The Dutch Equestrian Federation has announced Harrie Smolders as their 2023 Rider of the Year. Smolders also won the title in 2017 and 2018, and joins Jos Lansink and Gerco Schröder on the list of riders who have received the prestigious award three times. 

The decisive factor for the committee electing Smolders as Rider of the Year was his overall victory in the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour, which brought his annual win money above € 1,500,000. Highlights in Smolders’ 2023 performances include a win in the CSIO5* 1.60m Grand Prix of St. Gallen, as well as in the CSI5* 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck – both with Uricas v/d Kattevennen. Furthermore, with Monaco N.O.P., Smolders finished 2nd in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Omaha, 2nd in the CSI5* 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix of Paris, 2nd in the CSI5* 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix of Monte Carlo, as well as 3rd in the CSI5* 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix of La Coruna. 

Smolders will receive his award this coming Friday, during The Dutch Masters in Den Bosch.