Dutch team trainer and O-judge Wim Ernes has been hospitalized following an epileptic seizure last week. The Dutch equestrian federation (KNHS) released the news of Ernes' hospitalization today. Ernes suffered an epileptic attack which has most likely been caused by a growth in the brain. Ernes is still in the hospital and the next few weeks numerous tests will be carried out.
"We hope that there will be more clarity by the third week of January," the press officer of the Dutch Equestrian Federation stated. "In agreement with Wim's wife Marleen and daughter Maud we have agreed to give Wim plenty of rest in the hospital and there will be no contact with the family."
Two weeks ago Ernes travelled to the 2015 CDI-W London to support Dutch team riders Hans Peter Minderhoud and Diederik van Silfhout at the Olympia World Cup qualifier. On Sunday 20 December he still attended the national squad observation show in Sonnega, The Netherlands.
The 57-year old Wim Ernes was appointed Dutch team trainer in the autumn of 2012, succeeding Sjef Janssen. He has been an I-judge since 1993 and received the O/5* status in 2007. In 1996 Ernes already served as Dutch team coach at the Atlanta Olympic Games. In 2002 he became
President of the Dutch Dressage Committee and one year later he
chaired the Dutch Dressage Judges Committee. He regularly teaches clinics and training seminars in Norway.
On 1 December 2015 Ernes resigned from his post as chair of the KWPN Stallion Licensing Committee which he could no longer fulfil up to standard because of his time-consuming duties as team trainer. He has been replaced by Bert Rutten.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Wim Ernes to be Appointed New Dutch Team Trainer
Wim Ernes to Resign as Chair of KWPN Stallion Licensing Committee
Bert Rutten to Replace Wim Ernes on KWPN Stallion Licensing Committee
Wim Ernes to Train Norwegian Team Listed Riders via Clinics in 2014