Having won several titles and medals at several championships, Saskia van Es can call herself a very successful rider not only on a national but international basis. She has her own training stable in the Netherlands and next to training horses herself to a top level she is also giving lessons to students and also is selling horses international.
About Saskia van Es
Name: Saskia van Es
Age: 31
From: Netherlands
|| Slogan for life:
"Never give up!"
How did you start your riding career? How was your way until now?
Horses have always been very important in our lives. My mother rode dressage, show jumping and eventing horses, and my sister was already riding at the age of 5. I started riding later in life. I did 2 years of pony riding when I was 10/11 years old, and rode a horse when I was 15. Professionally, I have had my own farm/dressage stand for 7 years now. We started with 5/6 stalls and have now expanded it to 30 stalls.
You won a lot of medals on Dutch Championships and even World Championships, how does that feel? Was this a dream of yours?
For me, winning a national title is the crown of my work. Especially when it works out with a different horse every time. In 2022 it was really a dream to ride at the World Championships, that was really the next level for me and I'm super proud of myself and my team that we did it.
Are you still nervous entering the arena when on competition, and if yes, do you have tips to handle nervousness?
I never have problems being nervous. Of course, I'm more nervous when I'm competing in a small competition nearby or in a World Championship or an international Grand Prix competition, but in a good way. I will concentrate better.
You also ride a lot of young horses; how do you start training them and how do you train a young horse? Do you set goals from the beginning? What for tip would you give any other rider who owns/rides a youngster and wants to educate/ train the horse?
It's really important that you look at each horse individually. Not all horses are the same, especially when they are younger. Some horses are really grown into their body when they are 3 years old, for example, and there are horses that need 1 year extra in the field or light training. You really have to listen to what they have to offer.
Winter
We are facing cold temperatures right now, is there anything you do to conquer these? Do the horses get a special treatment, or do you dress yourself in another way?
I am really a person who does not like winter. I wrap up in 5 layers, but these days a lot of thermal clothing and breeches help a lot. It is very important for the horses with the freezing temperatures that you warm up and cool down the muscles well. That's where we pay special attention to.
How does the routine for the horses change during winter? How to keep the horses happy when they are more on the inside/ in the stable?
For our horses, the routine or management does not change much. All of our horses go out to the field or paddock every day, even in the winter. The only difference is that it is shorter than in summer because the weather is colder, and it rains more.
Saskia and her beautiful Stallion in our competition saddlepad and Gabrielle breeches.
10 Quick Fire Questions
1. Mare, Gelding or Stallion? - Stallion
2. Youngster or “professor”? - Youngsters
3. Indoor competition or outdoor competition? - Outdoor
4. Chestnut or Bay? - Bay
5. Leggings or breeches? - Breeches
6. Bandages or boots? - Boots
7. Single bridle or double bridle - Single bridle
8. Coffee or tea? - Both not
9. Early bird or night owl? - Both
10. Summer or winter? - Summer
Saskia and Italo in Royal Navy.
Appliqué Amsterdam x Saskia van Es
Why did you start working with Appliqué? What caught your interest?
A fresh new brand that is really original and they have nice collections of very good quality.
What are your two favourite items of all collections?
Especially at the moment the winter breeches. You can see me wearing them a lot!