Totally against Holland's tradition of sending their much weaker B-team to the most prestigious equestrian event in the world, the Dutch Equestrian Federation has decided to send a few of its top combinations to Aachen
as a general rehearsal for the 2002 World Equestrian Games.
The Dutch equipe is known for avoiding the German dressage dames right before any major championship, so the decision of sending some A-team riders to Aachen is a total surprise. With the exception of the fresh Dutch Dressage Champion, Ellen Bontje, Holland's most strong combination will be vying for top scores in the Aachener-Soers dressage arena.
Anky van Grunsven will be showing Gestion Krack C, Gestion TCN Partout and Gestion Salinero. However, it could be very likely that Partout will not be presented due to his a recent injury. Anky is not bringing along her current number one Grand prix mount Gestion Idool (pictured). Coby van Baalen will be riding her recently recouperated Olympic Ferro and her Prix St Georges horse More Magic. Tineke Bartels will be facing the Grand Prix stars aboard Broere Jazz ZT, while Gonnelien Rothenberger has entered both Jonggor's Leonardo da Vinci and C'est Bon. Arjen Teeuwissen, who is having a major off year despite high scores at numerous events, is not ready to take up the challenge of competing at Aachen.
Image copyrighted: Arnd Bronkhorst
Video: Anky on Idool at the 2000 Olympic Games (not Bonfire as the caption says)
Related Link
2002 Dutch Dressage Championships