In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.
Dutch Grand Prix rider Hans Peter Minderhoud began his career as a professional young horse rider, making his first claim to fame by winning the World Young Horse Championships, first on Rubels and then with Florencio. The rider moved to Grand Prix level and became a member of the Dutch Olympic team in 2008 with Nadine. Since then he has been a regular on the Dutch team at World Equestrian Games (2010, 2014, 2018) and European Championships (2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019). In 2016 he won the World Cup Finals and rode in his second Olympics.
Hit & Run - Hans Peter Minderhoud
What is your earliest memory?
That I didn’t want to go to school, only to a riding school.
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
All riders who produce new top horses over and over again.
When were you the happiest?
When i drove the big truck with my favorite horses after years of building and waiting to the new Glock Horse Performance Centre in Oosterbeek!
What is your biggest fear?
loosing my loved ones.
What was your first thought today?
What day is it? As they look all the same now...
What is your most annoying character trait?
I'm a doubter
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Dishonesty
What is your dearest possession?
My family, friends, dogs and horses.
If you look into the future, what do you see?
Can’t wait to see the development of our super youngsters.
What makes you unhappy?
Horses who are not fit.
What is the love of your life?
Edward Gal
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
Quit school and follow my dreams.
What's your guilty pleasure?
McDonalds
What do you owe your parents?
A lot, they learned me to make my own choices and go for it.
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
Edward and my closest friends.
What was the worst job you ever did?
Working in my father's jewelry store, I hated it. I have to work outside!
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
An injured horse just before a big championship.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
Nothing
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
That i can train in the outdoor arena the whole year.
What is your biggest achievement?
My medals from the big championships and 4 gold medals with the young horses.
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
If you can dream it you can do it.
Where would you like to be right now?
Where i am now, home with Edward, the dogs and horses!
What's your favourite scent?
Santal
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
I don't do Halloween or Carnaval.
To whom would you like to say sorry?
Nobody and otherwise I would have done it already.
What does love feel like for you?
Being happy together.
When are you most relaxed?
The days after a successful championship; that the job is done!
What super power would you like to have?
Keeping everybody healthy and happy.
When did you last cry, and why?
Few months ago when we lost our dog.
When were you closest to death?
Thank god, no near death experience so far..
How do you want to be remembered?
As a fun and honest person.
Related Links
Minderhoud and Dream Boy Top 2018 CDIO Compiègne 3* Grand Prix
Minderhoud Wins Coveted World Cup Title at Last at 2016 World Cup Finals
Hans Peter Minderhoud Wins Uneventful 2016 World Cup Finals in Gothenburg
Hans Peter Minderhoud's Withney van 't Genthof Retired
Minderhoud Wins World Cup Opening Round at 2011 CDI-W Odense
Florencio Makes Crowd and Judges Go Wild
Hans-Peter Minderhoud and Rubels, 5-year old World Champions