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.
Dutch Grand Prix rider Marlies van Baalen came from ponies through junior and young riders all the way up to Grand Prix. She represented The Netherlands at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens on Idocus and has competed an impressive string of Grand Prix horses at top level: Relevant, Miciano, Ratzinger, Zinidi, Phoebe, Painted Brown, Kigali, Ojay, Zigeuner, Everything is Possible, and Ben Johnson.
Hit & Run - Marlies van Baalen
What is your earliest memory?
Selecting my favourite pony from a poster when I was 3 years old. My favourites were Welsh ponies.
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
Lots of people, but since the birth of our daughter especially people working in health care, doctors and nurses. Also now in the Corona crisis, I have an enormous respect for them.
When were you the happiest?
I'm very glad to feel happy moments daily. For example I become very happy from happy horses and small improvements in our training.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing family and losing horses
What was your first thought today?
What time is it?
What is your most annoying character trait?
I would have to ask my husband. Luckily he's not around at the moment
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Dishonesty
What is your dearest possession?
Our horses
If you look into the future, what do you see?
It's more what I would like to see; a happy family, a successful stable, talented horses, but above all; lots of health
What makes you unhappy?
Negativity
What is the love of your life?
My husband and daughter
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
All choices are related to each other. Nowadays, living at our yard together with my family and horses is absolutely the best choice.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Dolly Parton's songs
What do you owe your parents?
So much more than I can say
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
My complete family including my family-in-law, I love them very much!
What was the worst job you ever did?
In every job that must be done, there's an element of fun
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
I'd rather see it as a positive, because I think I have learned from the disappointments that I have experienced. When I fell off my horse and broke my back was a big disappointment, but I immediately tried to get going again and to do the things I could; from walking small bits to longer distances. I had more time to look at the training of the young horses and coach our riders. This is how I tried to get something positive out of each day and it helped me in my recovery.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
I don't think it's good to do that. Everything happens for a reason. No regrets.
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
I really think I am very privileged by our quality of life. Besides being the mother of my beautiful daughter, I do what I love, training horses and taking care of them is my biggest passion. We go outside a lot. I love to teach which I do in the afternoon.We run the family business. I run, do yoga, (very happy to be able to do this again after my accident), so I'm a very happy person
What is your biggest achievement?
To run our beautiful yard together with my mother
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Love work
Where would you like to be right now?
Exactly where I am now.
What's your favourite scent?
Chanel: Chance
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
I hate dress up parties
To whom would you like to say sorry?
No one and hope nobody thinks I should apologize to them
What does love feel like for you?
Getting a hug from my daughter
When are you most relaxed?
After a bath
What super power would you like to have?
Curing people
When did you last cry, and why?
When our horse Dion Johnson died
When were you closest to death?
I was closest to death after the birth of our daughter Feline. She has a bleeding in her brain and was very critical for a few days. Fortunately the expert doctors were able to operate on her. It was the most core shaking period in our lives. Fortunately Feline is doing super well and this period has made us even more grateful.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a loving mother and wife. And I hope people liked having me in their lives
Related Links
Dressage Stable Van Baalen, Cultivating Talent from Grassroots to Grand Prix
Van Baalen Farms, Premium Young Horse Care from Foal to Three-Year Old
Van Baalen Opens Doors for 2019 IDTC Annual Meeting, Focus on Training from Ponies to Grand Prix