Professional Grand Prix dressage rider Jamy Ummels was born and raised in Helmond, The Netherlands where she still lives. Twenty eight year old Jamy has been working for over seven years as a stable rider at dressage stable Brookhorses in Horst, where she train horses from a young age all the way up to Grand Prix level.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I ride many different horses, each with their own character and special qualities. At the moment, the youngest horse I ride is six years old and the oldest is fifteen. I think it’s fantastic that every horse has its own personality, and I always try to find the training approach that suits each horse best and gives them what they need to be happy, feel good, and perform at their best.
For me, a day at the stable is never really the same, but most of the time I’m busy with the horses and ride about 7–10 of them a day. In addition, I coach a few girls who help train the horses at our stable. I also give some lessons, although I have to admit I prefer just working with the horses myself.
How did horses come into your life and transpire to where you are now?
From a young age, I grew up around horses. When I was five years old, I went with my mother’s aunt to see her horses for the first time. I was allowed to ride a Shetland pony in the woods, and after just a few metres it started bucking and I immediately fell off. From that moment on, I was infected with the “horse virus.” I started riding a pony at the stable where the Shetland pony was kept, and after a few months my parents bought me my own pony. That’s where the whole adventure began.
The first pony I got was a naughty one… so after a while my parents decided that maybe this wasn’t the best match and chose to buy another pony for me! This one was the sweetest pony you could wish for, and I learned and experienced an incredible amount with it from riding in the woods and jumping to dressage competitions. After that, a number of other ponies followed as I grew taller. I had so much fun during my pony years!
As soon as I was old enough, I started working every free hour outside of school at a horse stable in Liessel, where I eventually worked full time until the end of 2018. I learned an incredible amount there, including about different disciplines within the sport. In 2018, I was offered a job at dressage stable Brookhorses, where I still work today and where I’ve continued to develop even further into the person and rider I am now. Over the past few years, I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities here, and I hope for many more great years to come.
Who have been your mentors?
During my pony years and up until the end of 2018, I trained a lot with Celly de Bruijn. She taught me the basics of riding and so much more! In the meantime, until a few years ago, I also trained with Inge Coenen, who eventually brought me to Brookhorses. I’m still very grateful to her for that! For almost four years now, I’ve been training with Remy Bastings. I’m very happy that I started training with him, and it’s wonderful to see how much both the horses and I have grown over the past years.
What do you love about dressage?
For me, dressage is more than just riding. It’s a connection. It’s about really understanding your horse and working together, where even the smallest details matter. It’s special to be able to teach an animal to understand us, to stay calm, and to move in harmony so we can dance together. And while we aim for perfection, we always keep in mind that every horse is different, and each one needs its own path and attention to reach the goal. It takes trust, patience, and love to make that partnership work. That quiet bond we build, that understanding without words, is what makes dressage so special and so close to my heart.
Most memorable moments?
For me, it’s never about a single moment. It’s about the journey. The rider I’ve become over the years, and the deep bonds I’ve built with so many horses. How we’ve worked side by side toward our goals, always keeping in mind what’s best for them, learning and growing together every step of the way. Every success, every small achievement, has been a true moment of joy, and I hope to experience many more like these in the years to come.
Dressage comes with challenges, what have been yours?
The world of dressage and horses is full of challenges, but it’s also full of joy and incredible moments. Working with horses and in the equestrian world isn’t always easy. Just as you overcome one obstacle, another may appear, but each step brings growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. For me, it’s so important to remember the love I have for these amazing animals, to stay true to myself, and to keep chasing my dreams with passion and excitement, even when things get tough. And no matter what, my love for the horses always guides me, inspires me, and fills every day with happiness.
What do you enjoy about competing and can you offer any advice?
What I love about competing isn’t just about the result. It’s about the journey. I love introducing young horses to the world of shows and watching them grow, ride by ride, gaining confidence and understanding with every step. It’s incredible to see the work we’ve done at home come alive in the arena. And I treasure the moments on show days themselves. The quiet time, the extra attention, the chance to strengthen our bond even more. Those moments are what make it all so special.
My advice to anyone competing, or thinking about it, is this: don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Stay true to who you are, set realistic goals, and let each ride and each competition teach you something new. Reflect, adjust, grow. Step by step, ride by ride, try to be the best version of yourself, and share that with your horse. That’s the real magic of this journey.
What do you think horses have taught you?
They’ve taught me that excellence is built through tiny improvements repeated daily. Dressage isn’t about big moments. It’s about consistency, feel, and trust developed over time. Working with horses has especially taught me patience and to trust the process, because real quality can’t be rushed. They constantly remind me to stay present, listen, and grow alongside them, and that’s something I truly value in my work every day.
Your Top Tip
Stay true to your dreams. Work hard, trust the process, and give it your heart. The rewards will follow in time.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to stay patient, work hard, and learn from your mistakes. Focus on what you can control, let go of what you can’t, and trust that dedication and consistency will always lead to growth and opportunities
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My parents have always been my greatest supporters, and I know they always will be. I’m deeply grateful to everyone at Team Brookhorses, my trainer, physio, farrier, vets, and all who help keep both the horses and me healthy, happy, and able to grow together.