U25 winner Sophie Reef combines family business and top-level sports
She rode her first Grand Prix test at the age of fifteen, works in the family business, and is determined to prepare her new horse for the Grand Prix level. At 24 years old, Sophie Reef seems to be on the right track, yesterday, she won her international U25 debut with her new ace, Gideon K.H. “Who would have expected that?” laughs Sophie Reef.
Dressage enthusiasts will certainly recognize the name Gideon K.H. The now 14-year-old Rhodium son was successfully competed in the Grand Prix for a year and a half by Swedish Olympic rider Juliette Ramel. “Gideon, or Gidy as we call him at home, came into our lives completely by chance. We had been searching for a new horse for me for quite some time, alongside Charming Lady. Through mutual connections, we ended up at Juliette Ramel’s stable, and the first time I got on Gideon, we just clicked immediately. It gave me goosebumps,” Sophie Reef explains.
Successful U25 Debut
Since early December, they have formed a partnership, and after several national competitions with scores above 70%, Sophie chose CDI Lier for her international U25 debut with the gelding. “This is my last U25 year. After last summer’s European Championships, Charming Lady retired. It would be amazing to secure a spot on the team in my final U25 year. Additionally, I hope to compete in some major shows in the Netherlands this year, the European Championship selections, and of course, the Dutch National Championships. We’re also planning to breed with Charming Lady.”
Messages from Juliette Ramel
Sophie is still in contact with Juliette Ramel. “Yes, she just texted me congratulations, so nice! I also trained with Juliette a few times in the beginning, which was really helpful. She gives such great tips, and we connected very well. Juliette even offered for me to continue training with her, but it’s almost a three-hour drive for us, so that’s not really practical. But she said we could bring him over anytime, for example, if we went on vacation,” Sophie laughs. “Juliette found it hard to say goodbye to him. He really is such a sweet and lovely horse,” she says fondly.
A Single Glance is Enough
Sophie is highly driven and radiates a sense of calm. “Mom gets a little more stressed when I have to ride,” she laughs. Her mother adds, “Sophie is a real competitor.” “Really?” “Yes!” Sophie’s trainer, Sabine Egbers, is with her at CDI Lier. “I’ve been training with her since I was eight, and sometimes, we only need a single glance to understand each other. Sabine gives me a lot of confidence.” Additionally, the squad rider trains with national coaches Monique Peutz and Joyce Heuitink. “This combination works really well; it complements each other perfectly.”
Grand Prix Rider at Fifteen
What many riders dream of—competing in Grand Prix—Sophie achieved at just fifteen. How did she do it? “I asked my mom how to ride passage and piaffe, so she let me try on her horse,” Sophie says. “And she picked it up right away,” her mother adds. “At sixteen, Sophie already won an Inter II test with Silencium 2—back then, she was still riding for Germany.” Three years ago, Sophie switched to representing the Netherlands. After Silencium 2, she competed in U25 with Charming Lady, with last summer’s European Championships as a career highlight. She also rode Straight Horse Don Zuan in U25 classes. “Genua TC was also ready for that level, but unfortunately, we had to put him down.” Both Charming Lady and Genua TC were previously competed by Jeanine Nieuwenhuis.
Horses with Mom, Work with Dad
Equestrian sport is her passion, which she practices at a professional level. The love for horses was instilled in Sophie from an early age. “Both my mom and dad rode a lot themselves. But now, I do equestrian sports with my mom.” When she’s not riding, she works in the family business, Reef Quarzsandwerke. “That’s mostly with my dad,” Sophie laughs. “It’s nice that my dad is my boss because it allows me to take time off for international competitions. Although I always have my laptop with me and can work remotely.” When asked if she wants to become a professional dressage rider, Sophie is very clear. “I want to keep it as a hobby. Right now, it’s the perfect balance, so why change something that works so well? I ride my horses with so much joy, and I want to keep it that way.”
CDI Lier is a Favorite
“I never expected to win right away yesterday. Every day and every test, you have to prove yourself again—you can’t just assume it will work out.” This isn’t the first time Sophie has competed at CDI Lier. “I was here in 2019 and 2020 as well, and I already loved it then. It has only gotten better. CDI Lier is truly my favorite show—nowhere is as well organized as here,” Sophie says. “Everything has been thought of for the horses, with permanent stables, fixed water troughs, and plenty of space for washing, training, and warming up.”
Representing Her Country is an Honor
Does it add extra pressure that Gideon K.H. has so much experience? “Honestly, I’ve never thought about that, so no,” Sophie laughs. “The main goal is to get to know each other better. He’s a little shy, and while he knows all the exercises, it’s mostly about gaining routine and miles in the ring. It’s definitely not him—he’s such a nice and sweet horse.” One of the highlights of Sophie’s dressage career was last summer’s European Championships. “It’s a huge honor to represent your country, and it makes you want to perform at your absolute best. We won team bronze, and that was an incredible experience. If I get the chance again this year, it would be amazing,” Sophie concludes.
U25: Van Ende & Roxy
- Sophie Reef & Gideon K.H.: 70.539%
- Kris de Vries & Jillz La Grande: 70.441%
- Lilah Gibbs & Dude III: 69.167%
