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.
American Grand Prix rider Nick Wagman began his professional career in The Netherlands from 1993 till 2000, riding for Ad Valk while running his a business with Gerard Hogervorst. He returned to the U.SA. in 2000 and set up his own business in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. He is the 2019 U.S. Grand Prix Dressage Champion and is long-listed for the U.S. Olympic Team for the Tokyo Games.
Hit & Run - Nick Wagman
What is your earliest memory?
Climbing an old green apple tree in our front yard.
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
I admire so many people. Anyone who has risen above personal obstacles to achieve their greatness gets my respect.
When were you the happiest?
On my wedding day
What is your biggest fear?
Honor rounds
What was your first thought today?
Do I want to turn on the news?
What is your most annoying character trait?
I can be very stubborn
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Dishonesty
What is your dearest possession?
My freedom
If you look into the future, what do you see?
Right now, uncertainty. I’m honestly worried about how the world is going to recover from this crisis.
What makes you unhappy?
The news
What is the love of your life?
My husband Kurt and riding horses
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
Moving to Europe when I was 19
What's your guilty pleasure?
Real Housewives of Texas, Beverly Hills, and New York
What do you owe your parents?
My work ethic, my love of animals, and my commitment to relationships.
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
Isabel Werth, Tori Amos, and Pierce Brosnan.
What was the worst job you ever did?
Working at The Gap. I just was not cut out for retail.
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
Having to pull out of the Olympic trials this year.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
Honestly, nothing. I’m here because of everything I’ve been through. Although, I would’ve worn more sunscreen had I known better.
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
More time
What is your biggest achievement?
Training my own Grand Prix horses who are happy to do their job.
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Fear is the enemy, for sure
Where would you like to be right now?
At brunch, at my favorite restaurant with my dear friends.
What's your favourite scent?
The cologne my husband always wears: Burberry.
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
I was Aladdin last year.
To whom would you like to say sorry?
Sorry and thank you to all the horses who were so patient with me as I learned how to ride.
What does love feel like for you?
The most familiar bed
When are you most relaxed?
After a successful day of riding, and a glass of Rosé in my hand.
What super power would you like to have?
To be invisible
When did you last cry, and why?
The other day watching an interview with a man who had lost his business due to the corona virus. Heartbreaking.
When were you closest to death?
I was in the hospital for a bacterial infection years ago that almost went systemic. I’ve never been so grateful to be healthy again.
How do you want to be remembered?
As kind
Related Links
Nick Wagman Withdraws Don John from 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Contention
Ots and Wagman Win Senior Titles at 2019 U.S. Dressage Championships
Nick Wagman Receives 2019 Patsy Albers Award
Nick Wagman and Ferano Sweep 2018 CDI-W Temecula Small Tour
KWPN Stallion Krack C to Anky van Grunsven