Jolanda Adelaar is an international Working Equitation Master, Grand Prix dressage rider and Equine Behavior Therapist.

Breaking barriers

In 2020, Jolanda made history as the first rider in the world to compete in Grand Prix dressage with a Murgese horse, Carletto, an Italian baroque breed. From saddle-breaking to Grand Prix, Jolanda trained him using positive reinforcement methods and classical dressage, showcasing the potential of the Murgese breed. She has dedicated her career to exemplifying the core principle of dressage: to serve the horse, not the other way around, embracing all breeds and their unique potential.

Super Guus

Jolanda first gained international attention with her remarkable fjord horse, Super Guus, famously called “The fjord that can do it all” during a special act at the 2006 FEI World Cup Dressage. The “farm horse” thriving in top-tier sports was a Dutch phenomenon

of the 2000s equestrian world. “My company has carried his name for twenty years,” Jolanda shared. “His life held an important message that I will continue to honor. I’ve built my career on the lessons he taught me. He was my soulhorse”. Super Guus was next to Jolanda for 27 years and passed away on October 7, 2023 at the age of 30.

Topsport

With dual nationality—Dutch from her father and Italian from her mother—Jolanda holds citizenship in both countries, allowing her to compete internationally for either the Netherlands or Italy. She represented the Netherlands at the WAWE European Championships Working Equitation where she had the honor to compete against the best 41 Masters of Europe in 2024. She earned bronze at the 2024 Dutch Nationals at Master level.

Early life

Born in Amsterdam, Jolanda's multicultural roots reflect her blend of determination and creativity. Growing up in the Dutch countryside, Brabant, her love for animals began early. Her first pet, a chicken named Truus, inspired her knack for animal training. At the age of 12, she met Guus, a fjord horse who would become her lifelong partner and greatest teacher. Jolanda’s equestrian journey started in a cow pasture, riding bareback with a selfmade bridle, saving money to buy a saddle for Guus. In just two years, Jolanda and Guus ascended to the Z2 level, becoming regional champions in 2000. Guus became the first Fjord horse in the Netherlands to compete in Subtop dressage, earning a devoted fanbase calling him “Super Guus”. When youtube was newly founded, and influencers and vlogging were still an emerging phenomenon, Jolanda launched one of the first YouTube channels about life with her horse. Jolanda reflects, “In his prime, Super Guus was a true pop star, and YouTube played a significant role in that.”

Education & Teaching

Jolanda’s education reflects her dedication to scientific and ethical approaches to horse training. She holds a diploma as an Equine Behavior Therapist from Tinley Academy and is a practical member of the International Society for Equitation Science. She graduate as a professional equestrian instructor from the Master Class Equestrian Sport (NHB Deurne).

She is now herself a teacher of the Tinley Academy for Animal Behavior and teaches science-based practices that prioritize the horse’s well-being in her classes. 

Stal Super Guus

Since 2022 Jolanda has her own stable in Veghel, Netherlands, where she trains horses and riders. In 2023, Jolanda won Holland’s Got Horsemanship. All her horses are barefoot, turned out 24/7, and follow a forage-based diet.