The Belgian equestrian federation (KBRSFà and team trainer Sjef Janssen have selected the riders that will represent Belgium at the 2017 European Dressage Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 22 - 26 August 2017.
Surprisingly, only three riders have been selected on the team instead of going full power with four riders.
Eurodressage asked Chef d'equipe Jeroen van Lent for the reason of this slimmed down team. He stated that "it's the choice of the team trainer in agreement with the KBRSF. Jeroen's horse (Eres DL) is out for the moment, but we alreadt knew that for a while, and the other combinations did not achieve the FEI eligibility criteria."
The FEI Minimum Eligibility Standard is 2x 65% in the Grand Prix at a CDI judged by a 5* judge. According to Van Lent, Belgian GP rider David Engelen declined a position on the team and Claudia Dorpmans has not achieved the MES. Other Belgian GP riders having competed internationally this 2017 season are Jeroen Hannes, Françoise Hologne Joux, Katrien Verreet and Tom Heylen.
The Belgian team for Gothenburg includes:
- Jorinde Verwimp - Tiamo, a 17-year old KWPN gelding by Lester x Hemington;
- Laurence Roos - Fil Rouge, a 12-year old Belgian warmblood gelding by Stedinger x Argentinus
- Fanny Verliefden - Indoctro van de Steenblok, a 9-year old Belgian warmblood stallion by Rubin Royal x Gribaldi
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2017 European Dressage Championships