Harrie Smolders

Harrie Smolders
Harrie’s love for riding began at an early age, when his sister turned out to be too big for the pony their father had gotten for her, Harrie got the ride. At 16, Harrie had to choose between a career in riding or football. After success in two European Young Rider Championships, Harrie rode for Dutchman Johan Heins for four years before moving to ride for Belgian stable owner Axel Verlooy.

Authentic, Exquis Oliver Q, Exquis Walnut de Muze and Emerald are among the finest horses that Harrie has ridden, but despite his passion for the sport, family always comes first – with the births of his two sons, Pim and Siep, being the most memorable moments of his career. Harrie is super-fast against the clock and has won many LGCT 5* speed classes.
Fast Facts
Competed in the 2010 World Championships
Competed in the 2009 European Championships, finishing 4th in the Team event
2001 European Young Rider Team Bronze medallist with Liverpool
2013 LGCT Vienna Grand Prix Silver medallist with Jackson Hole
2015 LGCT Shanghai Grand Prix winner Regina Z
2015 LGCT Vienna Silver medallist with Don VHP Z
2016 LGCT Grand Prix of Hamburg Silver medallist with Don VHP Z
2017 LGCT Chantilly Grand Prix winner with Emerald
2017 LGCT Champion of Champions (first ever rider to win the title before the season finish – he wrapped up the title in Rome, the penultimate event)
2018 LGCT Hamburg Grand Prix winner with Don VHP Z