Ireland’s Denis Lynch snatched a last-minute place at next month’s Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping final in Leipzig, Germany with a superb victory in the final qualifier of the Western European League series at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today. Riding the gigantic 11 year old gelding Abbervail van het Dingeshof which belongs to his Swiss patron Thomas Straumann, the Irishman produced a stunning round when eighth to go in the thrilling 17-horse jump-off, and could not be caught despite the best efforts of many of the super-stars who followed him.

"It’s my very first World Cup win – I’ve been trying to do this for the last 15 years and I’ve been placed plenty of times but I’ve never come out on top so it feels really good!" Lynch said. "I wanted to make it to the final and this was my last chance – I’m really happy it worked out and I’m delighted with my horse" he added. A total of six Dutch riders went into the jump-off but Jeroen Dubbeldam (BMC Van Grunsven Simon), Eric van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Utascha SFN) and Piet Raijmakers Jr. (Van Schijndel’s Rascin) had to settle for second, third and fourth places respectively while Frenchman, Simon Delestre (Couletto), lined up in fifth.

Pressure

This was a day of intense pressure, and Dutch course designer Louis Konickx was feeling it as much as the riders. "The second part of the start-list was a course-designers nightmare!" he said afterwards. "I didn’t want to be over the top with my track so I felt I needed to compromise, but the jump-off worked out very well so I’m satisfied" he added. The ease with which so many managed to keep a clean sheet first time out was indeed surprising but possibly indicative of the familiarity and comfort so many horse-and-rider combinations have developed after the winter-long indoor season, along with the quality of the 40-strong field.

There were two retirements – The Netherlands’ Ben Schroder (BMC Unanim) and Henk van de Pol (Abeltje Z), and two eliminations – Finland’s Nina Fagerstrom for a fall when Uraquay stopped at the oxer at fence 11 on the 13-fence course and The Netherlands’ Leon Thijssen when the agile stallion, Tyson, slammed on the anchors at the first part of the triple combination which was just one fence from home.

Wisely

Piet Raijmakers Jr wisely decided to opt for a degree of caution when pathfinder against the clock and set a solid target when crossing the line clear in 42.32 seconds. But Konickx’s new course was truly testing and the time-allowed of 45 seconds was tight and would play a significant role.

A good left-hand turn to the remaining two elements of the triple combination, now the third obstacle on the track, was the first real influencing factor and that was followed by an oxer, then a roll-back to a massive vertical before a sharp left turn and long run down to the final oxer. Fourth to go, Colombia’s Rene Lopez and Noblesse des Tess looked en route to a flawless run until clipping the penultimate vertical, but while Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson (H&M Reveue de Hurtebise) and Portugal’s Luciana Diniz (Winningmood) both left all the fences intact, they found themselves carrying three time faults each, and on level pegging when breaking the beam in exactly the same time – 47.13 seconds.

Two horses later however, Lynch set off with a scorching run that stopped the clock in 40.66 seconds and that really put it up to the remaining nine runners. Not only did they have leave the course intact but they would be pushed to the limit to better his speed and when three-time Rolex FEI World Cup™ jumping champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum tried to shave off fractions of seconds with an angled approach to the penultimate vertical she paid the ultimate price as Checkmate ran out to the left and picked up significant time penalties as a result.

Excitement

With the excitement mounting with every ride, her fellow-countryman Ludger Beerbaum’s mare Gotha drifted left at the second element of the former triple combination to also disappear from the reckoning and although Simon Delestre and Van der Vleuten were both foot-perfect the Irishman was still in the driving seat as Dubbeldam arrived as last rider into the ring. "I under-estimated Denis’s time" the Dutchman admitted afterwards. "My horse is faster than his, but I didn’t want to over-ride him because then he gets aggressive and can make a mistake – I wanted to ride fast but think slow, but I was just a bit slower than Denis in the end" he explained.

Following today’s competition, John Roche, Jumping Director at the FEI, confirmed the top-18 qualifiers from the Western European League in the following order – Kevin Staut FRA, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum GER, Rolf Goran Bengtsson SWE, Billy Twomey IRL, Ludger Beerbaum GER, Sergio Alvarez Moya ESP, Jeroen Dubbeldam NED, Malin Baryard Johnsson SWE, Simon Delestre FRA, Philipp Weishaupt GER, Christian Ahlmann GER, Luciana Diniz POR, Denis Lynch IRL, Lars Nieberg GER, Harrie Smolders NED, Pius Schwizer SUI, Marco Kutscher GER and Michael Whitaker GBR. Two extra riders have also qualified – three-time champion Rodrigo Pessoa BRA and Australia’s Edwina Alexander- while defending champion, Germany’s Marcus Ehning, will also compete.

(source: FEI)

Ireland’s Denis Lynch snatched a last-minute place at next month’s Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping final in Leipzig, Germany with a superb victory in the final qualifier of the Western European League series at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today. Riding the gigantic 11 year old gelding Abbervail van het Dingeshof which belongs to his Swiss patron Thomas Straumann, the Irishman produced a stunning round when eighth to go in the thrilling 17-horse jump-off, and could not be caught despite the best efforts of many of the super-stars who followed him.

"It’s my very first World Cup win – I’ve been trying to do this for the last 15 years and I’ve been placed plenty of times but I’ve never come out on top so it feels really good!" Lynch said. "I wanted to make it to the final and this was my last chance – I’m really happy it worked out and I’m delighted with my horse" he added. A total of six Dutch riders went into the jump-off but Jeroen Dubbeldam (BMC Van Grunsven Simon), Eric van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Utascha SFN) and Piet Raijmakers Jr. (Van Schijndel’s Rascin) had to settle for second, third and fourth places respectively while Frenchman, Simon Delestre (Couletto), lined up in fifth.

Pressure

This was a day of intense pressure, and Dutch course designer Louis Konickx was feeling it as much as the riders. "The second part of the start-list was a course-designers nightmare!" he said afterwards. "I didn’t want to be over the top with my track so I felt I needed to compromise, but the jump-off worked out very well so I’m satisfied" he added. The ease with which so many managed to keep a clean sheet first time out was indeed surprising but possibly indicative of the familiarity and comfort so many horse-and-rider combinations have developed after the winter-long indoor season, along with the quality of the 40-strong field.

There were two retirements – The Netherlands’ Ben Schroder (BMC Unanim) and Henk van de Pol (Abeltje Z), and two eliminations – Finland’s Nina Fagerstrom for a fall when Uraquay stopped at the oxer at fence 11 on the 13-fence course and The Netherlands’ Leon Thijssen when the agile stallion, Tyson, slammed on the anchors at the first part of the triple combination which was just one fence from home.

Wisely

Piet Raijmakers Jr wisely decided to opt for a degree of caution when pathfinder against the clock and set a solid target when crossing the line clear in 42.32 seconds. But Konickx’s new course was truly testing and the time-allowed of 45 seconds was tight and would play a significant role.

A good left-hand turn to the remaining two elements of the triple combination, now the third obstacle on the track, was the first real influencing factor and that was followed by an oxer, then a roll-back to a massive vertical before a sharp left turn and long run down to the final oxer. Fourth to go, Colombia’s Rene Lopez and Noblesse des Tess looked en route to a flawless run until clipping the penultimate vertical, but while Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson (H&M Reveue de Hurtebise) and Portugal’s Luciana Diniz (Winningmood) both left all the fences intact, they found themselves carrying three time faults each, and on level pegging when breaking the beam in exactly the same time – 47.13 seconds.

Two horses later however, Lynch set off with a scorching run that stopped the clock in 40.66 seconds and that really put it up to the remaining nine runners. Not only did they have leave the course intact but they would be pushed to the limit to better his speed and when three-time Rolex FEI World Cup™ jumping champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum tried to shave off fractions of seconds with an angled approach to the penultimate vertical she paid the ultimate price as Checkmate ran out to the left and picked up significant time penalties as a result.

