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.
Irish Grand Prix rider Heike Holstein has been a torchbearer for her country on the international dressage scene. She competed at the Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004), European Championships (1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2019), and World Equestrian Games (1998, 2002). After a 13-year absence from international competition she returned in July 2018 with the home bred Sambuca and helped Ireland secure its first ever team ticket for the Tokyo Olympics.
Hit & Run - Heike Holstein
What is your earliest memory?
Playing LEGO with my brother Erik
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
People who have a dream and go for it
When were you the happiest?
At the birth of my children
What is your biggest fear?
Dying
What was your first thought today?
What a lovely sunny morning!
What is your most annoying character trait?
Worrying too much
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Two-faced people
What is your dearest possession?
My family
If you look into the future, what do you see?
Happiness
What makes you unhappy?
Arguing with people. I try to avoid it
What is the love of your life?
My family and my horses
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
Deciding to have children
What's your guilty pleasure?
I seem to collect jackets and coats.
What do you owe your parents?
My dad died when I was 11, so I owe my mother a lot!
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
Gordon Ramsey (after he has cooked!) Barack Obama, Victoria Beckham
What was the worst job you ever did?
I didn't have a worst job, but I don't like ironing.
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
While it’s very necessary I was disappointed that Tokyo and all competitions are postponed, as our Irish dressage team was ready, but we will be even more ready for 2021!
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
To keep in contact with friends more often
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
30 hour days
What is your biggest achievement?
My family and helping to qualify Ireland’s first ever team for the Tokyo olympics on a horse that I bred
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Follow your gut instinct
Where would you like to be right now?
On a holiday
What's your favourite scent?
Fresh cut grass
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
A ghost
To whom would you like to say sorry?
No one, the choices I’ve made have made me who I am
What does love feel like for you?
Happy
When are you most relaxed?
Out with my friends and family
What super power would you like to have?
To be invisible
When did you last cry, and why?
When our dog died and just now listening to Andrea Bocelli singing Amazing Grace live in an empty Milan
When were you closest to death?
Thank god this hasn’t happened yet
How do you want to be remembered?
A good mother and trainer
Related Links
Heike Holstein on Whirlwind Tour after 13 Year Break from CDI Competition
Heike Holstein Wins 2018 Irish Grand Prix Championship, Scores Title for 12th Time
Heike Holstein to Coach Irish Young Riders at European Championships
Heike Holstein Selected for Ireland for the 2004 Olympic Games