Q&A WITH JEAN BEMELMANS

Jean Bemelmans is a world-renowned Belgian-born dressage trainer who moved to Germany at the age of 17. He achieved the title of Reitmeister, an honour given to those who have successfully trained over 50 horses to International Grand Prix level.

Bemelmans also served as the National Trainer for the Spanish Team, leading them to team silver at the 2002 World Championships, the 2003 European Championships, and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Educated in the classical German training method, Bemelmans is known for his open-minded approach to training, prioritising the needs and character of the horse to develop them as happy athletes. He emphasises flexibility in coaching, adjusting his methods to match the personalities and requirements of both horses and riders, whether training at home or at competitions.

Jean Bemelmans is admired for his contributions to the dressage community, including training videos and participation in conventions, where he shares his extensive knowledge and experience.

ProSeries hosted clinics in South Africa with Jean Bemelmans earlier this year, and HQ was lucky enough to send him a few short questions to learn more about his philosophy and methods.

HQ: You were educated within the classical German system. In your view, what does ‘classical dressage’ truly mean in today’s sport?

JB: Classical dressage is about fairness and welfare. It is practised through the correct gymnasticising of our horses for the work they do.

⁠HQ: You have trained more than 50 horses to International Grand Prix. What, in your experience, separates a talented young horse from one that can genuinely reach Grand Prix?

JB: Talent is one part but it must be combined with three good gaits and a real willingness to perform.

HQ: When you sit on a horse for the first time, what are you feeling for before you begin to influence or correct anything?

JB: For the first time, you just ride, and slowly you try to discover temperament and the quality of the gaits before you ask them for any real work.

HQ: You are known for adapting your methods to the personality of each horse. How do you assess a horse in the first few sessions? And what are the signs that the training method is not working for a particular horse?

JB: I try to go carefully step by step. I try not to make mistakes and upset the horse as less is more, particularly at the beginning. Later, once you know your partner (horse), you can begin to try to correct the parts that need work and see how much these can really be corrected. The horse tells you what is difficult and what he doesn’t like, and that shapes how you train him.

⁠HQ: Having coached at both amateur and Olympic level, what distinguishes a top rider from an average rider?

JB: The best rider has body control of himself and always tries to be critical first with himself before he criticises his horses.

HQ: When working in countries with developing dressage systems, such as South Africa, do you adjust your system?

JB: I have a clear view of what I want to see. Correct riding is the goal, whether riders are at a novice or more advanced level. The principles are always the same.

HQ: With the increasing scrutiny around welfare in elite dressage, where do you believe the sport must improve, and where do you think it is sometimes unfairly criticised?

JB: It is often unfairly criticised by people from the outside who do not have enough horse knowledge. Having said this, we do have the responsibility to be fair with our horses and only enter competitions when we have completed proper education at home, and the horse feels ready.

HQ: If you could leave riders here with one guiding principle for producing horses that are both successful and happy athletes, what would it be?

JB: My advice would be to work on yourself to learn to control your body and mind so that you are able to be the best rider you can for your horse.

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Quick fire questions:

HQ: What is one dressage term you believe many riders misunderstand?

JB: Contact

HQ: What is the quality you value most in a rider?

JB: Fairness

HQ: What is the quality you value most in a horse?

JB: Willingness to work

HQ: Three words that define good dressage

JB: Correct, happy picture.