"It is especially meaningful to me to win here in Amsterdam with a Dutch horse," Haas told the sold out audience. "The crowds were great and I felt their energy lifting us to the last jump. I knew that we could get to that triple bar in one less stride." After her victory gallop, she dismounted to accept the keys to a Nissan Patrol which was presented by Nissan, one of the event's many corporate sponsors. Just this summer Haas had learned to drive a standard shift, another lucky break, as all eyes and the spotlight were on her while she spun around the arena hoping she wouldn't stall.

Haas has been riding, training , and competing in Europe over the the past two years with trainers and mentors Henri and Katie Monahan Prudent. Elise Haas explains the main differences between American and European competition. "In the U.S., the sport is funded by the exhibitor, while in Europe the ticket money and sponsorship provide the resources. This makes it more of a sport," she said. "Here, you have to earn your invitation . The organizers of each show invite you and if you are a competitor at the highest level, they even pay for your hotel and horse transport." On Saint Nicholas day, riding her white Dutch Stallion in her red jacket, Haas "earned her invitation" and gave the crowd a show.