Carolien Reverdink
Instruction
Teaches classes on Tuesday evenings and Thursday evenings
Hi, I'm Carolien Reverdink and I've been the dressage instructor on Tuesday evenings for over four years. I'm really enjoying myself and have an enthusiastic and very nice group to work with. I live in Arnhem with my boyfriend Jeroen and my dog Bink.
I have competed in Grand Prix events and also internationally with various horses. In addition, I have won several prestigious regional and Dutch titles. I currently have one horse, Jungle Book Time, who is stabled in Lathum.
I am training him gently and the plan is to get back into the ring. Jungle was bred by my parents, which makes him extra special.
Something that sounds funny now but wasn't at all at the time is:
I competed in the Dutch Championships with my E-pony Debbi. The week before, I had seen my great example Leida Collins ride a beautiful test in which she rode deep into the corner in the counter canter. I wanted to do that too. So I practiced it a lot throughout the week. So in my test, I rode deep into the corner, but I was looking down and couldn't see how deep I was riding into the corner... I steered him so deep into the corner that I sent him straight towards the fence and my pony jumped out of the course 😟.
I was so angry with myself. Immediately after leaving the track, I jumped off my pony and ran away as fast as I could. The pony stood there obediently until someone picked him up. I thought to myself, I mustn't take my frustration out on my pony. Once I had calmed down, I went back. The lesson learned: I will never look down again, but always straight ahead.
Carolien Reverdink
