Corsel and Peutz Quit as Dutch Youth Team Trainers

Dressage

The Netherlands

In a shocking double whammy both Loes Corsel and Monique Peutz say goodbye to their role as Dutch youth team trainers.

Corsel was in charges of the children and ponie riders since the end of 2023, while international dressage judge Monique Peutz confirmed to Horses.nl that she's resigning as well. She first coached the ponies and children but as of 2019 became team trainer of the juniors, young riders, and Under 26.

Corsel and Peutz are the fourth team trainers to leave the KNHS after jumping team trainers Wout Jan van der Schans and Vincent Voorn already threw the towel in the ring.

Monique Peutz

With great commitment and enthusiasm Peutz headed the team trainings and coaching of the Dutch junior and young riders at national and international competitions for a decade, resulting in numerous medals at the European Championships. Her personal student Marten Luiten probably achieved the biggest glory as he won several gold medals as a junior and young rider and went on to claim kur gold this year as an Under 25 rider.

The 62-year old Peutz did not yet issue a statement on why her position has come to an end, nor did the KNHS provide an official press release on the two ladies departing. Monique Peutz is also a 4* international dressage judge.

KNHS Reacts

Several hours after the publication of this article the KNHS issued a release stating that it was the KNHS who did not renew its contract with Peutz, who wanted to continue in the role.

"Starting in 2027, the youth programs will continue under new technical leadership, with the goal of further strengthening the progression of talent to elite senior-level sports and introducing new approaches to the coaching of young riders," the KNHS stated.

Laurens van Lieren, KNHS Technical Director, offered a blank statement as quote. His reasoning could have fit into any press release as it is an automatic goal of every equestrian federation. "We are now embarking on a new phase in the technical coaching of our youth dressage riders and redefining the roles of the national coaches for the coming years in order to continue building the future of dressage," said Van Lieren. "In doing so, we will focus more explicitly on talent development, ensuring a smooth transition between the different age categories, and thorough preparation for the next generation of elite athletes."

Officiating in Verden

With the WCYH and World Championships back to back in August, Eurodressage never had the time to officially write about a curious incident in Verden, i.e. Peutz sitting in the judges' box as commenting judge for the 7-year old finals at the 2026 World Young Horse Championships in Verden.

Tessa Kole, Peutz as commenting judge at C

Her officiating in the finals brought up questions about conflict of interest. More than a few eye brows were raised over her sitting in on the panel, especially when Peutz announced that her own Dutch young rider team member Tessa Kole won gold and Dutch Young Rider team member Lara van Nek surged to fifth place in the Finals with a score very close for the podium (coming from 12th spot in the preliminary).

Many believe Peutz should have recused herself from officiating in this class. Eurodressage questioned IDOC about the role of the commenting judge at the WCYH. "They can give their opinion and as such a part of the jury," IDOC said. The FEI seemingly did not intervene to uphold fair play and its own Officials Code of Conduct.

Loes Corsel

Corsel at the 2023 European Children Championships

Loes Corsel took over the job as pony and children team trainer from Imke Schellekens two years ago.

In a press release issued by Corsel that has been issues she announced that as of 1 January 2027 she will step down from her position. She cited that "a new challenge abroad and a changing vision of the KNHS concerning coaching of dressage youth are at the basis of this decision."

She added that the "KNHS intends to revise the role and functions of the team coaches in the youth segment and reshape them with a renewed vision."