Excitement

With the excitement mounting with every ride, her fellow-countryman Ludger Beerbaum’s mare Gotha drifted left at the second element of the former triple combination to also disappear from the reckoning and although Simon Delestre and Van der Vleuten were both foot-perfect the Irishman was still in the driving seat as Dubbeldam arrived as last rider into the ring. "I under-estimated Denis’s time" the Dutchman admitted afterwards. "My horse is faster than his, but I didn’t want to over-ride him because then he gets aggressive and can make a mistake – I wanted to ride fast but think slow, but I was just a bit slower than Denis in the end" he explained.

Following today’s competition, John Roche, Jumping Director at the FEI, confirmed the top-18 qualifiers from the Western European League in the following order – Kevin Staut FRA, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum GER, Rolf Goran Bengtsson SWE, Billy Twomey IRL, Ludger Beerbaum GER, Sergio Alvarez Moya ESP, Jeroen Dubbeldam NED, Malin Baryard Johnsson SWE, Simon Delestre FRA, Philipp Weishaupt GER, Christian Ahlmann GER, Luciana Diniz POR, Denis Lynch IRL, Lars Nieberg GER, Harrie Smolders NED, Pius Schwizer SUI, Marco Kutscher GER and Michael Whitaker GBR. Two extra riders have also qualified – three-time champion Rodrigo Pessoa BRA and Australia’s Edwina Alexander- while defending champion, Germany’s Marcus Ehning, will also compete.

(source: FEI)

The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival secured their fifth victory of the season when coming out on top at the last qualifying leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Western European League at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands this afternoon. They now look sure-fire favourites to scoop the title at the final which takes place in Leipzig, Germany from 27 April to 1 May, and the Dutch rider said today – "yes, we’re in pretty good shape!".

Germany’s Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht produced a wonderful test, but still had to settle for runner-up spot ahead of Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud whose mare, Exquis Nadine, was really on her toes. And fourth place went to Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Responsible whose star has been steadily rising throughout the current season.

Set the Standard

Catherine Haddad led the way at the halfway stage having set the standard with a score of 74.10 from the flashy chestnut Winymaro who seems to thrive in front of an audience. And the American rider was smiling broadly as she left the arena to the strains of the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" in celebration of her 47th year. Her score was immediately overtaken as the action re-started however, although Great Britain’s Richard Davison had to work hard for his mark of 77.025. His 12 year old gelding, Artemis, decided some of the greenery surrounding the arena was extremely suspicious and never fully settled throughout his test.

The Netherlands’ Marlies Van Baalen presented no great threat when putting 73.925 on the board with BMC Phoebe, but defending champion Edward Gal then forged a new lead with Interfloor Next One who produced some sparkling piaffe for a score of 78.875, and this marked the beginning of the real battle for supremacy. Denmark’s Princess Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein and Digby scored 77.825 to slot temporarily into second before Werth and Warum Nicht got into their stride and produced a polished, determined and quality performance that took them out in front. "He was so super!" the double FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion said afterwards. "This was one of his very best tests, and I can’t believe it – we had no mistakes in the changes!" she added. So now the remaining three were chasing her mark of 82.050.

Groaned

The home crowd groaned with disappointment when Hans Peter Minderhoud’s efforts left him trailing Werth by more than two points. His mare was on fire from the outset and her rider, never a man for taking half-measures, took all the risks as he produced lovely trot extensions, a piaffe during which she was swinging from side to side in time to the music and the fearlessly forward extended canter that has now become Minderhoud’s trade-mark. It was his team-mate, Cornelissen, however who knocked Werth off her perch with another stunning performance from Jerich Parzival who was simply oozing confidence. "We did make one small mistake when he did a flying change after the extended canter but otherwise he was fantastic" she commented. And the Ground Jury thought so too as they posted a massive 87.900 on the board.

Last in, Helen Langehanenberg was never going to beat that, but her partnership with Responsible is something special to watch and the 12 year old mare’s charming test was good enough to secure 79.125 and fourth place in this world-class field.

So Relaxed
"Yesterday Parzival was so relaxed and today he felt really good again" said Cornelissen who, remarkably, has claimed the honours at half of the 10 Western European qualifying rounds this season. She believes her horse’s confidence has been reinforced by his training routine which includes doing a lot of things that other dressage horses may never get to do. "He goes out in the field, I take him for rides in the woods and we go cantering on a racetrack quite a lot – that’s what makes him happy. In training its about controlling him all the time, but its great to just go out and have fun together too – its all been about building up trust and he’s learned to really enjoy himself now" she explained. And she added, "that’s why I don’t take him into the prize-giving anymore – I don’t want to lose that trust because it really worries him".

She has no plans to compete Parzival ahead of the final, the line-up for which is expected to be confirmed soon. In accordance with the rules, the permitted distribution of starting places is as follows: Western European League 9 places, Central European League 2 places, Pacific League 1 place, North American League 2 places, South American League 1 place, the title defender (The Netherlands’ Edward Gal), and 2 FEI starting places. Only three riders per country can compete, and this includes the host nation.

(Source: FEI)

The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival secured their fifth victory of the season when coming out on top at the last qualifying leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Western European League at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands this afternoon. They now look sure-fire favourites to scoop the title at the final which takes place in Leipzig, Germany from 27 April to 1 May, and the Dutch rider said today – "yes, we’re in pretty good shape!".

Germany’s Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht produced a wonderful test, but still had to settle for runner-up spot ahead of Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud whose mare, Exquis Nadine, was really on her toes. And fourth place went to Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Responsible whose star has been steadily rising throughout the current season.

Set the Standard

Catherine Haddad led the way at the halfway stage having set the standard with a score of 74.10 from the flashy chestnut Winymaro who seems to thrive in front of an audience. And the American rider was smiling broadly as she left the arena to the strains of the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" in celebration of her 47th year. Her score was immediately overtaken as the action re-started however, although Great Britain’s Richard Davison had to work hard for his mark of 77.025. His 12 year old gelding, Artemis, decided some of the greenery surrounding the arena was extremely suspicious and never fully settled throughout his test.

The Netherlands’ Marlies Van Baalen presented no great threat when putting 73.925 on the board with BMC Phoebe, but defending champion Edward Gal then forged a new lead with Interfloor Next One who produced some sparkling piaffe for a score of 78.875, and this marked the beginning of the real battle for supremacy. Denmark’s Princess Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein and Digby scored 77.825 to slot temporarily into second before Werth and Warum Nicht got into their stride and produced a polished, determined and quality performance that took them out in front. "He was so super!" the double FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion said afterwards. "This was one of his very best tests, and I can’t believe it – we had no mistakes in the changes!" she added. So now the remaining three were chasing her mark of 82.050.

Groaned

The home crowd groaned with disappointment when Hans Peter Minderhoud’s efforts left him trailing Werth by more than two points. His mare was on fire from the outset and her rider, never a man for taking half-measures, took all the risks as he produced lovely trot extensions, a piaffe during which she was swinging from side to side in time to the music and the fearlessly forward extended canter that has now become Minderhoud’s trade-mark. It was his team-mate, Cornelissen, however who knocked Werth off her perch with another stunning performance from Jerich Parzival who was simply oozing confidence. "We did make one small mistake when he did a flying change after the extended canter but otherwise he was fantastic" she commented. And the Ground Jury thought so too as they posted a massive 87.900 on the board.

Last in, Helen Langehanenberg was never going to beat that, but her partnership with Responsible is something special to watch and the 12 year old mare’s charming test was good enough to secure 79.125 and fourth place in this world-class field.

So Relaxed
"Yesterday Parzival was so relaxed and today he felt really good again" said Cornelissen who, remarkably, has claimed the honours at half of the 10 Western European qualifying rounds this season. She believes her horse’s confidence has been reinforced by his training routine which includes doing a lot of things that other dressage horses may never get to do. "He goes out in the field, I take him for rides in the woods and we go cantering on a racetrack quite a lot – that’s what makes him happy. In training its about controlling him all the time, but its great to just go out and have fun together too – its all been about building up trust and he’s learned to really enjoy himself now" she explained. And she added, "that’s why I don’t take him into the prize-giving anymore – I don’t want to lose that trust because it really worries him".

