Biography

Harrie Smolders grew up with his parents and his sister in the small village of Lage-Mierde in Brabant. Horses have been playing a part in his life right from childhood. His father has always been a horse-lover, keen on both the breeding and the jumping kind. Harrie was 8 years old when he started riding a pony. The reason was the impending sale of his sister’s pony. Harrie was certainly no hero in the beginning. The take-off boards had to be dug into the ground before Harrie would even consider risking a little jump. He was also a football fanatic up to the age of 16.

In his pony years Harrie managed to win several national titles in jumping, as well as in dressage and eventing.

Having obtained his Havo certificate, Harrie swapped Brabant for Meppel in Drente at the age of 18. For more than 4 years he rode for the stable of former European champion Johan Heins. Here he got a lot of experience in coaching gifted young horses. In 2002 Harrie made the switch-over to the stable of Axel Verlooy.
Harrie lives together with his girlfriend Inge and his little sons Pim and Siep in Lage-Mierde and commutes every day to the Belgian town of Grobbendonk where the stable is settled.

Harrie and his team worked real hard to build an international sporting career. Pushing like this has gained that Harrie for more than 10 years belong to the top 25 of the world. Harrie was in 2018 for 8 months the number 1 of the world ranking! Harrie participate serveral European- and World Champions, Olymic Games and World Cup Finals.

Below a summary of Harrie Smolders’ major achievements 
Goteburg World Cup Final 2de Emerald
Individuele finale Olympische Spelen Rio met Emerald
European championship Gotenburg with Don VHP Z, zilver medal
Overall winner Global Champions Tour 2017 
Overall winner Global Champions League 2017
8 months number 1 of the world ranking 2018

» click here for a complete list of Harrie Smolders’ international performances