Tabalou PS & Rikke Belinda Barker – ph.Stefano Secchi / ImageSS

Rikke Belinda Barker is a name to watch in the world of show jumping. The Danish rider, who recently triumphed in the first stage of the Morocco Royal Tour in Tetouan, is making her mark on the international equestrian stage. We caught up with her during the second stage in Rabat to discuss her journey, her unique approach to training, and her future aspirations—both with her horses and in her career.

A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

Rikke’s passion for horses began at an early age, driven by sheer determination.

“I was obsessed with riding from the time I could walk,” she shares, smiling. “I remember begging my mom over and over to let me ride. At first, she thought it was too dangerous, but I just wouldn’t give up. Finally, when I was four, she enrolled me in a local pony school, and that was the start of everything.”

From there, Rikke’s love for horses only grew stronger, leading her to take up competitive show jumping. However, Denmark, while supportive of equestrian sports, doesn’t offer many international opportunities for riders like Rikke, whose ambitions reached far beyond the local scene.

“Denmark is improving in terms of equestrian sport, but there aren’t many international competitions,” Rikke explains. “So, I made the decision to move to Belgium,

where the equestrian community is much larger, and there are more opportunities to compete at the highest level.”

Belgium: A New Home for Her Career and Horses

Moving to Belgium not only allowed Rikke to compete more frequently on the international stage but also gave her the perfect environment to grow her equestrian business.

She now focuses on training young horses, guiding them to the top levels of the sport.

“I work with horses from a very young age, and it’s one of my favorite parts of what I do,” Rikke says. “Each horse has its own personality and pace of development, so my job is to be patient, consistent, and help them reach their full potential. You can’t rush that process.”

This careful approach is key to her success, and Rikke takes pride in working closely with each horse, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed to perform at the highest levels.

“It’s all about giving them time. It’s never about a horse being ‘good’ or ‘bad’—it’s about how you help them grow and unlock their talent over time,” she adds.

A Bond Like No Other: Tabalou Ps

Among the many horses Rikke has worked with, one stands out—Tabalou Ps. Their bond, built over years of training and competition, has become something special.

“Tabalou is more than just a horse to me; he’s my partner,” Rikke says warmly. “We’ve been together for years, starting

from smaller competitions and now competing in five-star Grand Prix events. It’s been an incredible journey.”

Rikke describes how Tabalou Ps has a unique ability to transform depending on the situation. “He’s incredibly calm and gentle in the stable—almost like a pet. But once we step into the arena, he becomes this fierce competitor, full of energy and focus. It’s amazing to see that switch in him.”

Two moments in particular stand out in their career together.

“My first five-star Grand Prix win in Mexico was unforgettable. It was my first time winning at that level, and to do it with Tabalou was a dream come true,” she recalls. “Another special moment was in Hamburg, where the atmosphere was electric. To have a clean round there was an experience I’ll always cherish.”

The Roadblocks and Lessons Along the Way

Despite her many successes, Rikke’s career hasn’t been without challenges. One of the toughest setbacks came when she wasn’t selected for the Danish Olympic team—a dream she had nurtured since childhood.

“Not making the Olympic team was heartbreaking,” she admits. “Competing in the Olympics has always been a goal of mine. But being named the first reserve was still an honor, and it gave me the drive to keep pushing. I firmly believe that hard work will eventually pay off, and I’m hoping for another shot in the future.”

Despite this setback, Rikke is proud of her achievements, and she’s quick to point out that this season has been one of her best so far.

“It’s been a season full of growth and progress, and I’ve had some incredible results. The ups and downs are just part of the journey.”

Looking ahead, Rikke is determined to continue pushing herself to reach new heights in the sport.

“My short-term goal is to remain competitive in five-star Grand Prix events. Long-term, I’m focused on making it to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. I’ll be preparing through the European Championships and the World Equestrian Games,” she says.

New Talent in the Stables

While Tabalou Ps remains her primary competition partner, Rikke is also excited about some of the younger horses she’s working with. She believes they have the potential to make a big impact in the coming years.

“I’ve got an eight-year-old horse with me here in Morocco, and I think he’s going to be really special,” Rikke says with a spark of excitement. “He’s just starting to compete at 150 cm, but I’m confident he’ll develop into a top-level competitor. I’ve also got another horse back home, Icloud, who’s showing a lot of promise. It’s exciting to think about the future with them.”

The Philosophy That Drives Her

At the heart of Rikke’s success is a simple philosophy: patience, respect, and hard work.

“Horses are such incredible animals. They teach you a lot about patience and trust,” she reflects. “In this sport, you have to be willing to put in the time. It’s not just about talent—it’s about building a relationship with each horse and respecting their pace. That’s what leads to success.”

For Rikke, it’s the connection she forms with her horses that makes the hard work worth it.

“When you build that bond, it’s a partnership. It’s not just me training the horses; they teach me things every day too. It’s a truly special dynamic.”

Looking Ahead

As Rikke sets her sights on more competitions, new challenges, and further growth, one thing is clear: she’s just getting started. With her determination, talent, and deep connection to her horses, the future is bright.

“I’m really excited about what’s to come,” she says. “I’ve got big goals, and I’m ready to work hard to achieve them. With the amazing horses I have by my side, I believe anything is possible.”

With her eyes on the next competition and the long-term dream of the Olympics, Rikke Belinda Barker is a rider who’s destined for great success in the world of equestrian sport.

Valentina Sozzi

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