Galloping to Greatness: Sanne Thijssen’s Journey from Pony Rides to Podium Finishes

Sanne Thijssen has rapidly become one of show jumping’s most exciting young talents, captivating audiences with her fearless riding and undeniable passion for the sport. Despite her age, she’s already achieved impressive victories on the international stage. We caught up with Sanne at the Sunshine Tour to discuss her journey, her relationship with her horses, and what drives her to keep pushing boundaries.

A Legacy in the Making

For Sanne, riding horses wasn’t just a hobby—it was practically in her DNA. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the equestrian world, it would have been easy to assume she was destined for success. But according to Sanne, her path wasn’t always so clear.

“Of course, I come from a horse family,” she begins. “Since I was a little kid, I started riding a Shetland pony. But at that time, I never actually realized if I was good enough or not. Riding ponies was just fun for me—I never saw it as more than my passion, something I loved but never thought I’d share with the world for the rest of my life.”

It wasn’t until she began diving deeper into the sport that her passion truly ignited. “The more I got into horses, the more I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life—sharing my passion and being with horses,” she says with a smile.

Building Bonds with Every Ride

One of the most impressive aspects of Sanne’s career is her ability to adapt to different horses, each with its own temperament and style. When asked how she handles such diversity, she explains that it all comes down to connection and intuition.

“It’s really important to feel what the horse needs,” she says. “Every horse is different—some need a lot of work, while others just need the freedom to be themselves. As a rider, you have to find a way to manage them the best you can without forcing anything.”

This instinct has proven crucial in building her partnership with Con Quidam, the horse that has been by her side since her teenage years. “I started with Con Quidam when he was seven and I was around fourteen or fifteen,” Sanne recalls. “We grew up together—competing in young rider championships and progressing to the 1.60m level. It wasn’t always easy, but we’ve shared some unforgettable moments.”

Together, Sanne and Con Quidam have achieved impressive results, including multiple five-star Grand Prix victories. Known for her daring jump-off strategies, Sanne confidently asserts, “When I feel like I couldn’t go faster, then nobody else can go faster.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Con Quidam gets older, Sanne knows it’s essential to prepare the next generation of champions. “At the moment, I have quite a lot of horses growing into the bigger level,” she shares. “That’s why I’m here at the Sunshine Tour—it gives me the opportunity to develop these horses and hopefully find a new star like Con Quidam.”

But for Sanne, it’s not just about her own success—she’s passionate about inspiring others, particularly young women in the sport. “Of course, I want to inspire the rest of the world, especially ladies,” she says. “And with Iron Dames, I have a big, big opportunity to do that—to inspire the young generation in the sport. It means a lot to me to be able to show that women can achieve greatness in show jumping.”

Staying Safe While Pushing Limits

Show jumping is not without risks, and Sanne understands the importance of safety. As a proud ambassador for Kep Italia‘s helmets, she emphasizes the value of reliable gear. “Safety is not just about how safe your horse is—it’s also about the protection you wear,” she explains. “Kep helmets are unbelievable. They fit perfectly, and I can wear them all day without feeling any discomfort. But when you need them for protection, they’re there.”

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Sanne’s goals remain ambitious yet grounded. “I always try to do my best and make the most out of every opportunity,” she says. “It’s not just about the big wins, but also about bringing up young horses and preparing them for the future.”

With her passion, dedication, and fearless spirit, Sanne Thijssen is undoubtedly a rising star to watch. As she continues to push the limits of her talent at the Sunshine Tour and beyond, one thing is clear: this journey is just getting started.

Valentina Sozzi | ph Morgan Froment ©

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