She has no plans to compete Parzival ahead of the final, the line-up for which is expected to be confirmed soon. In accordance with the rules, the permitted distribution of starting places is as follows: Western European League 9 places, Central European League 2 places, Pacific League 1 place, North American League 2 places, South American League 1 place, the title defender (The Netherlands’ Edward Gal), and 2 FEI starting places. Only three riders per country can compete, and this includes the host nation.

(Source: FEI)

Friday started with the CDI4* Grand Prix – Omroep Brabant Prize. Germany’s Isabell Werth rode the nine-year-old gelding Don Johnson (Hann, by Don Frederico) to victory with 73.53 per cent. Holland’s Hans Peter Minderhoud finished runner-up with the 11-year-old stallion I.P.S. Tango (KWPN by Jazz) with a score of 72.89 per cent. Isabell’s compatriot, newcomer Helen Langehanenberg, took third place with the 11-year-old stallion Damon Hill (Westf, by Donnerhall).

Friday started with the CDI4* Grand Prix – Omroep Brabant Prize. Germany’s Isabell Werth rode the nine-year-old gelding Don Johnson (Hann, by Don Frederico) to victory with 73.53 per cent. Holland’s Hans Peter Minderhoud finished runner-up with the 11-year-old stallion I.P.S. Tango (KWPN by Jazz) with a score of 72.89 per cent. Isabell’s compatriot, newcomer Helen Langehanenberg, took third place with the 11-year-old stallion Damon Hill (Westf, by Donnerhall).

Holland’s Albert Zoer was the best in the Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch Prize, the qualification for the Rolex FEI World Cup on Sunday afternoon (15.00 hrs) with his 12-year-old KWPN gelding Sam (by Calvados).They earned 10,000 Swiss Francs with their fast round. Runner-up was Australia’s Edwina Alexander with the BWP-bred Cevo Socrates (by Darco). Third place went to Eric van der Vleuten and his 10-year-old mare VDL Groep Utascha SFN (KWPN, by Lux), a horse owned by the Dutch Jumping Horse Foundation (Springpaarden Fonds Nederland).

Holland’s Albert Zoer was the best in the Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch Prize, the qualification for the Rolex FEI World Cup on Sunday afternoon (15.00 hrs) with his 12-year-old KWPN gelding Sam (by Calvados).They earned 10,000 Swiss Francs with their fast round. Runner-up was Australia’s Edwina Alexander with the BWP-bred Cevo Socrates (by Darco). Third place went to Eric van der Vleuten and his 10-year-old mare VDL Groep Utascha SFN (KWPN, by Lux), a horse owned by the Dutch Jumping Horse Foundation (Springpaarden Fonds Nederland).

It took some time and effort, but finally Indoor Brabant was appointed two World Cup Finales. The first time in equestrian history that a Dutch shows will be organising a double WC final. The FEI only recently decided to give the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final to ‘s-Hertogenbosch and not to Las Vegas.

Show president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels: "We are very happy with this decision and we think it is a reward for our ambition and efforts. After 18 years, after the World Cup Jumping Final in 1994, we now have two Finals. A great gift for the 45th edition of Indoor Brabant."

Marcel Hunze, show director saw the show grow in the past years. "I think the organisation of two Finals is a great challenge and a unique opportunity. To have the  world’s best riders suites the goals of Indoor Brabant perfectly. The financial part is still a challenge. We will still have to do a lot of work to get sufficient money from sponsors and government.

A month later

Both Finals will be held from 19 to 22 April 2012, a month later than the usual date of the show. The provisional programme will be as follows:
Thursday 19 April
1st qualification ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping
Grand Prix Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage
Friday 20 April
2nd qualification ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping
Saturday 21 April
FINALE: Kür to Music Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage
Sunday 22 April
FINALE: ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping (two rounds)

Tickets

Tickets for the Finals are available at www.indoorbrabant.com.

It took some time and effort, but finally Indoor Brabant was appointed two World Cup Finales. The first time in equestrian history that a Dutch shows will be organising a double WC final. The FEI only recently decided to give the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final to ‘s-Hertogenbosch and not to Las Vegas.

Show president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels: "We are very happy with this decision and we think it is a reward for our ambition and efforts. After 18 years, after the World Cup Jumping Final in 1994, we now have two Finals. A great gift for the 45th edition of Indoor Brabant."

Marcel Hunze, show director saw the show grow in the past years. "I think the organisation of two Finals is a great challenge and a unique opportunity. To have the  world’s best riders suites the goals of Indoor Brabant perfectly. The financial part is still a challenge. We will still have to do a lot of work to get sufficient money from sponsors and government.

A month later

Both Finals will be held from 19 to 22 April 2012, a month later than the usual date of the show. The provisional programme will be as follows:
Thursday 19 April
1st qualification ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping
Grand Prix Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage
Friday 20 April
2nd qualification ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping
Saturday 21 April
FINALE: Kür to Music Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage
Sunday 22 April
FINALE: ROLEX FEI World Cup Jumping (two rounds)

Tickets

Tickets for the Finals are available at www.indoorbrabant.com.

During the 44th edition of the international equestrian event Indoor Brabant (24-27 March 2011) Dutch dressage rider Adelinde Cornelissen will be the favourite for victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup kwalificatie presented by Ricoh. Adelinde already won four qualifications this season: Stockholm, London, Amsterdam and Gothenburg. Her horse, the 14-year-old KWPN gelding Jerich Parzival (Jazz x Ulft) is in top form and will perform at his best in front of his home crowd. Edward Gal (Interfloor Next One), Hans Peter Minderhoud (Exquis Nadine en IPS Tango), and several new young faces like Jenny Schreven (Krawall) and Lotje Schoots (Reine B) will also represent the host nation.

Germany’s top rider Isabell Werth is a big fan of Indoor Brabant and will surely try to stop the Dutch supremacy with her Kur specialist Warum Nicht FRH. The German team will be completed with rising star Helen Langehanenberg (Damon Hill and Responsible OLD) and Nadine Capellmann, who will start with her new horse Girasol. Belgium is sending three riders: Jeroen Devroe, Philippe Jorissen and Fanny Verliefden.

Denmark’s Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (Digby) and American Catherine Haddad (Winyamaro) will also travel to ‘s-Hertogenbosch to win the last World Cup points.

Het complete overzicht vindt u hier:http://www.indoorbrabant.com/sport/deelnemers-cdiw
Nationaal dressuur: http://www.indoorbrabant.com/ruiter-deelnemers-nationaal-dressuur
Dressuur landelijk: http://www.indoorbrabant.com/wp-contenthttp://www.indoorbrabant.com/wp-content/uploads/Startlijst_dressuur_Z1_Z2_03032011.pdf

During the 44th edition of the international equestrian event Indoor Brabant (24-27 March 2011) Dutch dressage rider Adelinde Cornelissen will be the favourite for victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup kwalificatie presented by Ricoh. Adelinde already won four qualifications this season: Stockholm, London, Amsterdam and Gothenburg. Her horse, the 14-year-old KWPN gelding Jerich Parzival (Jazz x Ulft) is in top form and will perform at his best in front of his home crowd. Edward Gal (Interfloor Next One), Hans Peter Minderhoud (Exquis Nadine en IPS Tango), and several new young faces like Jenny Schreven (Krawall) and Lotje Schoots (Reine B) will also represent the host nation.

Germany’s top rider Isabell Werth is a big fan of Indoor Brabant and will surely try to stop the Dutch supremacy with her Kur specialist Warum Nicht FRH. The German team will be completed with rising star Helen Langehanenberg (Damon Hill and Responsible OLD) and Nadine Capellmann, who will start with her new horse Girasol. Belgium is sending three riders: Jeroen Devroe, Philippe Jorissen and Fanny Verliefden.

Denmark’s Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (Digby) and American Catherine Haddad (Winyamaro) will also travel to ‘s-Hertogenbosch to win the last World Cup points.

