Dutch dressage trainer Jo Willems is recovering well from the stroke he suffered in December 2010. The former Dutch youth riders chef d'equipe stayed in the hospital for an extended period of time and is moving to a rehabilitation centre today.
The 71-year old Willems is a highly respected dressage trainer and coached Dutch riders such as Anky van Grunsven, Sander Marijnissen, Willem-Jan Schotte, Geert-Jan Raateland, Kirsten Beckers, Barbara and Mischa Koot, Bart Veeze, and Sarah van Fessem.
Willems' student Schotte told Horses.nl that Jo is recovering well. "It was a big scare, but fortunately he's doing well considering the circumstances. His rehabilitation will mainly deal with him learning to walk again. He can walk short bits without supports, but everything needs to develop more. I can't tell how long the rehabilitation will take."
Photo © Astrid Appels
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