Rowi Pille is a twenty-one-year-old dressage rider from Julianadorp in the Netherlands, who combines competing at Small Tour with her physiotherapy studies in Amsterdam. Much of her time is spent at the stables near Alkmaar with her horse and best friend, Napoleon, but she also manages to fit an impressive amount into life away from the saddle. Alongside her studies, Rowi teaches first-year physiotherapy students, gives riding lessons, works as a FitCoach and even finds time for the occasional babysitting job.
main image courtesy of Savannah van Rijn Photography
What does a typical week look like for you and your horse?
image courtesy of Maaike Fotografee
My one and only horse is Napoleon (Just Wimphof x Kennedy) I call him Snappie, he is 8 years old and we’ve been together since he was almost 4. We’ve been through everything together. Our main focus is dressage, but we love to do other things, like bareback, jumping (pretty high for us), forest rides. You can find me at the stables every day! Even for just a cuddle. We train five to six times per week, and I try to keep it varied, training, lunging, walking and just some grooming and cuddling. I’ll always try to schedule Snappie first, besides study, and the rest must fit around him. We are always working on the basics, and from there we build further and higher up.
How did horses come into your life?
Well, I’ve tried almost every sport you know. Since I’m blind on my left eye, I can’t see depth or distance, this made ball sports or gymnastics hard for me. Then my mom took me to a friend with a horse and put me on top, I was just seven years old and that was it. I have always liked horses, but it became more serious. I started riding at the riding school and lucky little me got her first pony soon after. I’ve always done jumping and dressage, but way more dressage because of my eye. I ride with more feeling than most people do, simply because I just can’t see it.
Who have you trained with?
I try to train with my current trainer Coen once a week, but before that I’ve also have had the best trainers I could wish for. Due to a lack of time and distance I chose someone who was able to come to the stables to train with us, Coen gives his all and is super motivated.
Before that I trained with Astrid, we were at the same stable and got together for two plus years, she knows me and Snappie like no other. I’ve also trained with Danielle Van Mierlo, she is an inspiration to me because she lets her horses be a horse.
What do you love about dressage?
Rowi and Napoleon on their international debut. image courtesy of Lukasz Kowalski
I love the bond you build since you must do everything as little as possible to make it look effortless. You ‘start learning a new language, which is pretty amazing.
Can you share some of your highlights?
Participating with Napoleon at CDIY Aachen Youngstars, Christmas Edition. The journey I’ve had with Snappie so far. From just saddle broken to where we are now. I trained my former pony Dreimalhoch St (Aka Don Juan – Doonie) from just saddle broken to the highest level. Being able to represent the Netherlands. And one of our biggest was coming second during our international debut during the team- and individual test
Your biggest challenge?
The moment my former horse Muchacho N.C. passed away at just 3 years old, at the same time we were about to sell my pony Dreimalhoch S. That was a really dark period in my life, losing the ones I love the most.
A horse that hold a special place in your heart?
Muchacho N.C. aka Mac
What do you think it takes to build a strong bond with a horse ?
Rowi and Napoleon at CDIY Aachen Youngstars
I think it is important to really see the horse, listen to it. Don’t just ride and let someone else do all the other stuff. Be together, do different things together and get to know each other. Show them you love them, give them the feeling of trust even when you can’t fully trust them yet. Build that bond together. Take the time, enjoy the little moments which will become big, (think of being able to lay down with your horse as you arrive in his nap time.
What have horses taught you?
They’ve shaped my life. You don’t need to speak the same language to communicate, use your body, your feelings and mind, listen and connect. Most important which I’m still learning is that you need to live in the moment.
Your future aspirations?
I want the bond between Snappie and me get even stronger, grow more towards each other and gain the trust and show the love. In the sport I would like to show the best that is possible of us two together.
Your Top Tip
Work together! Take time while tacking up, grooming and even on their days off, go to the stables, give them a brush and some food. Connect.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
There is a thin line between telling the horse what to do and listening to them and what they are willing to give, know the difference.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My parents for sure!! My brother is not the biggest fan of horses, but he will always be there for me.
The whole team around Snappie, the farrier, veterinarian, my trainer, his physiotherapist and the people at the stables who take care of him when I’m studying or at work. The people who have been there a long time and always keep an eye on him when they’re at the stables.