Nadine, Hans Peter Minderhoud's career starting Grand Prix mare that took him to his first Olympics in 2008, has passed away. She was 29 years old.
KWPN Top Mare
The chestnut mare was bred by Gerard Vervoorn from Brakel, The Netherlands, and descends from one of the most successful dressage dam lines in The Netherlands. She was by Trakehner stallion Partout and out of Charites (by Roemer x Eros) who had 20 foals, including licensed stallion Kroonjuweel (by Belisar).
Nadine had two foals before her sport career, Salvia (by Havidoff, born 1999) and Tibouchina (by Osmium, born 2000).
She was first trained and competed up to Prix St Georges level by Ellen van den Berg. In 2002 the pair won the KWPN Sport Mare competition and in 2003 they were Dutch Champions at Z2 level. They were 7th and 8th at the 2004 Dutch Small Tour Championships.
Career Starter
Minderhoud competed the mare with the "Exquis" prefix to indicate the owner. The pair rode their first national Grand Prix test in November 2006.
Nadine became a multi-medal winning team horse for The Netherlands as of 2007. She won team gold at the 2007 European Championships in Turin and team silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. She was team reserve for the 2009 European Championships and won team gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. With another team bronze at the 2011 European Championships in Rotterdam, Nadine completed a very successful career as a reliable Dutch team horse. She was 11th in the Kur to Music Finals at the 2011 Europeans.
Retirement
Nadine was retired from competition sport in August 2011 at the European Championships, where an impromptu retirement ceremony was staged.
"I bought Nadine from Mr. Kies so that she could stay with me for her retirement and Nadine enjoyed the last 13 years together with her friends Flirt, Undercover, Next One and Tony in the meadows," Hans Peter explained.
"We tried two years in a row to breed with her but it didn't work out. It's ok. She spent her time in the field with a pony," Minderhoud told KWPN in 2020.
Greatly Missed
Last week, Nadine passed away at age 29. She suffered a colic attack and was brought to the equine clinic Kootwijkerbroek.
"After a severe case of colic, we had the heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep," said Hans Peter. "We are deeply saddened, but equally grateful for 21 years together full of joyful moments, successes and friendship. We accompanied her to her last breath."
Minderhoud continued, "it’s hard to walk past the pasture and know Nadine is no longer there. But I am eternally grateful for all the unforgettable moments that this fantastic mare gave us. We will honour the memories forever."
Photos © Astrid Appels - Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Nadine
Minderhoud and Nadine On Form at Dutch Selection Trial in Zevenaar
Minderhoud Temporarily in the Lead in the Grand Prix at 2010 WEG
Hans Peter Minderhoud's Nadine Retired from Competition
