Gerard Korbeld, Dutch Sponsor and Horse Owner, Passed Away

Sat, 03/23/2024 - 23:40
The Netherlands
Gerard Korbeld getting interviewed in the KWPN studio at the 2021 KWPN Stallion Licensing :: Photo © Dirk Caremans

Gerard Korbeld, a renowned Dutch breeder, sponsor and owner of high performance dressage and show jumping horses, has passed away. 

Horses.nl reported he passed in the night of 20-21 March 2024. He was 75 years old.

Furniture Maker

Gerard started his professional career in 1965 as a furniture maker for Harmeling Interiors in Rijssen, The Netherlands. He became the company owner in 1988 and developed the business. In 2008 he resigned as general manager but remained on the board.

Korbeld also worked for various foundations as a volunteer. He was a board member and chair of the Twente/Salland Partnership, an organization which trains young people to become furniture makers or interior builders. Since 2009, Gerard has been chairman of the Equestrian Center 't Oale Spoor Foundation. He was also a board member and made a major contribution to the Karibu Rwanda Foundation, which builds schools and homes in Rwanda.

Breeder and Horse Owner

Korbeld was a breeder of KWPN sport horses and owner of several high performance show jumpers and dressage horses. 

In the dressage world he was best known as the (co)-owner of Adelinde Cornelissen's Governor and Fleau de Baian, as well as (former, co-) owner of sport horses such as Jerveaux, Ziyech, and Lloyd. His most famous show jumpers are Carambole and Pretty Woman van ’t Paradijs (Willem Greve).

In 2019 he was knighted in the Order of Orange Nassau for his contribution to Dutch equestrian sports and his volunteer work.

So extremely sad… an example for us all has left us: Gerard Korbeld,” wrote Adelinde. “Besides a very passionate horse owner, whether it be dressage or jumping, sport or breeding, Gerard above all was an extremely warmhearted person, down-to-earth and positive. He was always willing to help everyone, always ready to listen to your story and together finding solutions. A man with the most generous heart. An example for us all!”

Read the obituary on Horses.nl

Photo © Dirk Caremans

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