"Arc and I grew up together, it's very special to have him from a foal."

Rider: Frank Schuttert

1. What makes Arc de Triompe so special to you?
“Arc de Triomphe is very special to me because we have had him since foal. When I was only sixteen I, the then five-year-old Arc, started driving myself. We actually grew up together. Arc is tall with his 1.75m and as a young horse it took a while before he was 'finished'. However, the successes soon came. We won the Vion Cup in both the six- and seven-year-olds and have had many international successes since then. I am very happy with him.”

2. What's the best thing you've experienced with Arc de Triomphe so far?
“That we became champions of the Netherlands in both the six- and seven-year-olds. One of the things I don't forget is that in 2014 we won the 1.50m in Maastricht. That was great, it was on the Saturday night and the stands were packed. It's great to win as a Dutchman in your own country with a very fast jump-off. Also the win in the 1.50m in Münster and the second place at the CSI3* in Varberg in Sweden were great! †

3. What is Arc de Triomphe like?
“Arc de Triomphe is a very easy horse. He is super calm and sweet in the stable.”

4. How is he to drive?
“It is an uncomplicated horse to ride. At home I don't jump much with him. He has a lot of experience and knows the game. I regularly go into the forest. At competitions I ride it quietly in the morning and try to peak at the right time during such a week. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.”

5. What are your plans with Arc de Triomphe?
“Arc has been and continues to be of great value to me internationally. He is now twelve and I hope he will last a while. The nine-year-old Chianti's Champion is becoming my best horse at the moment, but at this level you really need several horses. Arc de Triomphe and Winchester are still performing well at the highest level.”

6. Why do you advise people to buy a foal at the Prinsjesdag auction?
“The organization of the Prinsjesdag auction is very professional and highly regarded. Very well-bred foals are offered, many of which have now also proven themselves at the highest level.”

read HERE the interview with breeder Fred van Straaten.

read HERE the interview with buyer and owner Jan Schuttert.