It was a competition containing all the ingredients of drama and surprise that make team jumping such a crowd-pleaser. When Belgium came out on top in the penultimate leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Hickstead in late July, it took a three-way jump-off to decide the result. Hero of the day at the iconic British venue was Pieter Devos who, last to go against the clock, showed exactly why Belgian chef d’équipe Dirk Demeersman placed his faith in him. Pieter calls his trainer Demeersman his “rock in competition;” this time, it was the other way around.
Pieter Devos is ranked 49th in the world and is not exactly a household name, even in his own little country. In fact, it is entirely possible that he may be even more familiar to the 50,000-plus Canadians who turned out to watch his unlikely win in the $1-million CN International at the Spruce Meadows Masters tournament two years ago. He was 27, it was his first time competing in Calgary, the field included seven of the world’s top ten riders, and he and his CN International mount, Candy, had crashed earlier in the week.
That victory set him up well and since then there have been more with a number of five-star horses – Candy, Dream of India Greenfield (GCT Shanghai Grand Prix), and his European Championship mount, Dylano.
Pieter’s nature and abundance of energy are channeled into making a success of both his show jumping career and his family’s extensive fruit exporting business.
How did you get started with horses?
My parents were into riding and horses as a hobby. There wasn’t much of an infrastructure. When my brother Wouter and I were really young we got a pony and as we grew up we went from one level to the next, from ponies to juniors to young riders. I always made my own horses, though. I’m proud of that. Even Candy, the horse I won the $1-million with, I brought on and trained. I started from zero and worked my way up.
Can you identify a turning point in your career?
When I was a young rider, Lucien Sommers, the national coach, asked me to ride on the senior team. Up until that point I really liked riding, but I wasn’t sure I was going to make it my vocation. It was such a honour to be recognized. Up until that point I had been knocking every now and again at the gate of top-class sport. This time it opened.
Were sacrifices made along the way?
Sure. When I was young and going to school and my friends were going out having a good time, I usually had to train. There was no time to do other things. But it was my decision and I’m happy I made it.
How do you combine the horses with your family business?
My focus now is really on the sport while I am still young. However, I am really fortunate that I can continue as commercial director in the family fruit company and compete. We work altogether as a family and have the right people working with us so I can still do my part in the business and ride five horses a day [depending on the time of the year and the show schedule]. We built a new stable two years ago in order to build up the horse business. We breed and bring on young horses to sell. There are 40 on the yard including my 10 or so competition horses. My girlfriend Caroline (Poels) runs the stables and does a tremendous amount of the work, therefore allowing me the time to combine my two passions.
What effect did winning the CN International at the Spruce Meadows Masters have on your career?
I had been riding on the team a few years, but winning the CN really opened up the doors to the bigger shows for me. Once you get in the door you are better-known and you have all the opportunities to earn ranking points, and those points are the springboard to the top and then you can go everywhere. It was a big, big win for me – and I must say, a little unexpected!
Horsepower aside, to reach the top of any sport you must be ultra-competitive by nature, but is there another ingredient that gives you an edge?
For me it’s the feeling that you either have it or you don’t – you can’t learn it. It’s in you. Since I have always trained my horses myself, I would say I am quite adaptable to a wide range of different horses. I don’t have one set system. I recognize the quality of the horse and try to exploit it to the fullest. Horsemanship is getting more and more important. Horses must be happy or they won’t perform for you.
How would you (or your family) describe your character?
They would say I was a perfectionist. I’m not very easy to satisfy. I’ve also been called a bundle of energy. I don’t know why, but I have a lot of energy. I think that’s why I’m so skinny!
With so many lovely show grounds on the international circuit, can you name a favourite?
It used to be Aachen, but my winning in Spruce Meadows changed that! Seriously, both have great memories. Jumping clear for the team in Aachen last year to win the Nations Cup was a beautiful day.
What’s your favourite food?
Steak and frites – but I also like Italian food.
Where would you most like to go that you haven’t been?
I would really like to go to the Olympics! But first we have to qualify.
