Jan, his wife Catharina, daughter Angelina, 8, and son Oliver, 7, with 7-year-old Tuschomie (Tuschinsky x Blue Horse Romancier), owned by Carol and Blake Hodess and trained by Brink.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
Interview: CAROL COHEN-HODESS
Story: EMILY HOLOWCZAK
Internationally accomplished dressage rider Jan Brink is a man of humble roots with unbelievable drive. His farm, his home, his whole approach to the sport, architecture, and art is, he says, “constantly evolving or shaping into a form that will be a thing of great beauty.” Brink’s Tullstorp Dressage Stable is the quintessence of his diverse interests. He has a broad range of intellectual and cultural curiosities, including arts, mathematics, sciences, philosophy, and music history. Each of these interests work as moving parts within the architecture at Tullstorp, which was designed by Brink himself. The intricacies of art aid in the shape of the horses, riders, and overall welfare of the farm. Brink says, “Sport multiplied by art equals dressage,” and his farm situated in the southern Sweden countryside certainly echoes this sentiment.
Brink is consumed by the concept of “shape.” An art aficionado in every sense, Brink enjoys collecting paintings and sculptures, and compares their imaginative shapes with the creative art of dressage. The shape of the horse, the shape of the student, the continuing evolution of the desire for perfection, all contribute to the success of a dressage test. Brink insists that his work ethic is a huge contributor to his success. The seven-time Swedish champion, seven-time international-championship medalist, and three-time participant at the Olympics credits a combination of his temperament and drive for his ability in creating shape in the art form he has chosen in life—dressage.
The training group Brink created along with his coach of 22 years, Kyra Kyrklund, brings together young riders once a month. Brink shares his methods so the next generation can understand the level of commitment it takes, not just to ride, but to ride well. He says, “You need technique, some sort of education, psychology—the way you are thinking—and you need to be physically fit. You must have the drive and the energy to go to the top; this is what it takes. Talent is not enough. You need ambition, pride, and drive.”
Jan has been asked if he longed to compete again internationally, but he feels contented with his past career. Now, he has students who want to follow in his footsteps, and he is delighted to help and take on as many riders as possible.