Corona Times: Hit & Run with Henri Ruoste

Interviews

Hit & Run

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.

Finnish Grand Prix rider Henri Ruoste began his professional career working for Katrin Bettenworth in Germany, followed by a stint in Great Britain with Kyra Kyrklund and Richard White. He then moved back to Germany and got trained by Patrik Kittel before getting the opportunity to work with horse dealer Jochen Arl. Arl supplied Ruoste with a steady string of top horses since then. Henri has competed for Finland at the 2013 European Championships in Herning and 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam. Since 2015 he lives with his partner Senta Kirchhoff at her facility Gut Bertingloh in Menden.

Hit & Run - Henri Ruoste

What is your earliest memory?

Must be my brother and me playing in snow in Finland.

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

I admire many people, people who try and do their best every single day where ever they are, what ever they do.

When were you the happiest?

I’m lucky to have many things to be happy about in my daily life, seeing my son being happy, healthy and playful makes every day the best day.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing people I love

What was your first thought today?

Sadness, my grandmother passed away last night (23 April).

What is your most annoying character trait?

In sport I’m always trying to do things better and better and better and better and better, in private life there must be many..

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Dishonesty

What is your dearest possession?

I’m not in possession of my family and friends, but they are the dearest to me!

If you look into the future, what do you see?

Hopefully everyone’s life’s getting back to normal as soon as possible after all what’s happening in the world now.

What makes you unhappy?

I’m not that easily unhappy, disappointed for a moment though.

What is the love of your life?

My wife and my son.

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

I don’t know yet as I hope to live long, but so far I’m very happy that I came to Germany and started my business. I’ve met and worked with great people along the way some who have become life long friends, had the opportunity to work with some amazing horses, and met my wife!

What's your guilty pleasure?

A milk chocolate coated mint truffle called “Patkis” from a Finnish company Fazer. Everyone should try it!

What do you owe your parents?

Everything, like us all.

Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?

My family and friends.

What was the worst job you ever did?

I don’t think I’ve ever had a “bad” job, you live and learn.

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

No disappointments, just lessons learnt. When someone tells you "we don’t need a contract," you can trust my word, make one!

What would you change if you can go back into the past?

It’s always easy to be wise in retrospect, but I’m happy with all the choices I’ve made!

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

Apart from the obvious at the moment, sunshine every day, rain in the night..

What is your biggest achievement?

Hopefully it lies ahead of me..

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

Try to treat others like you would like them to treat you. And there are no problems in life, just different solutions.

Where would you like to be right now?

We are in a lucky position to be able to work and live relatively normal in these times, and not be stuck in an apartment somewhere. I’m where I would like to be!

What's your favourite scent?

Fresh nature after rain.

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

Deadpool

To whom would you like to say sorry?

To whomever feel like I should say sorry to them, for what ever reason ever.

What does love feel like for you?

When our son looks at my wife or me with unconditionally loving eyes.

When are you most relaxed?

I’m mostly very laid back, but I can’t relax that easy.

What super power would you like to have?

Definitely time travel, would not mind going back in time an try and close down a few markets in China.

When did you last cry, and why?

Don’t cry easily nor often, this morning after receiving the news of my grandmother.

When were you closest to death?

I would not know as luckily I did not get too close, but hopefully never.

How do you want to be remembered?

I try to live my life as good as I can, everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion.