"The best of 2017 would have to be the Nations Cup in Aachen, the Europeans in Gothenburg and for sure Spruce Meadows!

For me Spruce is the best show, the people at this place are always friendly, helpful and nice and everything is top organized! We have everything for the horses and they like the place too! To win one Major again is something I cannot describe in any words – I am so proud of Convall and Philipp! 

The horse of the year I think is HH Azur, winning all rounds at the World Cup Final in Omaha is an amazing story around a fantastic team.

The rider of the year would have to be Philipp Weishaupt, he can ride so many different horses and become a really good team with them in a short time. He likes what he is doing and I think the horses feel well to have him as their rider. 

I would choose Denise Moriarty, who works for Kent Farrington, as the groom of the year. It doesn't matter how much stress or pressure she has, she is always friendly and nice to her horses and the people around her. And she is always organized!" 

"My best memories from 2017 would be Christian’s two victories with Caribis Z, in Hong Kong and St. Tropez. Christian rode crazy, took all the risks he could and Caribis played the game and gave his everything to be clear... That was unbelievable, I still have goose bumps when I think about it!

Even if we had a few great results, we had an unlucky year… Still, the best rider and team – for sure I would like to say Christian. He is not only a super rider, but also funny to work with and a great horse man.

If you look at the results, without any hesitation, the team of the year by far is Harrie, Don VHP Z and Alex! They were constantly successful, but anyway stayed the same; discreet and kept their feet on the ground. They are real professionals and great horsemen.

The show of the year has to be Geneva... Everything is done to help riders, horses and grooms. The people there are super nice, really helpful and the working conditions are easy for us. Also, the arenas are nice and the ambience is super – and last but not least, the food is good!" 

"I must say I had a lot of highlights this year with my rider, first the World Cup Final with Pret a Tout, then the Europeans in Gothenburg and also the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

There are a lot of new shows what I've seen this year, but the top was the win at the Nations Cup in Aachen. The atmosphere, the team and support of everyone made it special and I was amazed to be a part of it.

There have been so many shows and so many horses this year, so I have to say for horse of the year there are two horses for me: Casall because how he ended his career, it was impressive that he won the LGCT Grand Prix of Hamburg and then was retired straight after.  Then I must say Don VHP Z also, because he is a clear round machine!

The rider of the year is Harrie Smolders, because he won so much and is every time there for a fast, clear round.

For the groom of the year I have to say every one of us who had to do Global Tours, Nations Cups, Europeans and then the World Cup season, because it was a long and hard year, but impressive – on every level."