Close up with: Cathrine Dufour

Together with her very best friend, Cassidy, Cathrine Dufour has taken the dressage world by storm. Through this 11-year long relationship, Cathrine cannot remember a bad training session with Cassidy and believes mutual respect is the key to a good collaboration. Cavalier have been chatting with the Nordic dressage queen!

Published:
November 12th, 2021

/ photo: Private

What made Cassidy the one when you bought him, and how would you describe the journey you’ve had together?

I bought Cassidy 11,5 years ago at Helgstrand when I was looking for a Junior horse. Cassidy had three really good basic gaits and I just loved riding him! Andreas Helgstrand told me that he will never be able to go Grand Prix, but that he will be a great Junior horse.

Can you describe Cassidy in three words?

Always hungry, really kind and mummy’s little boy.

The collaboration between you and Cassidy obviously works very well. What’s the secret?

I think the main reason for why we are working so well together is because we respect each other, and we have the same mind-set: both want to get shit done! And both perform really good under pressure.

What is the biggest strength you and Cassidy have as a team?

The biggest strength we have as a team is our strong bond and I feel that we can read each other’s mind. He is like a family member, and I would never do anything to harm him.

/ photo: Mille Lysnæs

What do you think is the most fun and what is the most challenging thing about having different horses in training?

I find it super fun to have different horses in training and I really enjoy it. You learn a lot from riding different horses, and you fill up the toolbox from having different horses with different challenges. I only see positive things about having horses in training, it makes me a better rider to have horses with different strengths and weaknesses.

What do you look for in a good dressage horse?

First and foremost, I look for great rideability. I prefer hot horses with a lot of nerve since that is what I am used to. It kind feels close to home when I get on a hot horse. So that, combined with a great temper, is actually more important than the gaits for me. With that said, I wouldn’t buy a horse with bad gaits as that makes a big difference in the higher classes such as Grand Prix. So good basic gaits and a great mind set!

Can you describe yourself as a rider in three words?

1: Patient. I am super patient and have no temper when riding. 2: Passionate. I go all-in for each horse-project and I love what I do! 3. Curious. I always want to learn something new, and I love to improve my riding.

You work-out very actively yourself. In what way do you think this affect your own riding?

I find it very important to work-out at the gym. It makes me a better athlete and I think it’s important to work on balance, coordination and maybe the most important element: high pulse exercises. The last one is because when I enter the ring, riding Grand Prix Special, I might be nervous and will naturally get a high pulse. Especially under that pressure you have to be able to make the right decisions at all times. Training on high pulse at home makes me think clearer under pressure when riding in the big arenas.

Which exercise do you think is the most fun to ride?

It depends on the horses. On Cassidy I love riding the tempies! Whilst on Bohemian it’s more the piaff and passage. So, it really depends on which horse I’m riding.

What do you want to say to young dressage riders working to become professionals?

You must be extremely dedicated. You must work hard every single day, not for one or two years, but for the rest of your career. It is truly a lifestyle. There are so many talented riders out there who are curious and skilled and willing to work hard as hell. So, you need a mindset being willing to work your ass off!

Which tip would you give yourself 10 years ago?

That it is okey to relax a little bit. Some years ago, I basically worked close to 20 hours a day. I did high school combined with having a full-time job, teaching students and having 10 horses in training. So, one advice would be to “chillax” a little bit and work smarter, not harder. Have an understanding of what makes me a better rider and what is not helping me for my future carrier. With that said, it’s all a part of learning. By doing different things, you can more easily map out what makes you a better rider and develop as a human along the way!