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?
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