Het complete overzicht vindt u hier:http://www.indoorbrabant.com/sport/deelnemers-cdiw
Nationaal dressuur: http://www.indoorbrabant.com/ruiter-deelnemers-nationaal-dressuur
Dressuur landelijk: http://www.indoorbrabant.com/wp-contenthttp://www.indoorbrabant.com/wp-content/uploads/Startlijst_dressuur_Z1_Z2_03032011.pdf

The international equestrian event Indoor Brabant which will be held from 24 to 27 March in the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is again expecting a top starting field. In the show jumping as well as in the dressage competitions the public will be sure to see top sport. Among the top jumping riders are the world’s number one and European Champion Kevin Staut en Penelope Leprevost from France, last year’s World Cup qualifier winner Rolf-Göran Bengtsson from Sweden and Denis Lynch from Ireland. Abdullah Al Sharbatly from Saudi-Arabia will have his first start after winning the individual silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010. Germany will be represented by Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning. Of course the Dutch top riders will be presented to defend the national colours, among them Jeroen Dubbeldam, Gerco Schröder, Leon Thijssen, Harrie Smolders and Maikel and Eric van der Vleuten.

Dressage

In the dressage classes it are, among others, Adelinde Cornelissen, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal who will defend Dutch honours against Isabell Werth, Ulla Salzgeber and Ellen Langenhanenberg from Germany and Victoria Max-Theurer from Austria. 

Varied programme

Highlights of Indoor Brabant will be the World Cup qualifications jumping and dressage. The Rolex FEI World Cup Springen, presented by Swiss Sense, will be staged on Sunday 27 March, start 3 p.m., and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage, presented by Ricoh, on Saturday 26 March at 1.30 p.m.
On Thursday the national and para-equestrian dressage riders will enter the arena and the evening programme offers an national and international jumping class. On Friday the public can watch a varied programma with international dressage and jumping classes. On Saturday the Grand Prix Special, the Van Schijndel Indoor Derby and the BMC Grand Prix will be the main features. On Sunday morning the arena will be reserved for pony jumping.

Prizemoney

Indoor Brabant offers top prizemoney. For show jumping 500,000 CHF is available and the dressage riders have 108,000 euros to win. The national classes have a prizemoney of 5,550 euros.

Ticket sales

Tickets for Indoor Brabant can be ordered at www.indoorbrabant.com

The international equestrian event Indoor Brabant which will be held from 24 to 27 March in the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is again expecting a top starting field. In the show jumping as well as in the dressage competitions the public will be sure to see top sport. Among the top jumping riders are the world’s number one and European Champion Kevin Staut en Penelope Leprevost from France, last year’s World Cup qualifier winner Rolf-Göran Bengtsson from Sweden and Denis Lynch from Ireland. Abdullah Al Sharbatly from Saudi-Arabia will have his first start after winning the individual silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010. Germany will be represented by Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning. Of course the Dutch top riders will be presented to defend the national colours, among them Jeroen Dubbeldam, Gerco Schröder, Leon Thijssen, Harrie Smolders and Maikel and Eric van der Vleuten.

Dressage

In the dressage classes it are, among others, Adelinde Cornelissen, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal who will defend Dutch honours against Isabell Werth, Ulla Salzgeber and Ellen Langenhanenberg from Germany and Victoria Max-Theurer from Austria. 

Varied programme

Highlights of Indoor Brabant will be the World Cup qualifications jumping and dressage. The Rolex FEI World Cup Springen, presented by Swiss Sense, will be staged on Sunday 27 March, start 3 p.m., and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage, presented by Ricoh, on Saturday 26 March at 1.30 p.m.
On Thursday the national and para-equestrian dressage riders will enter the arena and the evening programme offers an national and international jumping class. On Friday the public can watch a varied programma with international dressage and jumping classes. On Saturday the Grand Prix Special, the Van Schijndel Indoor Derby and the BMC Grand Prix will be the main features. On Sunday morning the arena will be reserved for pony jumping.

Prizemoney

Indoor Brabant offers top prizemoney. For show jumping 500,000 CHF is available and the dressage riders have 108,000 euros to win. The national classes have a prizemoney of 5,550 euros.

Ticket sales

Tickets for Indoor Brabant can be ordered at www.indoorbrabant.com

Ticket sales for the 44rd episode of Indoor Brabant has started Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at www.indoorbrabant.com Tickets are also sold through Ticketservice 0900-3001250 local (45cpm), large post offices, GWK railway offices, various tourist offices and the bigger Free Record Shops.

Order your tickets now.

Ticket sales for the 44rd episode of Indoor Brabant has started Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at www.indoorbrabant.com Tickets are also sold through Ticketservice 0900-3001250 local (45cpm), large post offices, GWK railway offices, various tourist offices and the bigger Free Record Shops.

Order your tickets now.

Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson scorched to victory in the last qualifying leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today when pipping Ireland’s Jessica Kuerten by the smallest of margins. In a thrilling 16-horse jump-off that kept spectators rooted to their seats it was Kuerten who seemed to have set an impossibly fast target for the rest when eighth to go against the clock. But the coolest of cool Swedes cruised home to shave one-tenth of a second off her time when last to go with his 11 year old stallion Casall la Silla.

Australia’s Edwina Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau slotted into third ahead of Ludger Beerbaum and Gotha in fourth while fifth place went to The Netherlands’ Piet Raijmakers Jnr. whose father, Piet Senior, officially retired from international competition today and was honoured in an emotional ceremony after the World Cup class concluded. In front of the packed stadium British legend John Whitaker told Raijmakers Senior "you were a very hard man to beat and you never gave up – until now!" whlle the Dutch veteran commented that "my riding career been a beautiful holiday for the last 35 years – now I must actually go to work!".

Jumpable

The 13-fence course designed by Holland’s Louis Konickx proved a little too jumpable and allowed 16 through to the second-round jump-off which consequently turned into a relentless gallop against the clock. But if there is one partnership that gets high on speed it’s Jessica Kuerten and Lady Georgina Forbes’ brilliant mare Castle Forbes Libertina who set off at a break-neck pace when eighth to go against the clock, and they shattered the target of 35.06 seconds set by Raijmakers Jnr when breaking the beam in 32.60 seconds. Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Noltes Kuchengirl hit the very last fence while French rider Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago hit the penultimate oxer, but Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau were foot-perfect to temporarily slot into runner-up spot – the size of the jump produced by this spring-heeled little chestnut at the final oxer drawing gasps of excitement from the crowd.

Ben Maher’s chances disappeared when Robin Hood clipped the second fence while Dutchman Harrie Smolders and Exquis Powerfree clipped the first element of the double three from home, although their time was the quickest of the day as they broke the beam in 32.35 seconds. With just three left to go Ludger Beerbaum set off on a fabulous tour of the track with his nine year old mare Gotha who has been increasing in confidence all season and returned a competitive clear in 33.47 seconds to ensure a prominent place in the final line-up, and when reigning World Champion Jos Lansink from Belgium hit the Rolex vertical, now third on the track, only Bengtsson could prevent Kuerten – winner at both Leipzig and Gothenburg – from making it a hat-trick of wins in the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series.

All Over

Even Bengtsson thought it was all done and dusted. "I watched Jessica’s ride on the screen and thought it was impossible to beat a horse so sensationally fast" he said afterwards. "I knew it would be difficult to make the same seven strides from fence one to fence two but I thought I’d try – it was very long, but we made it – my horse has a long, slow canter so he is difficult to adjust and my job was to stay focused and to keep him jumping off that long stride, and then I got a great shot to the last and that was it!" he added, making it all sound very elementary. This great result however has not earned the master horseman a starting spot in the final as he is lying 24th on the series table and only the top-20 are qualified.

