Corona Times: Hit & Run with Lars Petersen

Thu, 05/14/2020 - 22:10
Hit & Run
Lars Petersen training a student at the 2019 CDI Wellington :: Photo © Astrid Appels

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. 

Danish Grand Prix rider Lars Petersen is a professional dressage rider who competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he finished 12th. As the number one rider at Blue Hors stud he rode at the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome, won team bronze at the 1999 and 2001 European Dressage Championships and at the 2001 and 2002 World Cup Finals, all aboard Blue Hors Cavan. He won the Danish National Championships five times. In the 2000s he moved to the U.S.A. and made is return on the international arena with Marcia Pepper's Mariett. They went to the 2014 World Equestrian Games and 2015 World Cup Finals. Lars, who has now declared for the U.S.A., lives with his wife Melissa Taylor in Loxahatchee, Florida. He is currently head trainer for Blue Hors stud.

Hit & Run - Lars Petersen

What is your earliest memory? 

When I was 5 years old and got to drive my dad's work tractor

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

My mother. She is 77 years old and can work any young person to death

When were you the happiest?

When I am out in nature

What is your biggest fear?

Not being able to ride

What was your first thought today?

Daniel made a very dumb decision to leave Blue Hors

What is your most annoying character trait?

My perfectionism

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Laziness

What is your dearest possession?

My wife

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

I see myself retired in Montana with my wife

What makes you unhappy?

When people complain about small things

What is the love of your life?

My wife

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

Taking the job at Blue Hors

What's your guilty pleasure?

Red wine and Bourbon

What do you owe your parents?

Everything

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

Jennifer Aniston

What was the worst job you ever did?

Never did not like a single job I did

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

Not being home when my father died

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

Nothing

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

I love life as it is

What is your biggest achievement?

I am still trying to find it

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

Hard work brings you far, but still try to learn

Where would you like to be right now? 

Where I am

What's your favourite scent?

The forest

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

Donald Trump

To whom would you like to say sorry?

So many I can't name them all

What does love feel like for you?

Love feels warm and fuzzy like a new puppy

When are you most relaxed?

Having a drink while watching the tv at night

What super power would you like to have?

Figuring out how to make every horse get to Grand Prix

When did you last cry, and why?

Last night to a hallmark commercial

When were you closest to death?

Falling off Dacardo

How do you want to be remembered?

Stubborn and bald

Related Links
Lars Petersen to Train Blue Hors Stud Riders
Lars Petersen and Mariett, a Danish Duo Loving it American Style
Danish Olympian Lars Petersen Becomes a U.S. Citizen
Danish Lars Petersen Declares for the U.S.A.
Lars Petersen Withdraws as Danish Olympic Team Candidate
Lars Petersen and Melissa Taylor Got Married
Dream Dacardo
Lars Petersen Leaves LePow's Farm in Virginia, U.S.A., to move to Florida