Harrie Smolders is Ready for The Dutch Masters

Final preparations are in full swing, almost all tickets are sold out, and today we can welcome the first horses at the Brabanthallen. Just like last year, the legendary horse rotation HeadFirst Group Prize - Best of Champions is on the Thursday evening program of The Dutch Masters. And again, the presentation is in the hands of former Olympic champion and sports director Jeroen Dubbeldam, and Rolex Grand Prix winner Harrie Smolders.

The class not only features participants of world-class caliber, but the presenters also have an impressive record to their names. Jeroen Dubbeldam and Harrie Smolders provide live commentary for the audience during this spectacular class where horsemanship is central.

Anecdotes Here and There
For once, Harrie Smolders appears without a horse in the arena at The Dutch Masters. "Together with Jeroen, we try to explain to both experts and non-experts what we as experienced riders look for. We know the participants well, so here and there we also have some fun anecdotes to tell," explains the cheerful Brabant rider.

High-Caliber Show Jumpers
Smolders continues: "The riders participating have each achieved incredibly impressive performances in their careers, so you know that what you're going to watch is truly top-tier. For us, it also feels a bit nostalgic, especially with Jeroen, who himself once became world and Olympic champion. Actually, it was Jeroen who brought this class back to life at The Dutch Masters, and we've received really positive feedback on it. Even from people who don't speak Dutch, we heard they loved watching it."

Monaco Feels Like a Child in a Candy Store
Of course, the Netherlands' best rider will also be in action himself over the coming days. "A Rolex Grand Slam only takes place four times a year, which makes these competitions feel extra special," Smolders answers when asked about The Dutch Masters. "It's on everyone's wish list to win there at least once, so I'm really working toward that in my training. After the Rolex Major in Geneva, my horses had two months of rest; the last six to eight weeks I've been getting them back in shape and working toward The Dutch Masters. Including Monaco, who's already 17 but absolutely doesn't feel like it. Recently I rode a World Cup competition with him to get him back into rhythm, and he seemed just like a child in a candy store. So happy he could come along!" says Smolders. "After this weekend, the horses will rest again and it's full preparation for the outdoor season, where the first qualification for the Olympic Games is also on the calendar."

Grandpa Smolders
Harrie Smolders isn't the only Smolders competing at The Dutch Masters; son Siep and nephew Joep are also participating. While the two could have a very good coach in Harrie, the boys have been training with grandpa their whole lives: Toon Smolders. "My father is now 80 years old but he still breeds and is often with the boys at some regional competition. It's beautiful to see how they do it; I always say: 'that's how I'd like to grow old!' During the week they train together and on weekends they compete together. When they run into a problem, they sometimes come to me, but overall they basically always train with their grandpa."

Regional Sport as Inspiration
In recent years, regional sport has increasingly taken center stage at The Dutch Masters. Harrie thinks that's a wonderful development too. "Yes, that's just great. You see young people start dreaming when they can ride in the same arena as those big names they've always looked up to. There's so much information to pick up, they can learn so much from it. It inspires and motivates enormously!"

Photo: TDM/Sharon Vandeput