Top show jumper Harrie Smolders at Indoor Friesland! 

Many top riders have graced the starting lists since Indoor Friesland's comeback, but unfortunately, we haven't welcomed him to the Frisian capital yet. He's been in the top 25 of the world rankings for ten years and was even number one for eight months in 2018. Despite traveling the globe to compete in the biggest competitions and championships, his Brabant accent still clearly betrays his heritage. He doesn't seem nervous and is always up for a bit of fun. This conversation was no exception. We're incredibly proud that he'll be traveling to Leeuwarden later this month, so we called Harrie Smolders ahead of time. 

Former world number one and Olympic athlete Harrie Smolders didn't follow the traditional path to success. From humble beginnings in the Netherlands, Harrie took every opportunity and pursued his dream of becoming one of the world's best equestrians, always understanding that hard work and dedication are key elements in achieving dreams. Now one of the most respected equestrians in the world, Harrie is also a highly sought-after trainer, known for his dedication, tact, skill, and sensitivity in ensuring that those he teaches reach their full potential.

Ambitious team 

The first question we ask Harrie is what made him decide to come to Indoor Friesland, when in other years he'd opt for a World Cup race or a leg of the Longines Global Tour, and there's also a competition in Liège. Immediately, that humor that characterizes every conversation with one of our all-time greats. Harrie: "I'm not there yet, you know. But seriously, how could I pass up Yvonne, Dinette, and you? This is a serious answer. You're an ambitious team, and if we as riders can contribute to that and it fits into the schedule, we should. The old Indoor Friesland was a fantastic competition, and I've learned a lot from the previous editions, so I'm looking forward to riding with you."

Three star competitions of great value 

I started my professional career with Johan Heins, and Leeuwarden was my first international competition. This was over 25 years ago; I wasn't even 20 yet. I don't remember the horse's name, but I do remember that I won a test, a 1.45m. I desperately wanted to win a test and rode the final line with my life and death in mind. I wouldn't do that now, but I did then, and I won! I haven't ridden much in the North of the Netherlands. There's always a two-star competition somewhere, and for me, those are essentially training competitions. Competitions that only take place once a year, and even at three-star level, are something I value. They're very valuable, in fact. These aren't for practice; these are competitions. The horses sense that, and that's how they learn for the higher level. Three-star competitions are especially important for us top riders. They're ideal for developing younger horses to the highest level, but also perfect for preparing your top horses for bigger competitions.

Horses not yet known 

I don't know yet which horses I'll bring to you; that depends on my future plans. I'm considering several options in the coming weeks. I don't have enough horses to start everything, so I still have to make some choices. Because I'm currently among the top ten riders in the world, I can start all the World Cup competitions I want until the new year. I'm also qualified for the Super Grand Prix in Prague, which all Global Tour winners are eligible to compete in. Finally, there's Geneva as part of the Rolex Grand Slam.

Five competitions in the Netherlands 

"I used to compete in more competitions in a year than there were weeks in a year, but I don't do that anymore. However, I do travel 40 weekends. This year, only five of those are international in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, 's-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, and now Leeuwarden. I do compete in a few national training competitions locally." We feel honored, Harrie, a great list to be on.

Indoor Brabant 

We're curious, having been on the road for so many weekends, what's his favorite competition? Again, his typical humor. Harrie: "Of course, I can't answer that question until after Indoor Friesland, so you'll have to call me again." After some persistence on our part and some reflection on Harrie's, he gives a serious answer: "Indoor Brabant is very special to me. It's my home show, and a lot of familiar faces always come to watch. The show has a lot of history, the standard is very high, and of course, they're part of the Rolex Grand Slam. This was also the first show where, as a little boy, I encountered international show jumping and was inspired to become a show jumper. What do I do when I'm not competing or riding at home? I have two sons, and I enjoy spending time with them. The oldest is fifteen and plays soccer. He's quite tall for his age and is a goalkeeper. He trains on Tuesday evenings, and I enjoy watching him. My youngest son is fourteen and, just like his father, is obsessed with show jumping. He currently competes at the L level."

Everything comes to an end, including this nice conversation with Harrie. He has the last word himself. Harrie: “ We’ll see each other in Leeuwarden, until then .”