Hungarian Youth Team Riders Participate in Nicolette van Leeuwen Clinic

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2014 Hungarian Youth Team Training Clinic

Hungary's national pony, junior and young rider team members participated in a two-day clinic with Dutch trainer Nicolette van Leeuwen. The training seminar was organized by the Hungarian Dressage Committee and hosted by Hungarian team trainer Peter Pachl on 22 - 23 November 2014.

In an attempt to create a similar structure to the Dutch Talent Plan for scouting and promoting youth dressage riders in the country, the Hungarian dressage committee has turned its eyes to The Netherlands for inspiration. They invited Nicolette van Leeuwen, mom and coach to 2012 European Junior Riders' Champion Dana van Lierop and trainer of several international youth riders, for a clinic in Hungary.

Relationships between Hungary and The Netherlands are not new in the equestrian sport. After World War II Géza von Hazslinszky, a Hungarian equestrian trainer, started to work at the Dutch Royal stable and helped with the foundation of dressage in Holland, according to Dutch 5* judge Eddy De Wolff van Westerrode.

The participants in the two-day November clinic were the Hungarian pony, junior and young rider national team members. During the clinic a trainers' course took place on Sunday, in which the Secretary-general of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation, several dressage, show jumping and eventing trainers as well as more than 70 participants took part. They listened to Nicolette's lecture and trainings.

Nicolette van Leeuwen During all training sessions the riders appeared with their trainers to have the possibility for joint communication.

"Nicolette made a big impression with her calmness and warm smile on all riders and the numerous spectators," Pachl commented. "Nicolette told the Hungarian young riders that the gymnastics of the horse was more important than just focusing on the movements. If the horses are relaxed it is easier to execute the work. Van Leeuwen also highlighted that it is essential to have an 'independent' seat that does not disturb the horse."