The Dutch team has undergone a change before the 2026 European Children Championships kick off in Olomouc (CZE) on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
The 14-year old Arends and 9-year old KWPN stallion Master (by Frankin x United x Jazz) made her entry on the FEI Children scene in April 2026 at the CDI Tolbert and three weeks later won the preliminary test at the CDI Exloo. Also at the CDI Lier they confirmed form and won bronze at the 2026 Dutch Children Championships. They were nominated on the Dutch team for Olomouc.
Arends will not be competing on the team as Master is not fit to compete.
"He simply isn’t fit enough right now, and we love this horse far more than the sport," said Liz. "So we’re giving Master all the time he needs to recover and become fully fit again. It’s incredibly disappointing after a season of hard work and so many great achievements, but his wellbeing will always come first. Unfortunately, this is out of our hands.
The first reserve, Eza Zuidgeest, has been called up to replace them. Zuidgeest will celebrate her 13th birthday on 17 July during the Europeans. She and 14-year old KWPN gelding Hilton-S (by Florencio x Trento B) debuted internationally at the CDI Exloo and competed at the CDIO-CH Hagen in June. Hilton-S previously represented The Netherlands at the 2021 European Children Championships under previous rider and owner, Liz van den Heuvel.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the European Children and Junior Riders Championships
Dutch Teams Announced for the 2026 European Youth Championships