"When training at home goes well, there’s no reason to stress about competitions."
Daniel DEUSSER is one of those top 10 world riders who define themselves as ordinary, attributing their success solely to hard work. However, once you start talking to him, it quickly becomes clear that humility outweighs the incredible mental strength he has developed over the years.
When asked, "Do you ever have moments of doubt?", Daniel DEUSSER calmly answers no. An athlete’s mindset, unwavering confidence in his horses, and consistent training explain the assurance he demonstrates and that can be felt in every round he rides.
"When I started riding, I always dreamed of making it my profession"
For Daniel DEUSSER, riding is a true calling. As a child, he was introduced to horses through his family, particularly his father, who got him involved in competitions. From then on, becoming a professional in the equestrian world seemed inevitable:
"I was that child, sitting in front of the TV, watching all these international riders compete in the best competitions in the world, and it felt like a dream."
Years later, his dedication and perseverance allowed him to reach his goals and see his dreams come true. Meeting Franke Sloothaak and later Stephan Conter marked a turning point in his career: more than just training, these equestrian figures helped him shape his athlete’s mindset, instilling discipline and a code of conduct that he still follows today.
A top 10 world rider, Daniel DEUSSER racks up victories, but some achievements remain unforgettable: the 2014 World Cup Final in Lyon with his horse Cornet d’Amour, or the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen with Killer Queen VDM—two dreams come true.
This athlete with a steel mind seems unshakable, yet he remains a humble rider, striving to follow his principles while drawing inspiration from other riders around him to continue his incredible rise.
"Dedication, discretion, and motivation — that’s what takes you to the top"
Daniel DEUSSER has achieved his dreams and continues to pursue them. Rider and athlete, he doesn’t believe in setting limits. Always seeking improvement, he never forgets his motto: "Dedication, discretion, and motivation — that’s what takes you to the top."
Physically, Daniel DEUSSER works to stay in shape to maintain balance, remain discreet in the saddle, and ensure the comfort of his horses. A true sportsman, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming, or golfing whenever possible. Mentally, he follows no rituals or superstitions. He maintains a clear vision of his objectives and the path to achieve them, leaving no room for nervousness or doubt. Daniel doesn’t dwell on failures and strives to maintain positive thinking, essential when facing potential mistakes in competition.
When training his horses, his process is simple: he analyzes mistakes made in the ring, trains at home on those specific points, and returns to competitions to apply what he has practiced. At home, he keeps things simple and focuses on understanding his horses to adapt to them. As he explains, it is up to the rider to modify the training system to suit each horse.
"It’s a weekly challenge to figure out how to improve a horse"
For Daniel DEUSSER, riding is a sport full of challenges with no limits.
"There’s always something to work on. It’s not necessarily about jumping higher, but for example, improving communication with my horse to go faster and gain a few seconds at the end of a course."
The greatest challenge lies in knowing and communicating with his horse. As he explains, he cannot truly communicate with his horses to know what they like or dislike, or what they can or cannot do. "It’s a weekly challenge to figure out how to improve a horse."
As a true athlete, self-reflection is essential in his pursuit of performance. He remains attentive to his horses and seeks ways to adapt:
"There are so many different ways to train a horse and try to improve it that it’s a challenge, and sometimes you have to change your way of thinking."
"If you know how to communicate with them, it’s a fantastic situation"
A humble rider inspired by his sport, Daniel Deusser wakes up each morning and heads to the stables motivated to push his limits, pursue his dreams, and out of love for his horses. Training and understanding his horses help him achieve what might seem impossible: communicating with an animal that cannot speak. This is why he practices this sport—for the unique bond that exists between horse and rider.
"You communicate with them, but you can’t really talk, and yet you try to accomplish something together. They are large, sensitive animals, and if you know how to communicate with them, it’s a fantastic situation."
And you, why do you ride?
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Photo credit: Stéphane Candé for Horse Pilot
