End of an era...

Nicole Coolen (62) was born in Roosendaal, and her grandfather comes from Tilburg. Her grandfather used to ride with Anton Ebben, and together they competed in major competitions. Nicole now lives in the Rotterdam Alexanderpolder. Her parents bought De Big 48 years ago, and when she was sixteen, she had to start working there according to her parents. Nicole already had her own horse by then, and her parents thought she could contribute to the family business. In 1998, she was supposed to take over the business entirely, but due to a serious motorcycle accident two weeks before the CHIO, she had to take a ten-year break. She spent six years in a wheelchair and then walked with a crutch. But she was back. In HER BIG. Due to Nicole's accident, her son Kevin got involved in the business, and he has decided to sell De BIG. Nicole says, "Kevin wants more time for his family and is ready for something else. I'm really upset about that. I worked there with all my heart."

Connected with riders and staff

"I'll admit, I found the CHIO challenging at times too. I won't mention names, but that mostly had to do with the person handling the production. Other than that, I've loved everything about it over the years; I looked forward to it every year. I've built such strong bonds with so many riders, staff, and visitors. The horses hadn't even been stabled yet, and the riders were already coming to say hello. And if a rider didn't come for a year, I'd get greetings from a colleague. Some even came multiple times a day for food or drink. These riders were so at home in our establishment that I'd keep a tab for their orders and only settle it once a day; it made things even cozier."

75th CHIO Rotterdam

We can hear the warmth in her voice when she talks about "her" riders. We ask Nicole what defines the CHIO for her. Nicole, jokingly: "The horses. But kidding aside, the audience has changed so much. In the past, it was real horse enthusiasts, and now there are many more people who come to see and be seen. I also miss old parts of the competition. That's why I'm so disappointed that this year, of all years, with the 75th anniversary and all the old elements coming back, our business is closing."

Ludger Beerbaum, Piet Raijmakers, Jos Lansink

We hear the warmth in her voice when she speaks about "her" riders. We ask Nicole what typically defines the CHIO for her. Nicole, jokingly: "The horses. But on a serious note, the audience has changed significantly. In the past, it was mainly equestrian enthusiasts, whereas now there's a lot more focus on being seen rather than the sport itself. I also miss some of the old elements of the competition. That's why I'm particularly disappointed that this year, with its 75th anniversary and the revival of many old aspects, our establishment is closing its doors."

Interviews at De Big

"I always had closer contact with the show jumpers than with the dressage riders, but that might be because when I was still riding, I was also jumping myself. I've been riding since I was four years old, and I've always had my own horse and competed in competitions. I kept that up until I got pregnant. The show jumpers felt so at home with us that when they had to give an interview, they wanted to do it with us. Once, a German rider jokingly said in such an interview that he came to Rotterdam for De Big and only then for the horses."

Taking care of the kids

"When I was four years old, I started riding horses, and at a young age, I began attending the CHIO as a spectator. Later on, I had to work, but I was always there. The riders already knew my son Kevin when he was a little boy and kept an eye on him for me as he ran back and forth between De Big and the stands. Conversely, I also looked after the riders' children. Piet Raijmakers Jr., for example, used to come along with his father as a young boy, and he would stay with us when his father had to compete. This really forged a kind of friendship, and they would also see each other at festivals outside of the CHIO."

Wonderful Memories

"I have wonderful memories of CHIO Rotterdam. One particularly beautiful memory is when I got to ride a show jumping horse belonging to a Mexican rider. He came to eat at our place, we got talking, and he said, 'Bring your riding gear tomorrow.' I also participated in the class 'bestgaand paard,' which was still a thing back then, and I found that amazing too. All of this was before my accident. However, the most beautiful moment comes back every year: the arrival and reunion with the riders. Not just the riders, though; I'd also like to mention the veterinarians and the gentlemen who take care of the footing. I had a great relationship with them too. My son Kevin used to go with the veterinarians when he was a young boy, he absolutely loved it."

Thank you and a BIG hug

"The mutual appreciation was evident. Over the years, I've received so much from the riders; flowers, autographs, stall plaques, and countless cherished memories. That's why I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has visited us over the years for their patronage. It's devastating that we're closing; I'm very saddened by it, and it hurts my heart. I'm going to miss you all terribly, but I'll come visit you as a spectator. A big kiss from me to all of you!"

We and all of our guests will miss you dearly too, Nicole! Thank you for 48 years of excellent care and warmth. The second arena will now be different without De Big by its side.