Dutch Olympic Team for Paris 2024 Announced

The Dutch equestrian federation has announced the team that will represent The Netherlands at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

The team will be captained by Patrick van der Meer, who is also head selector.

The Dutch had to ride two team selection trials: the Dutch Championships (where Van Liere, Scholtens, Van Baalen were on the podium) and the CDIO Rotterdam.

Only four riders were allowed to compete in the CDIO-leg and Edward Gal was chosen for those four, even though he placed fifth at the Dutch Championships (but was fourth in the Grand Prix). Minderhoud was relegated to the national Grand Prix class at the venue. 

In Rotterdam, both Gal and Minderhoud scored higher than Marlies van Baalen, who had bronze at the Nationals, and pushed her out of team consideration.

Van der Meer announced the Dutch Olympic team:

• Dinja van Liere - Hermes (reserve horse: Hartsuijker)
• Emmelie Scholtens - Indian Rock
• Hans Peter Minderhoud - Toto Jr
  • Reserve: Edward Gal - Total US 

The non-travelling reserve is Marlies van Baalen with Habibi.

Dinja has been Holland's best scoring rider throughout the 2024 international spring show season, while Scholtens was a consistent second. After a three-year sabbatical, Gal made his come back on the now 12-year old Total US in Exloo and only in Rotterdam achieved his second MER score to be eligible for team selection. Minderhoud partnered with Gal's 13-year old former ride Toto Jr only recently as well. They debuted two months ago in April at CDI Tolbert, after which they rode in Exloo, the Nationals in Ermelo and Rotterdam.

Minderhoud's selection on the team has made him pull out of the 2024 CDIO Aachen, for which he was entered.

Photos © Digishots

Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games