Meeting Mans Thijssen at the Morocco Royal Tour

We met Mans Thijssen, a rising talent from the Netherlands, during the Morocco Royal Tour yesterday in Tetouan, at the opening stage of the 2025 circuit. The tour begins with a CSI 4* event also counting for the World Cup and will continue in Rabat and El Jadida, featuring the prestigious Nations Cup.

First Impressions of Tetouan

For Mans, this was not his first time in Tetouan but his second, after competing here three years ago. His impressions of the venue were very positive: “The show is really beautiful. The arenas, the warm-up rings, the training areas — everything is in great condition and it’s a pleasure to compete here,” he said.

Committed to the Morocco Royal Tour

The Dutch rider confirmed that he will compete in all three stages of the Morocco Royal Tour, including the Nations Cup in Rabat. For this circuit, he brought five horses: three top mounts for the CSI4* classes up to 1.55m, and two younger horses, six and seven years old, for the CSI1*. Two of them are home-bred, underlining how central breeding is to his family’s philosophy. “For us, breeding is essential,” Mans explained. “We try to create our own horsepower with good mares and stallions, instead of always having to buy.”

Horses Close to His Heart

When asked about the horses that have marked his career, Mans mentioned three names very dear to him. Charlie, now retired, was the horse that helped him take his first steps at the bigger levels. Hello and Joviality were the ones that brought him into the five-star circuit and gave him his first international wins.

Among them, Hello holds a special place: “He’s a stallion with everything you want — quality, scope, agility. But he also has a very strong character, he’s truly one of a kind. Sometimes my father rides him to help me out, because he can be difficult. But every top horse has a strong personality, and that’s what makes them special.”

Growing Up in a Family of Riders

Although he is the son of Leon Thijssen, Mans stresses that he was never forced to ride. “As a child, I didn’t like riding at all. I even stopped for a few years. Around twelve or thirteen I picked it up again, but my father was clear: if you want to ride, you have to do it properly, not once a week. From then on I started in the 1.20 and 1.30 classes, and I never stopped.”

Working in a family stable, he admits, comes with both advantages and challenges: “It can be very good, but sometimes also difficult. In the end, though, we manage well and get along.”

Goals and Philosophy

Mans already has experience at five-star shows, but he is aiming higher. His next goals are to compete in a 5* Nations Cup and to win a 5* Grand Prix. He knows the journey requires sacrifices, but he embraces the lifestyle. “It’s not a normal job you can just put aside. Horses need you every day. No holidays, very little free time. But the passion makes it worth it.”

Advice for Young Riders

When it comes to guiding young riders, Thijssen emphasizes the importance of listening and surrounding oneself with the right people: “Don’t think you can do everything alone. Listen to the people around you, especially when you’re young and stubborn. Having the right people beside you makes all the difference.”

Idols

Beyond his parents, Mans cites Steve Guerdat as his greatest inspiration, both as a rider and as a true horseman.

Conclusion

With strong family roots, a growing string of home-bred horses, and results already placing him on the international stage, Mans Thijssen is a rider on the rise. With clear ambitions — Nations Cups and five-star Grand Prix victories — the Morocco Royal Tour marks another important step in a very promising career.

Valentina Sozzi – Ph Stefano Secchi

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