For Kuerten today was another triumph, even if she had to settle for runner-up spot. She has amassed a massive 90 points and heads the Western European League table with a nine-point advantage over next-best rider, Germany’s Marco Kutscher. She knows she is now a strong favourite to take the title in Switzerland in just over two weeks’ time after an exceptional run of form that included five more top placings at this weekend’s Dutch fixture. She’s not enjoying the pressure that puts on her however and insisted today that, although her three great mares are on top form, she prefers a single-competition challenge to the three-day test of a World Cup Final. And she is feeling particularly protective of Castle Forbes Libertina who is not long back in work after a seven-month injury layoff. "I think I will take her to Geneva but I am not finally decided" she said.

Competitive

For Bengtsson, Casall la Silla’s victory is the result of a patient wait for him to mature into a truly competitive jumper. "I spent a long time building him up through young horses classes and I never pushed him to do anything before he was ready – I’m profiting from that now. For the last three-quarters of a year he has been more and more consistent in jump-offs and I can trust him more to go quick and stay focused – we’ve had a very, very good late season" he explained. Today he brought that great season to the perfect conclusion.

(Source: FEI, photo: Remco Veurink)

Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson scorched to victory in the last qualifying leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today when pipping Ireland’s Jessica Kuerten by the smallest of margins. In a thrilling 16-horse jump-off that kept spectators rooted to their seats it was Kuerten who seemed to have set an impossibly fast target for the rest when eighth to go against the clock. But the coolest of cool Swedes cruised home to shave one-tenth of a second off her time when last to go with his 11 year old stallion Casall la Silla.

Australia’s Edwina Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau slotted into third ahead of Ludger Beerbaum and Gotha in fourth while fifth place went to The Netherlands’ Piet Raijmakers Jnr. whose father, Piet Senior, officially retired from international competition today and was honoured in an emotional ceremony after the World Cup class concluded. In front of the packed stadium British legend John Whitaker told Raijmakers Senior "you were a very hard man to beat and you never gave up – until now!" whlle the Dutch veteran commented that "my riding career been a beautiful holiday for the last 35 years – now I must actually go to work!".

Jumpable

The 13-fence course designed by Holland’s Louis Konickx proved a little too jumpable and allowed 16 through to the second-round jump-off which consequently turned into a relentless gallop against the clock. But if there is one partnership that gets high on speed it’s Jessica Kuerten and Lady Georgina Forbes’ brilliant mare Castle Forbes Libertina who set off at a break-neck pace when eighth to go against the clock, and they shattered the target of 35.06 seconds set by Raijmakers Jnr when breaking the beam in 32.60 seconds. Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Noltes Kuchengirl hit the very last fence while French rider Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago hit the penultimate oxer, but Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau were foot-perfect to temporarily slot into runner-up spot – the size of the jump produced by this spring-heeled little chestnut at the final oxer drawing gasps of excitement from the crowd.

Ben Maher’s chances disappeared when Robin Hood clipped the second fence while Dutchman Harrie Smolders and Exquis Powerfree clipped the first element of the double three from home, although their time was the quickest of the day as they broke the beam in 32.35 seconds. With just three left to go Ludger Beerbaum set off on a fabulous tour of the track with his nine year old mare Gotha who has been increasing in confidence all season and returned a competitive clear in 33.47 seconds to ensure a prominent place in the final line-up, and when reigning World Champion Jos Lansink from Belgium hit the Rolex vertical, now third on the track, only Bengtsson could prevent Kuerten – winner at both Leipzig and Gothenburg – from making it a hat-trick of wins in the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series.

All Over

Even Bengtsson thought it was all done and dusted. "I watched Jessica’s ride on the screen and thought it was impossible to beat a horse so sensationally fast" he said afterwards. "I knew it would be difficult to make the same seven strides from fence one to fence two but I thought I’d try – it was very long, but we made it – my horse has a long, slow canter so he is difficult to adjust and my job was to stay focused and to keep him jumping off that long stride, and then I got a great shot to the last and that was it!" he added, making it all sound very elementary. This great result however has not earned the master horseman a starting spot in the final as he is lying 24th on the series table and only the top-20 are qualified.

For Kuerten today was another triumph, even if she had to settle for runner-up spot. She has amassed a massive 90 points and heads the Western European League table with a nine-point advantage over next-best rider, Germany’s Marco Kutscher. She knows she is now a strong favourite to take the title in Switzerland in just over two weeks’ time after an exceptional run of form that included five more top placings at this weekend’s Dutch fixture. She’s not enjoying the pressure that puts on her however and insisted today that, although her three great mares are on top form, she prefers a single-competition challenge to the three-day test of a World Cup Final. And she is feeling particularly protective of Castle Forbes Libertina who is not long back in work after a seven-month injury layoff. "I think I will take her to Geneva but I am not finally decided" she said.

Competitive

For Bengtsson, Casall la Silla’s victory is the result of a patient wait for him to mature into a truly competitive jumper. "I spent a long time building him up through young horses classes and I never pushed him to do anything before he was ready – I’m profiting from that now. For the last three-quarters of a year he has been more and more consistent in jump-offs and I can trust him more to go quick and stay focused – we’ve had a very, very good late season" he explained. Today he brought that great season to the perfect conclusion.

(Source: FEI, photo: Remco Veurink)

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and the super-stallion Moorlands Totilas overcame all the pressure and tension to claim the 25th anniversary FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch this afternoon. Gal’s stallion was tipped to take the honours throughout the entire 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage season during which he secured his third record-breaking score of 2009 at London Olympia last December. But two days ago fellow-Dutch rider Adelinde Cornelissen took advantage of an edgy test from her team-mate to win the preliminary Grand Prix with a great performance from Jerich Parzival, and for the first time in a long while, Gal’s stallion began to look vulnerable. Today however he was considerably more composed as he strutted his way to victory by a margin of almost seven percentage points – "When I came into the arena I thought it could be better – and it was!" said the relieved 40 year old rider who clinched the trophy for The Netherlands for the tenth time.

Worthwile

Brett Parbery made his trip all the way from New South Wales in Australia worthwhile when opening the Freestyle to Music finale with a great rhythmic test from the 14 year old Victory Salute which earned a mark of 70.55%. He will hurry home to join his pregnant wife, but will return to the stables of Edward Gal to prepare for selections for the WEG with his wife and hopefully a healthy baby. “I like the Dutch and I like to train with Edward and his partner Nicole Werner, so it will be quit some thrilling moments to come

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and the super-stallion Moorlands Totilas overcame all the pressure and tension to claim the 25th anniversary FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch this afternoon. Gal’s stallion was tipped to take the honours throughout the entire 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage season during which he secured his third record-breaking score of 2009 at London Olympia last December. But two days ago fellow-Dutch rider Adelinde Cornelissen took advantage of an edgy test from her team-mate to win the preliminary Grand Prix with a great performance from Jerich Parzival, and for the first time in a long while, Gal’s stallion began to look vulnerable. Today however he was considerably more composed as he strutted his way to victory by a margin of almost seven percentage points – "When I came into the arena I thought it could be better – and it was!" said the relieved 40 year old rider who clinched the trophy for The Netherlands for the tenth time.

Worthwile

Brett Parbery made his trip all the way from New South Wales in Australia worthwhile when opening the Freestyle to Music finale with a great rhythmic test from the 14 year old Victory Salute which earned a mark of 70.55%. He will hurry home to join his pregnant wife, but will return to the stables of Edward Gal to prepare for selections for the WEG with his wife and hopefully a healthy baby. “I like the Dutch and I like to train with Edward and his partner Nicole Werner, so it will be quit some thrilling moments to come

With a total prizemoney of 45,000 Swiss francs and a top competitor field competition was tough in the Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch Prize. The leader of the World Cup standings, Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, showed his good form from the start. He was no less than two seconds faster than runner-up Harrie Smolders. Pius Schwizer rode the Belgian-bred Ulysse (by Nonstop) for this occassion.

With a total prizemoney of 45,000 Swiss francs and a top competitor field competition was tough in the Gemeente ‘s-Hertogenbosch Prize. The leader of the World Cup standings, Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, showed his good form from the start. He was no less than two seconds faster than runner-up Harrie Smolders. Pius Schwizer rode the Belgian-bred Ulysse (by Nonstop) for this occassion.

