Belgian Grand Prix rider Laurence Roos has been named VLP Talent of the Year 2017. Roos was the only dressage rider amongst four show jumpers nominated for the title.
The Flemmish Equestrian Federation (VLP) announced Laurence as winner on Tuesday 26 December 2017 at the CDI Mechelen.
On her father Etienne's Belgian warmblood gelding Fil Rouge (by Stedinger x Argentinus), Laurence represented Belgium at the 2017 European Dressage Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. She also won silver at the 2017 Belgian Dressage Championships.
The 24-year old Roos is a dentist by profession. Based on public vote and the verdict by an expert panel, Roos beat show jumping colleagues Pieter Clemens, Zoe Conter, Viktor Daem and Boy Adrian van Gelderen.
This is only the third time that a dressage rider wins the VLP Talent of the Year title. Julie de Deken won it in 2010 and Jorinde Verwimp in 2014. Roos was also nominated for the title in 2016.
Roos received a cheque of 7,5000 euro which she can spend on training.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Laurence Roos Nominated as VLP Talent of the Year 2017
Laurence Roos Nominated as VLP Talent of the Year 2016
Verwimp and Roos Submitted to 2016 VLP Talent Team