Young Rider Lotje Schoots has been proclaimed Talent of the Year 2007 at the Dutch Equestrian Federation's Champion's Ball yesterday in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The 19-year old Abcoude based dressage rider won the Dutch Young Rider Championships
and team gold and individual silver at the 2007 European Young Riders Championships with Reine B (by Rubinstein). Schoots received a trophy and check of 5,000 euro which she can spend on the development of her dressage career.
"It was a total surprise to me that I became Talent of the Year," Lotje Schoots admitted. "It's a nice way to start the new year in which I can now spend more on the training of my horses and myself. I want to thank everyone who voted for me."
Schoots was chosen as Talent of the Year by the press, dressage trainers and the public which could vote for the Dutch Talent of the Year. Schoots defeated, for instance, the Dutch eventing champion Tim Lips. She also announced that she will be riding Grand Prix with Reine B in 2008. Tineke Bartels, Dutch young riders team trainer, advised Lotje to wait with this Grand Prix start as there are plenty of senior combinations in The Netherlands, and not as many good young riders. She is hoping that the combination Schoots-Reine B will stay available for YR team selection.
Photo © Barbara Schnell
Related Links
2007 European Junior/Young Riders Championships
Dutch Dressage Teams for 2007 Announced