Johan Jacobs: From Groom to World-Class Course Designer
If there’s anyone who knows the ins and outs of the driving sport, it’s Johan Jacobs. For over thirty years, he has been active in the world of combined driving – starting as a groom and evolving into a renowned international course designer. For the 2025 World Championship for Horse Pairs in Beekbergen, he designed both the marathon and cones courses – a role that demands experience, vision, and a deep feel for the sport.
A Passion That Began on the Backstep
Jacobs’ love for driving sports began unexpectedly.
“Through my brother, I met someone involved in carriage driving. He said, ‘come take a look.’ That same day, someone needed a groom. Before I knew it, I was standing on the back of the carriage.”
That first ride in Eersel led to a long career as a groom. His interest in the sport grew, and through driving trainer Fred Kevenaar, his talent for course design was discovered.
“Fred said, ‘You should become a course designer – it’s made for you.’ And that’s how it all started.”
What draws him to course design?
“The challenge for the drivers. I want to create something that is technically demanding yet horse-friendly – exciting to drive, but also fair and pleasing to watch.”
Scoring System
The World Championship for Pairs includes three phases: dressage, marathon, and cones. All results are converted to penalty points, and the winner is the competitor with the lowest combined score.
In the marathon, horses complete a course with eight obstacles. Within the obstacles, the driving lines and pace are crucial – every second counts.
In the cones phase – a precision course with cones topped by balls – an additional challenge arises: knocking off a ball results in penalties.
“The ideal balance is between a clear round and finishing within the allowed time,” Jacobs explains.
“You want it to be thrilling until the very end. The best is when only five to ten percent of the field manages a clear round – that’s when you know it’s a fair but technically challenging course.”
Designing at the Highest Level
Beekbergen is familiar ground for Jacobs. He once stood here as a groom, and now returns as the lead course designer for a World Championship.
“It’s a top-class venue,” he says enthusiastically. “The surroundings are beautiful, the team is amazing, and working with the Van Tergouw family and the volunteers is fantastic. Everyone shares the same goal: to deliver a great World Championship.”
For the marathon course, Jacobs aimed for balance.
“I want it to be exciting, but also fair. On the sand arena at the main venue, we have two obstacles – the first and the last – that aren’t overly technical, so drivers can start and finish smoothly.”
The course features four permanent obstacles, three mobile, and one semi-permanent with mobile elements.
“I’m proud of all the obstacles. They form a great whole – from a renewed water complex to a nearly park-like forest obstacle.”
The cones course also strikes a balance between driving pleasure and technical difficulty.
“I want drivers to shift gears – to have flowing lines where they can make speed, but also moments that demand caution and precise steering.”
The Art of Course Design
Designing a good obstacle is a craft in itself.
“It has to be safe – no sharp edges, flowing lines. And it needs to be durable – the obstacles should last at least five to seven years.”
For a World Championship, every detail counts.
“You think about the gates in advance, the ideal driving lines. Some marathon obstacles even feature balls that fall when hit, resulting in extra penalties.”
The course should be challenging for professionals, but accessible to the broader field.
“Only 10% of the drivers are top professionals – the eventual winner will be among them. But the rest must also be able to drive the course safely. That’s who I build for.”