Interview with Jos Verlooy: Career, Horses and Future Goals

The Belgian rider shares insights into his journey in international show jumping, the influence of his family, and what lies ahead.

Early beginnings: from football to horses

“I was practically born around horses,” says Jos Verlooy, 29, from Belgium.
Despite coming from a family deeply rooted in the equestrian world, his first passion was elsewhere:

“As a kid, I played football like most boys my age. It was only later, when my parents encouraged me to try riding, that things changed. After a few wins, I felt motivated to continue—and over time, I developed a real passion for the sport.”

The shift came gradually but with conviction: “As I got more involved, I naturally started spending more time in the equestrian world. I made new friends, and it just became part of my life.”

Family support and early exposure

Growing up in a professional horse environment gave Jos a strong foundation:
“My parents’ support was essential. They passed on a level of knowledge and experience that would usually take years to develop. Thanks to them, I was able to reach a high level early in my career.”

His family continues to play an active role: “My father is still very involved, especially when it comes to selecting the right horses. We share a clear vision of what kind of path we want to take.”

Developing horses: patience and progression

Much of Verlooy’s daily work revolves around young horses—a process that takes time and precision:
“I often work with younger horses, guiding them gradually toward a higher level. Some stay with me for competition, while others follow different paths depending on their development.”

Competitions, too, are part of a broader cycle: “Every show is a chance to test what we’ve worked on at home. It’s also an opportunity to observe, learn, and stay sharp.”

What the modern sport demands

In recent years, the technical standards of show jumping have evolved, reshaping what riders look for in a horse:
“Today, speed and carefulness are more important than raw power. The fences are lighter, the distances tighter, and everything’s more technical. A slow horse, even a powerful one, will struggle to be competitive.”

For Verlooy, a horse’s ability to read the course and stay mentally present is crucial: “You need a horse that’s sharp, responsive, and mentally with you every step of the way.”

Horses that shaped his journey

Throughout his career, Jos has been fortunate to ride some standout horses.
“The first that really marked a turning point was Domino. I won my first Grand Prix in Los Angeles with him at 18. That win introduced me to the top level.”

Then came Caracas: “He had so much energy. I won in Rotterdam and Mexico with him. He was the kind of horse that needed support and motivation in the ring.”

One of the most meaningful partnerships, though, was with Igor: “We won the European team gold and individual bronze in Rotterdam. He was completely different—he needed absolute precision. You couldn’t improvise. Everything had to be perfect.”

Each horse contributed in a different way: “Domino gave me confidence, Caracas taught me how to fight, and Igor helped me grow as a technical rider. They each left their mark.”

Looking ahead: building the next generation

Among the horses currently in the stable, one in particular stands out:
“Renshaw is an eight-year-old I have high hopes for. He’s developing well and has already shown great potential. We’ll have to see how things unfold, but he’s the kind of horse that naturally makes you think long term.”

And long term, the goal is clear: “It’s still early, but I do have Los Angeles in mind for him. You need goals—even if they feel far away.”

Competitive focus and short-term plans

After spending the past two years developing younger horses, Verlooy is now shifting back into high-level competition:
“I haven’t done as many big shows recently because I was working on the younger ones, but this year feels different. I have a strong group again, and I’m aiming to return to Nations Cups and test their progress at that level.”

His approach is measured and focused: “It’s about building steadily and making decisions based on how the horses are growing. They dictate the pace.”

Striking a balance between development and ambition

Verlooy approaches his profession with clarity and adaptability:
“You never stop learning in this sport. Every horse challenges you in a different way. It forces you to adjust, rethink, improve. Things don’t always go according to plan—you have to be ready to start over when needed.”

It’s a pragmatic mindset, shaped by experience, where competitive ambition goes hand in hand with an awareness of timing, patience, and long-term thinking. Each season, regardless of results, becomes an opportunity to refine, observe, and grow.

Valentina Sozzi

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