Three wins in one week for Suraya Hendrikx in CDIO Lier Small Tour

With nearly 60 combinations lining up throughout the week, the Small Tour classes at CDIO Lier were among the busiest of the entire event. Riders from all over the world travelled to Azelhof, with many combinations using Lier as an important qualification opportunity for the upcoming Asian Games. In a field packed with quality and consistency, it was Belgium’s Suraya Hendrikx who managed to stand out day after day, claiming no less than three victories across the week with her horse Benicia.

“It has been a really nice week in Lier, although definitely a long one with such a big group of Small Tour combinations”, Suraya smiles afterwards. “I really tried to keep my horse as fresh as possible throughout the week, and I think that worked out well. She felt really good in all three tests and I’m happy I managed to keep that consistency. Hopefully we can continue this line into next week.”

Freestyle wasn’t the plan
Originally, riding the freestyle was not even part of the plan. “At first I didn’t really think I would ride the freestyle because of the long week”, she explains. “So I wasn’t completely prepared for it myself. But I have ridden this freestyle for a long time already, so I know exactly what to do. If I can improve one thing, it’s that I rushed a little bit through the corners. Next week I want to bring a bit more calm into the test.”

“I would love to breed a foal from her”
“She is such a lovely Small Tour horse and I will definitely keep her at this level. I don’t think she can physically handle Grand Prix. A few years ago she broke her splint bone, so honestly I’m already very grateful that I can still compete her successfully in the Small Tour.” That connection also makes the mare far too special to ever leave the stable. “She is absolutely not for sale”, Suraya says firmly. “And when she eventually retires from the sport, I would love to breed a foal from her.”

Looking forward to the Belgian Championships
Breeding is already an important part of the ambitions at home. One of the mares in their breeding programme produced the three-year-old champion stallion Avici ECH, a horse Hendrikx is closely following for the future. “I really have high hopes for him and I hope he will become something very special.” There is little time to rest, though. Next week already promises another busy schedule for the Belgian rider, who will compete multiple horses and levels while combining sport with coaching her students. “Next week I will ride Grand Prix, Level 4 and Prix St. Georges, with four of my own horses. It’s going to be a very busy week with many students as well, but honestly I’m really looking forward to it.”

Results:
1. Suraya Hendrikx & Benicia: 73.755%
2. Jorinde Verwimp & Karnival Zee T: 72.995%
3. Anke Moordtgat & Benefit: 72.805%