Spanish Under 25 rider Antonio Laiz Zandio is on the move again. After having announced to go independent less than a month ago, the Dutch based Spaniard has changed his mind and begun working for Van Olst Horses.
Antonio Laiz Zandio put his name on the map when he took over the position of head rider from Kirsten Brouwer at the Singaporean owned Platinum Stables in Riel, The Netherlands, at the beginning of 2018.
The troubled Platinum Stables hired Antonio and his brother Miguel Laiz Zandio to run the yard after the Brouwer fell out with Wilaras in November 2017. A mud sling fest between the parties developed on Dutch equestrian portals.
For Antonio, who was the 2015 Spanish Young Rider Champion, it was a golden year competing Eye Catcher at top CDi's in Europe, including the CDIO Aachen and winning the Spanish small tour championship.
However, after less than one year the collaboration ended in cordial agreement. The Spanish duo stated in November that it would begin their own business in Holland, but a change in plan happened soon. Platinum Stables is rumoured to be for sale.
"I am so excited to share with all of you my recent addition as a rider to the Van Olst Horses team," Antonio took to Instagram. "I would like to publicly thank Anne van Olst for the trust placed in me by giving me the opportunity to ride such amazing horses and being part of this top team. I hope we'll go hand to hand into the same goals."
Van Olst Horses has a tight connection with Spanish riders, having brough Severo Jurado Lopez into the spotlight before he moved to Helgstrand Dressage. British Charlotte Fry is now their main assistant trainer alongside owner Anne van Olst.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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