Among the celebrities of planetary dressage, Jan Bememlmans is the name everyone has heard in their lives. Even if they are not strictly insiders. That’s because Bemelmans has been at the top practically forever. Excellent trainer, excellent communicator, with an empathetic but rigorous approach, he has worked with several European teams and is highly regarded in the States and Australia… In short, a sought-after coach. And yet he accepted Dressage.it’s invitation to answer our questions.
What does dressage mean to you?
«Dressage is the language we use to communicate with our horses and dressage means also sport and gymnastics to keep our horses fit and healthy».
When did you meet dressage and when you decided it would have had such an important role in your life?
«In fact I met dressage first in jumping, looking as a boy at riders like Alwin Schockemöhle riding and controlling their horses. Later I wanted a life with horses which could make my passion for horses as a job».
Going to more technical matters, could you describe what in your opinion makes a winning dressage horse? And a winning dressage rider?
«A winning dressage horse needs correct walk, trot, canter. Talent for piaffe and passage at Grand Prix level. Very important: the willingness to work has to be there. A dressage rider needs fitness and good body control and be patient and have a good understanding of his horses character».
Breeding vs training… which aspect is more important when considering a dressage prospect?
«Both are important: more quality you have the easier is the training. The training is a welfare combination out of work gymnastic, understanding of the horse and control. Horse has to be like a partner; he is the one who gives what you wish from him».
Talking about judges… How to improve relationship with them and how can they contribute for a better training?
«Relationship with judges is based on a fair and respectful communication from both sides without any emotions. Judges should give an expertise of what they see in the test They are responsible to give the direction of what dressage should be. They have a very important role. In fact they are responsible for the development of our sport. Through communication amongst judges, riders and trainers there could be a close partnership».
Would you summarize for us yours dressage principles?
«Following the training Scale. Having fun on the daily work and be aware that perfection does not exist».
What is the weird/funny story that happened to you in the dressage world?
«I was 17 years old riding my first competition: a combination of jumping and dressage in Germany. Coming from small country (Belgium) and then becoming junior champion of the region!!!».
Your dressage horse of a life-time?
«Angelino!!! Came to us at 4 years old. Later I won from A to S level, then I could win over 20 Gr Prix with him and being listed in German A squad. That changed my life. One horse could change our life and give it another direction».
Your favorite rider, excluding yourself, and why?
«Admire all hard working horse people who also try to learn from their horses».
Your dressage trainer of a life-time?
«Mr Robert Schmidke, a Riding Master. From him I learnt, about dressage riding, but later you have to develop your own system, you cannot be the copy of someone else. I worked for Mr Schmidke for 5 years and there I learnt also a lot about managing a stable and how to communicate with Clients».
Where are you based now? What are your plans for the future?
«I am based in Krefeld – Germany. In my future plan I hope to stay healthy and work with horses, but I also wish to have some free time, doing nothing and enjoying my life».