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival made the perfect start to the 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage final at the Brabanthallen in s’Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands tonight when winning the Grand Prix by a convincing margin of more than two percent. On a tense evening when nerves were jangling, she held her big strong gelding together to produce a powerful test that left her with a clear advantage over the firm favourites to take the title – Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas. And the Dutch totally dominated the line-up in this preliminary competition when Imke Schellekens-Bartels and her lovely mare Hunter Douglas Sunrise claimed third place. It looks like a Dutch are destined to win next Saturday’s final test, the Freestyle to Music, but whether Cornelissen and Parzival can rise to the occasion again as they did tonight or whether Gal and the record-breaking Totilas can re-find their true form and outdo all the rest remains to be seen. If tonight’s result is anything to go by then Saturday’s finale is going to be a very close-fought affair.

LIGHT-FOOTED

It was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and the light-footed Favourit who held the lead at the halfway stage, and in this 10 year old gelding the veteran Swedish Olympian seems to have found a promising replacement for her great old campaigner Solos Carex who was retired in Gothenburg last month. Her mark of 69.23% was quickly bettered by Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath and Triviant however who were first to go after the break and moved the target score to 70.42% with their level and accurate performance. Denmark’s Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein then raised the standard further when earning 71.19% wth Digby whose good passage, piaffe, canter zig-zag and square halt ensured a strong score and the Danish Princess, who is competing at her final event as she is expecting her first baby to arrive in July, was glowing with satisfaction as she left the arena.
Despite an expressive test from Le Bo, Carola Koppelmann could only manage a mark of 68.63% having made a couple of mistakes, but fellow-German rider Isabell Werth steered the 14 year old Warum Nicht to a mark of 73.277% to raise the bar even higher. Schellekens-Bartel’s mare however was in the form of her life as she danced her way to a score of 74.89% in a test that was so pleasing to the eye and full of grace and elegance, and Hunter Douglas Sunrise might almost have had a smile on her face as she happily left the arena knowing she had done a very good job indeed. This partnership finished second in the FEI World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas two years ago and will be ones to watch in next Saturday’s Freestyle finale.

NO SPARKLE

Gal and Moorlands Totilas however did not sparkle in their usual way, the weight of expectation perhaps feeling very heavy indeed after their record-breaking run over the past 12 months. They have come to s’Hertogenbosch in the knowledge that every time they go into the arena they are expected to produce even more magic than the time before, but tonight Gal appeared to have a battle on his hands as the stallion exploded into canter and never fully settled to his task. However in passage and piaffe this horse is near perfection, even on an "off-day" like today, and his energy and elevation will always earn him a good score. Tonight that score of 76.80% temporarily took the lead, but it would not be enough to take the win.
There was great flow to the work produced by Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic for a mark of 72.08%, but this would only be good enough to secure fifth place in the final analysis.
Last to go in front of the home crowd was Cornelissen whose chestnut gelding can sometimes be so ring-shy that he cannot give of his best. But tonight she held him together with courage, and his confidence seemed to grow all the greater as his huge movement, excellent piaffe and lovely active half-passes clocked up the good scores all the way through. "Her horse was a little tense, but Adelinde had him on the bit to avoid mistakes and she managed very well. It was a great result" said dressage judge Wim Ernes.

(source: FEI, photo: Remco Veurink)

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival made the perfect start to the 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage final at the Brabanthallen in s’Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands tonight when winning the Grand Prix by a convincing margin of more than two percent. On a tense evening when nerves were jangling, she held her big strong gelding together to produce a powerful test that left her with a clear advantage over the firm favourites to take the title – Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas. And the Dutch totally dominated the line-up in this preliminary competition when Imke Schellekens-Bartels and her lovely mare Hunter Douglas Sunrise claimed third place. It looks like a Dutch are destined to win next Saturday’s final test, the Freestyle to Music, but whether Cornelissen and Parzival can rise to the occasion again as they did tonight or whether Gal and the record-breaking Totilas can re-find their true form and outdo all the rest remains to be seen. If tonight’s result is anything to go by then Saturday’s finale is going to be a very close-fought affair.

LIGHT-FOOTED

It was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and the light-footed Favourit who held the lead at the halfway stage, and in this 10 year old gelding the veteran Swedish Olympian seems to have found a promising replacement for her great old campaigner Solos Carex who was retired in Gothenburg last month. Her mark of 69.23% was quickly bettered by Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath and Triviant however who were first to go after the break and moved the target score to 70.42% with their level and accurate performance. Denmark’s Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein then raised the standard further when earning 71.19% wth Digby whose good passage, piaffe, canter zig-zag and square halt ensured a strong score and the Danish Princess, who is competing at her final event as she is expecting her first baby to arrive in July, was glowing with satisfaction as she left the arena.
Despite an expressive test from Le Bo, Carola Koppelmann could only manage a mark of 68.63% having made a couple of mistakes, but fellow-German rider Isabell Werth steered the 14 year old Warum Nicht to a mark of 73.277% to raise the bar even higher. Schellekens-Bartel’s mare however was in the form of her life as she danced her way to a score of 74.89% in a test that was so pleasing to the eye and full of grace and elegance, and Hunter Douglas Sunrise might almost have had a smile on her face as she happily left the arena knowing she had done a very good job indeed. This partnership finished second in the FEI World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas two years ago and will be ones to watch in next Saturday’s Freestyle finale.

NO SPARKLE

Gal and Moorlands Totilas however did not sparkle in their usual way, the weight of expectation perhaps feeling very heavy indeed after their record-breaking run over the past 12 months. They have come to s’Hertogenbosch in the knowledge that every time they go into the arena they are expected to produce even more magic than the time before, but tonight Gal appeared to have a battle on his hands as the stallion exploded into canter and never fully settled to his task. However in passage and piaffe this horse is near perfection, even on an "off-day" like today, and his energy and elevation will always earn him a good score. Tonight that score of 76.80% temporarily took the lead, but it would not be enough to take the win.
There was great flow to the work produced by Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic for a mark of 72.08%, but this would only be good enough to secure fifth place in the final analysis.
Last to go in front of the home crowd was Cornelissen whose chestnut gelding can sometimes be so ring-shy that he cannot give of his best. But tonight she held him together with courage, and his confidence seemed to grow all the greater as his huge movement, excellent piaffe and lovely active half-passes clocked up the good scores all the way through. "Her horse was a little tense, but Adelinde had him on the bit to avoid mistakes and she managed very well. It was a great result" said dressage judge Wim Ernes.

(source: FEI, photo: Remco Veurink)

"The sponsoring by Ricoh at Indoor Brabant is a result of our appreciation for the great event, but also because of Ricoh’s close involvement with the region. Every year we are looking forward to these four days of topsport," according to Carol Dona (photo), president and CEO of Ricoh Nederland.
Ricoh has been involved with the World Cup Dressage from the start.

(Photo: Remco Veurink)

"The sponsoring by Ricoh at Indoor Brabant is a result of our appreciation for the great event, but also because of Ricoh’s close involvement with the region. Every year we are looking forward to these four days of topsport," according to Carol Dona (photo), president and CEO of Ricoh Nederland.
Ricoh has been involved with the World Cup Dressage from the start.

(Photo: Remco Veurink)

The draw for the starting order for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final Grand Prix, which will be staged on Thursday at 7.30 pm was held this evening in the City Hall of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The full startinglist in online now and can be found here.
On the picture Brazil’s Luiza Almeida draws fifth place. Rob Baggerman, commercial manager of sponsor Ricoh and international dressage judge are looking on.

(Photo: Henk van Esch Fotografie)

The draw for the starting order for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final Grand Prix, which will be staged on Thursday at 7.30 pm was held this evening in the City Hall of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The full startinglist in online now and can be found here.
On the picture Brazil’s Luiza Almeida draws fifth place. Rob Baggerman, commercial manager of sponsor Ricoh and international dressage judge are looking on.

