Harrie Smolders: The Dutch Masters has inspired me

The organisers of The Dutch Masters (13-16 March) could not have wished for a better Rolex Grand Slam ‘live contender’. Dutchman Harrie Smolders started his cycle in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in Geneva by winning the Rolex Grand Prix in spectacular fashion with his top horse Monaco. ‘I have no words for it! To win in Geneva is a dream come true and it is incredible that I will now be the ‘live contender’ in ‘s-Hertogenbosch,’ Harrie said after his stunning victory.

This success is certainly also thanks to Monaco, who was born in Germany on 30 March 2009 and with whom Harrie has been competing internationally since May 2017. They form a close duo who are completely in tune with each other. Harrie: ‘It's a smart horse. We have an incredible bond and the victory in Geneva makes it even more special.’

Harrie (Hooge Mierde) is a regular visitor and participant at The Dutch Masters. ‘I came to this show as a child, it was my first contact with the international sport. It inspired me to become a showjumper. In this sport, dreams can come true. It is now up to us to inspire the next generation.’

Smolders will go all out to continue his run in the Rolex Grand Slam and therefore hopes that many supporters will come to cheer him on. ‘I hope to see a lot of fans in the stands!’

The full programme can be found here. You can order your tickets here. Don’t miss anything of this year’s edition of The Dutch Masters!

Photos: @madeleine.db