As one of the last to decide on their teams, the Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) has officially announced the team that will represent The Netherlands at the 2022 World Championships Dressage.
This year's World Championships are a scaled down version of the failed concept of the "World Equestrian Games" which had its last edition in 2018 in Tryon, where real estate mogul Mark Bellissimo brought the world together at facilities that were still in an under construction phase and of which the Grand Prix freestyle finals were cancelled by force majeur (Hurricane Florence). The 2022 World Championships in Herning cover only four FEI disciplines.
It is always eagerly awaiting what the Dutch team will send as they are repeat medalists and always in for a good fight. This year, however, the KNHS has to do without its two strongest scoring riders, Edward Gal (sabbatical) and Hans Peter Minderhoud (Dream Boy not 100% fit). Therefore, team trainer Alex van Silfhout chose the following all-female team including:
- Dinja van Liere - Hermes (reserve horse Hartsuijker)
- Emmelie Scholtens - Indian Rock
- Marieke van der Putten - Torveslettens Titanium
- Thamar Zweistra - Hexagon's Ich Weiss
The first non-travelling reserve is Denise Nekeman (Boston STH), the second non-travelling reserve is Karen Nijvelt (Elysias).
The team will be joined by team veterinarian Edwin Enzerink.
"We certainly don't have very experienced combinations on the team, but if I look at the performances at the CDIO's in Rotterdam and Aachen, I have confidence," said team trainer Alex van Silfhout. "To qualify for Paris 2024 we have to ride into the top 6 and that's certainly feasible. Denmark is the big favourite, then Germany and behind there are several countries fighting for the next spots."
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2022 World Championships Dressage
Dutch Long Listed Riders for 2022 World Championships Dressage
Dutch Team Trainer Van Silfhout on Selection for Herning after CDI Exloo: "Reading Tea Leaves"
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