(Photo: Henk van Esch Fotografie)

Very good news for the international equestrian community as FEI TV  will offer live streaming and extensive Video on Demand coverage from s’Hertogenbosch, the FEI World Cup™ Final Dressage and the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping.

FEI TV is FEI’s recently launched official video website and a sophisticated online broadband offering to equestrian enthusiasts around the world.

The subscription based, direct-to-consumer portal presents fans globally with the most comprehensive library of official equestrian video content available anywhere on the internet and spans across multiple equestrian disciplines.

The content portfolio includes high quality live and on-demand streaming of flagship events such as FEI’s major Championships and a wide range of shows from FEI’s most important series including the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the FEI European Championships, the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™, the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping, the HSBC FEI Classics™ and the HSBC FEI World Cup™ as well as the FEI World Cups™ Dressage and Driving and other leading competitions.

In addition, the visitors to the site can also enjoy watching a broad selection of equestrian videos, including event previews and reviews, highlights, interviews, features and an extensive video archive.

The schedule for live broadcasts for s’Hertogenbosch weekend is as follows:

• Thursday, 25 March, 19:25–22:30 CET: FEI World Cup Dressage™ (Grand Prix)
• Saturday, 27 March, 13:55–17:15 CET: FEI World Cup™ Dressage (Kur)
• Sunday, 28 March, 14:55–16:50 CET: Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping

Please check www.feitv.org for broadcasting times and further details!

Very good news for the international equestrian community as FEI TV  will offer live streaming and extensive Video on Demand coverage from s’Hertogenbosch, the FEI World Cup™ Final Dressage and the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping.

FEI TV is FEI’s recently launched official video website and a sophisticated online broadband offering to equestrian enthusiasts around the world.

The subscription based, direct-to-consumer portal presents fans globally with the most comprehensive library of official equestrian video content available anywhere on the internet and spans across multiple equestrian disciplines.

The content portfolio includes high quality live and on-demand streaming of flagship events such as FEI’s major Championships and a wide range of shows from FEI’s most important series including the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the FEI European Championships, the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™, the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping, the HSBC FEI Classics™ and the HSBC FEI World Cup™ as well as the FEI World Cups™ Dressage and Driving and other leading competitions.

In addition, the visitors to the site can also enjoy watching a broad selection of equestrian videos, including event previews and reviews, highlights, interviews, features and an extensive video archive.

The schedule for live broadcasts for s’Hertogenbosch weekend is as follows:

• Thursday, 25 March, 19:25–22:30 CET: FEI World Cup Dressage™ (Grand Prix)
• Saturday, 27 March, 13:55–17:15 CET: FEI World Cup™ Dressage (Kur)
• Sunday, 28 March, 14:55–16:50 CET: Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping

Please check www.feitv.org for broadcasting times and further details!

The FEI has announced the definite entries for the 25th FEI World Cup Final, presented by Ricoh. The following riders have qualified and will start in the final:
Western-European: Edward Gal (NED), Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED), Isabell Werth (GER), Patrick Kittel (SWE), Matthias Alexander Rath (GER), Carola Koppelman (GER). Central Europe: Michal Rapcewicz (POL). Pacific: Brett Parbery (AUS). South America/Asia: Luiza Almeira (BRA). Extra participants (FEI): Jeroen Devroe (BEL), Acs Robert (HUN) en Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein (DEN), Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Katarzyna Milczarek (POL).
The title defender, the USA’s Steffen Peters, will not participate because he wants to concentrate on his preparations for the World Equestrian Games, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, this year. No American qualified combination will fly to Europe for the World Cup Final.
The World Cup Grand Prix will be held on Thursday 25 March at 7 pm. and the Freestyle will be staged on Saturday 27 March at 2 pm.

Big Tour

Anky van Grunsven will start in the Big Tour and will compete with, among others, Hans Peter Minderhout, Jeannette Haazen, Christa Laarakkers and Marlies van Baalen. Isabell Werth, Carola Koppelman and Ellen Schulten-Baumer will also come to the Brabanthallen.

(photo: Jacob Melissen)

The FEI has announced the definite entries for the 25th FEI World Cup Final, presented by Ricoh. The following riders have qualified and will start in the final:
Western-European: Edward Gal (NED), Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED), Isabell Werth (GER), Patrick Kittel (SWE), Matthias Alexander Rath (GER), Carola Koppelman (GER). Central Europe: Michal Rapcewicz (POL). Pacific: Brett Parbery (AUS). South America/Asia: Luiza Almeira (BRA). Extra participants (FEI): Jeroen Devroe (BEL), Acs Robert (HUN) en Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein (DEN), Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Katarzyna Milczarek (POL).
The title defender, the USA’s Steffen Peters, will not participate because he wants to concentrate on his preparations for the World Equestrian Games, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, this year. No American qualified combination will fly to Europe for the World Cup Final.
The World Cup Grand Prix will be held on Thursday 25 March at 7 pm. and the Freestyle will be staged on Saturday 27 March at 2 pm.

Big Tour

Anky van Grunsven will start in the Big Tour and will compete with, among others, Hans Peter Minderhout, Jeannette Haazen, Christa Laarakkers and Marlies van Baalen. Isabell Werth, Carola Koppelman and Ellen Schulten-Baumer will also come to the Brabanthallen.

(photo: Jacob Melissen)

Today, 3 March, the FEI announced the finalists for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final which will be held during Indoor Brabant. The list is missing the representatives of the North American League as they still have to complete the last qualifier. 
The finalists: 

Het overzicht ziet er als volgt uit:

Western European League:
Edward Gal, Netherlands
Adelinde Cornelissen, Netherlands
Imke Schellekens-Bartels, Netherlands
Isabell Werth, Germany
Patrick Kittel, Sweden
Matthias Alexander Rath, Germany
Carola Koppelman, Germany

Central European League:
Michal Rapcewicz, Poland

Pacific League:
Brett Parbery, Australia

North American League:
one more qualification to go (2 riders qualify for the final)

South America/Asia:
Luiza Almeira, Brazil

Titelverdediger:
Steffen Peters, USA, does not participate

FEI extra starting places:
Jeroen Devroe, Belgium
Robert Acs, Hungary
Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Denmark

Reserve:
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven, Sweden
Katarzyna Milczarek, Poland

Today, 3 March, the FEI announced the finalists for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final which will be held during Indoor Brabant. The list is missing the representatives of the North American League as they still have to complete the last qualifier. 
The finalists: 

Het overzicht ziet er als volgt uit:

Western European League:
Edward Gal, Netherlands
Adelinde Cornelissen, Netherlands
Imke Schellekens-Bartels, Netherlands
Isabell Werth, Germany
Patrick Kittel, Sweden
Matthias Alexander Rath, Germany
Carola Koppelman, Germany

Central European League:
Michal Rapcewicz, Poland

Pacific League:
Brett Parbery, Australia

North American League:
one more qualification to go (2 riders qualify for the final)

South America/Asia:
Luiza Almeira, Brazil

Titelverdediger:
Steffen Peters, USA, does not participate

FEI extra starting places:
Jeroen Devroe, Belgium
Robert Acs, Hungary
Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Denmark

Reserve:
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven, Sweden
Katarzyna Milczarek, Poland

The lobby for a fourth starting place for a Dutch rider in the FEI World Cup Dressage Final during Indoor Brabant has not yet been successful. Anky van Grunsven just missed qualifying for the Final. However, show president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels is not giving up. "Everybody at the FEI knows now that we are not happy that she can not start in the Final. Maybe something can be arranged if a qualified combination unexpectedly is unable to compete. An organisation wants to have the best riders and horses. I have asked everybody if Anky can compete if there is space. Reactions were reserved, but need knows no law, isn’t it?"
Van Grunsven might compete in the Big Tour at Indoor Brabant. Swinkels is hoping for that,  "the public loves to see her."

