Dutch team trainer Rien van der Schaft has announced the horse-and-rider combinations that will represent The Netherlands at the 2017 European Dressage Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 22 - 27 August 2017.
Following the 2017 Dutch Dressage Championships in Ermelo, The Netherlands, on 15 - 17 July 2017, Van der Schaft was able to make his pick based on the performances of the riders at the selection trials in Rotterdam and Ermelo.
The Dutch team includes:
- Hans Peter Minderhoud - Johnson
- Madeleine Witte Vrees - Cennin
- Edward Gal - Voice
- Diederik van Silfhout - Four Seasons
- reserve: Emmelie Scholtens - Apache
Edward Gal had already announced at Ermelo that Zonik would not be up for team selection as he believes the 9-year old Danish stallion is not ready yet. Especially the selection of the fourth team member was a difficult one for Van der Schaft. Scholtens and Apache scored higher than Van Silfhout and Four Seasons at both selection trials in Rotterdam and Ermelo, but Van der Schaft selected Van Silfhout for the team spot nonetheless.
"In agreement with the entire team of Gal we chose to rely on Voice and not the relatively young Zonik," Van der Schaft explained. "His time will come for sure. We want to give that horse all the time to develop optimally in all quietness. The choice between Diederik and Emmelie was a really difficult one. My choice went to Diederik because I believe he is a more secure factor, who has shown himself at many shows and always with progression."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2017 European Dressage Championships