The Belgian team that will represent Belgian warmblood breeding at the 2023 World Championships for young dressage horses in Ermelo next week has been changed.
Former Belgian pony team rider and non pro Belgian World Championship reining team rider Amber Heidbuchel and her 6-year old Belgian warmblood bred Rianta van de Kempenhoeve (by Indian Rock x Quaterback) have dropped out due to fitness issues and are now being replaced by the first reserve.
"What can I see, an accident and bad timing," Heidbuchel explained. "Rianta injured herself this week. Her well-being is my top priority so I'm forced to pull out of Ermelo. After all this hard work to get there this is a serious blow, but it's the flipside of the sport. I will do everything to get my dear Rianta back in shape."
Pieter Foets has been called up to compete his BWP mare Romina van het Kolisbos (by Glamourdale x Camus) in Ermelo. The 34-year old Foets will be making his international show debut in Ermelo as the rider has never competed at an international competition before, but the combination gathered experience at regional and national level, with the horse scoring 8s for its basic gaits.
Pieter is based in Grote Brogel and originally comes from the LRV circuit. Romina is bred by his father Stefan Foets.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Belgian Horses Selected for 2023 World Young Horse Championships
Belgian Horses Through to Second Round of 2023 Belgian WCYH Team Selection
Eurodressage coverage of the World Championships Young Dressage Horses