In The Netherlands no new team coach, nor a chef d'equipe has been appointed, but a new team "manager". The 41-year old Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel from Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, has been appointed to this position
and she is succeeding Sjef Janssen, who resigned as Dutch chef d'equipe.
Sanders is an experienced dressage rider, a dressage judge (nationally and internationally) and an organizer of dressage events. The Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) and riders and trainers had a long discussion after the departure of Janssen and came to the agreement that there was no need for a new team coach who trains, coaches and selects. The riders expressed a need for a team "manager" who helps in the communication between trainers, organizers, owners and judges and who assists in the planning and guidance of the riders.
Sjef Janssen will continue to serve an important role at high performance level. He will continue to train the riders and will be an advisor for the KNHS Top Sport Commission for the selection of a team for the 2007 European Championships and 2008 Olympic Games.
The new dressage team veterinarian will be Emile Welling, who is succeeding Hans van Schie. Welling has been the team vet of the Dutch eventing team and is a member of the FEI Veterinary Committee.
Source: KNHS / KWPN
Photo copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Sjef Janssen Resigns as Dutch Chef d'Equipe
Hans van Schie Resigns as Dutch Dressage Team Veterinarian