Horse Tales with Cat
An equestrian podcast for amateur riders, about amateur riders and professional riders and everything in between.
Catherine Shearon dives into conversations with equestrians from all angles of the horse world, to speak about topics that have never been discussed in equestrian interviews. Hear not just about how riders get started in their career, but about mental health struggles, overcoming confidence issues, the ins and outs of running a business, and more!
Come on this ride with us!
Horse Tales with Cat
Episode 35- Pieter deBrabandere - Honest, humble , hungry and hopeful
When Pieter deBrabandere moved to the US to ride for Maarten Huygens in July 2024 his goal was simple- back to basics and focus on his riding.
He never expected to look back on the year and see all the firsts he accomplished - first time riding for Belgium on a Nations Cup Team, first time winning a $75,000 Grand Prix in Saugerties and finishing in the top 12 at his first 5* Grand Prix. He expresses authentic surprise at his own success.
Those in his camp however are not surprised as he has a natural calm and confidence in his ride ( a gift he thought he might have lost over the years) and is exceptionally accurate in his eye.
I was struck most by his humility and hesitancy to state his goals (lest they might not be realized) and touched by how he shared his doubts and fears .
He ultimately is hopeful he will achieve his dreams but is not married to a timeline. It was refreshing to speak with someone coming up through the ranks who is committed to developing and learning to be the best rider he can to bring out the best in his mounts.