good for both them and myself, clearing their heads and relaxing. I take lessons from Franke Sloothaak, and he always reminds me that a horse with a good mind tries harder. Incidentally, this doesn't only apply to our sport; someone at the office also likes to take a walk during the break.”

Equestrian sport in all its facets

Back to Indoor Friesland. This event is unique, and there aren't enough competitions like it. The enthusiastic spectators, the WTC Expo, the indoor stables, the downtown facilities, the shape of the arena—I love Indoor Friesland! I dream of winning the Grand Prix someday. I've already won the Elf Steden Jumping and finished second in the Grand Prix, so now it's time we won for once. What I also love about your event is its versatility. Equestrian sport is beautiful in all its facets, and Indoor Friesland showcases that. Thanks to the Friesian evening, I've even started training on the double lunge line at home. I also enjoy a good dressage test, and I think the Friesian horse is magnificent. As a hobby, I breed with two mares that I've previously competed in the sport. I'd also like to compete in eventing, but then I'd have fewer horses to train, and that's my income, after all.

Alternative Eleven Cities Tour 

Besides horses, I also love skating and cycling. Regarding the former, Henk Angenent invited me to skate the alternative Elfstedentocht with him. I'm training now, and the rooms are booked!

Pim preparing on skates for the alternative Eleven Cities Tour

Everything for Indoor Friesland 

Finally, I'd like to say that I have a deep affection for Indoor Friesland. I've been invited to a three-star competition in Egypt. This is, of course, very special, and my initial reaction was: "I'm going to do it." However, when I heard it would be held at the same time as Indoor Friesland, that wasn't an option. I want to do everything in my power to make this competition a success. Winning the Grand Prix would be fantastic, of course, but if my horses jump well and I can ride well, I'll be happy; that's the most important thing.

Another kind word from a loyal participant of our competition. Thanks for your time and enthusiasm, Pim. Good luck and have fun training for Indoor Friesland and the Elfstedentocht, and we hope to see you next month!

Photos: Digishots

Text: Marjan de Wildt for Indoor Friesland