Dutch Show Jumping Star: Maikel van der Vleuten
August 21, 2024We met up with Dutch show jumping star Maikel van der Vleuten, fresh off his podium finish in Paris. The bronze medalist told us about his key to success and his plans for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Van der Vleuten has had quite a bit of success this season and is currently sitting in the top five in the LGCT Championship, which he credits to something as simple as a good schedule. Maikel said, “I feel like the key to my success this season has been making a good schedule for my horses. I have two horses that can be good in the LGCT, so it’s important to make a good plan for them and make sure you have good management around those horses.” The Dutch talent went on to explain that he already has a plan for the final stretch of the season for his top two horses O’Bailey and Beauville.
“I’m feeling positive going into the coming shows” said van der Vleuten, “London and Valkenswaard I will do with O’Bailey, but for Rome and Rabat I hope I can count on Beauville again, who now has a few weeks rest with no show because of his great performance in Paris.” He went on to sing the praises of the iconic Beauville saying, “Beauville is really an outstanding horse.
Currently in the top five in the 2024 Championship standings, Maikel sits within striking distance of the lead, and has his eye on the top spot. “I am feeling good about my third place in the championship so far,” explains van der Vleuten. “My horses are performing consistently. But of course, we are aiming for more, so that’s what we go for!”
As for the GCL competition, his team, Madrid in Motion, currently sits in seventh place, not far off the podium. “Madrid in motion is doing good so far, with some ups and downs, but I believe in the riders,” said van der Vleuten. “We keep believing, and we can still make a good season. And especially at the final, I have the feeling we can be good.”
With the LGCT of Valkenswaard this weekend, Maikel will be on the hunt for maximum points in front of his home crowd. Van der Vleuten said that he is aiming to “go for a top three finish” in the coming stages. Join us in Valkenswaard August 23-25 as we witness this world-class rider vie for top honors on home turf.
