Interview with Mel Thijssen: Growing Into Greatness

At just 22 years old, Dutch show jumper Mel Thijssen has already established herself as one of the most exciting talents on the international circuit. We caught up with her during the Morocco Royal Tour in Tetouan, where she spoke candidly about her journey, her horses, and the mindset that keeps her going.

A Natural Path Into Riding

Mel was born into a family where horses were always present, yet she insists her path to professional show jumping wasn’t mapped out from the start.

“It was not really one moment,” she recalls. “I kinda grew into it. We were never forced to ride horses. My mom and dad always tried to keep it fun with the ponies.”

It wasn’t until her junior years that she realized she could truly compete at the top. Winning her first Dutch Junior Championship was a turning point:

“I never thought I could actually do it. But to get through the whole championship and win gave me the belief that, yes, I can actually do this.”

Building Trust, Horse by Horse

For Mel, success in the arena is inseparable from the bond she builds with each horse.

“Each horse is different. Some need more rest, some need more work. The most important thing is to just be with your horse—take them out, put them on grass, spend time. Once your horse sees you as their person, that’s when real trust begins.”

Her philosophy in training echoes this balance between hard work and rest.

“Like humans, horses need time off. If we work, we need days to recover. When they’re willing to work, they improve.”

Dream Horses and a Strong String

When asked about her dream horse, Mel smiles.

“My dream horse? I already have them. For me, the mindset is the most important. Character is more important than scope. A horse with character and will always gives you more.”

Currently, she rides a promising group, including Juice, who has already proven herself at Nations Cups, and Arnold, another exciting partner. She also works with several younger horses in development, each offering a different kind of promise.

“Juice has been amazing this year, even if we had some bad luck in Falsterbo. We’re rebuilding the confidence together. And Arnold is really showing his qualities as he steps up.”

Lessons from the Young Riders Academy

Mel was part of the Young Riders Academy program, which she credits with broadening her perspective.

“They’ve helped me a lot. We had discussions with FEI officials, stewards—you name it. It was about developing yourself as a rider but also improving the sport. It gave me the resources I needed, mentally and practically, for both me and the horses.”

Handling Setbacks

Show jumping is as much about resilience as it is about talent. Mel doesn’t shy away from admitting how she processes disappointment.

“First cry, I guess,” she says with a laugh. “But then you accept it. You take a step back, look at your horse and yourself, and find the confidence again. Horses aren’t motorbikes—you can’t just push harder. You need a new plan, and patience.”

Looking Ahead

When asked where she sees herself in five years, Mel is both ambitious and grounded.

“My goal is to get to the five-star level and stay consistent there—not just one good year and then one bad one. Someday, maybe I’ll run my own stable, but for now I’m very happy at my dad’s.”

Life Beyond the Arena

Riding takes most of her time, but Mel treasures moments outside the horse world.

“Honestly, just hanging out with friends. I don’t really have other hobbies. This sport is my work and my hobby. When I’m with my friends, that’s when I switch off.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Finally, Mel shares what she would tell a young rider dreaming of reaching her level:

“Keep trying. Accept setbacks, listen to everyone, and try again. You’re going to fall, but you have to get up. And especially with horses, you need patience. Never give up.”

In Tetouan, Mel Thijssen showed not only her talent in the saddle but also the maturity and wisdom of a rider determined to grow steadily. With her mindset, patience, and unwavering connection to her horses, the future promises much more from this rising Dutch star.

Interview conducted by Alessandra Ceserani written by Valentina Sozzi

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