(source: Eindhovens Dagblad/Photo Jacob Melissen)

The lobby for a fourth starting place for a Dutch rider in the FEI World Cup Dressage Final during Indoor Brabant has not yet been successful. Anky van Grunsven just missed qualifying for the Final. However, show president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels is not giving up. "Everybody at the FEI knows now that we are not happy that she can not start in the Final. Maybe something can be arranged if a qualified combination unexpectedly is unable to compete. An organisation wants to have the best riders and horses. I have asked everybody if Anky can compete if there is space. Reactions were reserved, but need knows no law, isn’t it?"
Van Grunsven might compete in the Big Tour at Indoor Brabant. Swinkels is hoping for that,  "the public loves to see her."

(source: Eindhovens Dagblad/Photo Jacob Melissen)

After the last qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden, this weekend the following riders of the European League have qualified for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final which will be held during Indoor Brabant 2010 (25-28 March):
Edward Gal (NED), Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED), Isabell Werth (GER), Patrik Kittel (SWE), Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) en Carola Koppelmann (GER).
The remaining finalists will be announced soon.

After the last qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden, this weekend the following riders of the European League have qualified for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final which will be held during Indoor Brabant 2010 (25-28 March):
Edward Gal (NED), Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED), Isabell Werth (GER), Patrik Kittel (SWE), Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) en Carola Koppelmann (GER).
The remaining finalists will be announced soon.

On Monday, 8 February, Edward Gal was awarded the title "Rider of the Year 2009" at the sponsors’ meeting of Indoor Brabant. It was the first time in his career that Edward won the title. Gal and his dream horse Moorland’s Totilas rocketed to the top and showed record-breaking performances. They won team and individual gold at the European Championships in Windsor and became National champions in 2009.
Other nominees were Anky van Grunsven (dressage), Adelinde Cornelissen (dressage), Hugo Langeweg Jr (trotting) and Albert Zoer (jumping).

Former winners of the Rider of the Year title

Eight times: 

• Anky van Grunsven (dressage)

Three times:

• Jos Lansink (jumping)

Twice:

• IJsbrand Chardon (four-in-hand driving)
• Anton Ebben (jumping)
• Johan Heins (jumping)
• Annemarie Sanders-Keijzer (dressage)
• Tjeerd Velstra (four-in-hand driving)

Once:

• Cees Benedictus-Lieftinck (dressage)
• Annie van Doorne (dressage)
• Janna Dragt-Peenstra (trotting)
• Dressage team: Annemarie Sanders-Keijzer, Tineke Bartels-de Vries, Jo Rutten
• Peter Geerink (jumping)
• Emile Hendrix (jumping)
• Maarten Jurgens (eventing)
• Marleen Koppejan-Imming (trotting)
• Jan Onrust (trotting)
• Piet Raijmakers* (jumping)
• Gonnelien Rothenberger-Gordijn (dressage)
• Riny Rutjens (pairs driving)
• Jo Rutten (dressage)
• Wout-Jan van der Schans (eventing)
• Gerco Schröder* (jumping)
• Tjitse Smeding (trotting)
• Jumping team: Jeroen Dubbeldam, Piet Raijmakers, Gerco Schröder, Albert Zoer
• Arjen Teeuwissen (dressage)
• Cees Vellenga (dressage)
• Four-in-hand driving team:, IJsbrand Chardon, Tjeerd Velstra, Theo Weusthof
• Harry Wouters van den Oudenweijer (jumping)
• Albert Zoer (jumping)
• Edward Gal (dressage)

Caption: Indoor Brabant president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels with Rider of the Year 2009 Edward Gal.
Photo: Henk van Esch

On Monday, 8 February, Edward Gal was awarded the title "Rider of the Year 2009" at the sponsors’ meeting of Indoor Brabant. It was the first time in his career that Edward won the title. Gal and his dream horse Moorland’s Totilas rocketed to the top and showed record-breaking performances. They won team and individual gold at the European Championships in Windsor and became National champions in 2009.
Other nominees were Anky van Grunsven (dressage), Adelinde Cornelissen (dressage), Hugo Langeweg Jr (trotting) and Albert Zoer (jumping).

Former winners of the Rider of the Year title

Eight times: 

• Anky van Grunsven (dressage)

Three times:

• Jos Lansink (jumping)

Twice:

• IJsbrand Chardon (four-in-hand driving)
• Anton Ebben (jumping)
• Johan Heins (jumping)
• Annemarie Sanders-Keijzer (dressage)
• Tjeerd Velstra (four-in-hand driving)

Once:

• Cees Benedictus-Lieftinck (dressage)
• Annie van Doorne (dressage)
• Janna Dragt-Peenstra (trotting)
• Dressage team: Annemarie Sanders-Keijzer, Tineke Bartels-de Vries, Jo Rutten
• Peter Geerink (jumping)
• Emile Hendrix (jumping)
• Maarten Jurgens (eventing)
• Marleen Koppejan-Imming (trotting)
• Jan Onrust (trotting)
• Piet Raijmakers* (jumping)
• Gonnelien Rothenberger-Gordijn (dressage)
• Riny Rutjens (pairs driving)
• Jo Rutten (dressage)
• Wout-Jan van der Schans (eventing)
• Gerco Schröder* (jumping)
• Tjitse Smeding (trotting)
• Jumping team: Jeroen Dubbeldam, Piet Raijmakers, Gerco Schröder, Albert Zoer
• Arjen Teeuwissen (dressage)
• Cees Vellenga (dressage)
• Four-in-hand driving team:, IJsbrand Chardon, Tjeerd Velstra, Theo Weusthof
• Harry Wouters van den Oudenweijer (jumping)
• Albert Zoer (jumping)
• Edward Gal (dressage)

Caption: Indoor Brabant president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels with Rider of the Year 2009 Edward Gal.
Photo: Henk van Esch

The seventh leg of the FEI World Cup Dressage in Amsterdam was won by Edward Gal and his black pearl Totilas. "I can’t describe what it is like to sit on such a fantastic horrse. It is an amazing feeling," according to Gal who left the opposition behind with over 7 per cent.

Imke Schellekens-Bartels, who finished third with Hunter Douglas Sunrise, rode a very good test, but, just as in the Grand Prix, the performance could have had a bit more expression and be a more sparkling.  "My Freestyle, which I showed for the first time in Amsterdam three years ago, fits us so well that it all looks naturally," explained Imke.

The 5,000 spectators got value for their money, because the world’s top riders all performed very good tests. Last year’s winner Anky van Grunsven finished in fourth. Her test wasn’t less than last year’s, but the three combinations who were placed ahead of her, Gal, Becholsheimer and Schellekens-Bartels were even better.  "We have enjoyed the sport and adrenaline was running regularly as the performances were of such high level," according to the experienced international judge Wim Erned. 

Six Dutch riders in the top 10 in the World Cup standings shows the current supremacy of the Netherlands is this discipline.This means a problem for qualification for the Final, which is held during Indoor Brabant. Edward and Imke share the lead with 55 points each. Jeannette Haazen is in third with 48 points and Anky van Grunsven in fourth with 47 points. Adeline Cornelissen takes fifth place with 41 points. Only three Dutch combinations are allowed in the final and there are only two qualifications left.

During the press ocnference Imke and Edward said jokingly that they had a solution.  Ëdward and I will make a deal and will not start in Neumunster and Gothenburg. If Adelinde and Anky do go they will pass us in the standings and Edward and I will finish equal third. Then they will have to accept all four of us," explained a smiling Imke. Technical director of the Dutch Federation Maarten van der Heijden does not have a solution yet. "I will study the regulations first and then we will decide who goes to Neumunster and Gothenburg," said Van der Heijden.

(Source: KNHS / Acedemy Bartels)

Tussenstand FEI World Cup 2009/2010, Western European League:

1) Edward Gal (NED) – 55
1) Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED) – 55
3) Jeannette Haazen (NED) – 48
4) Anky van Grunsven (NED) – 47
5) Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) – 41
5) Monica Theodorescu (GER) – 41
7) Aat van Essen (NED) – 38
8) Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) – 35
9) Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) – 30
10) Isabell Werth (GER) – 29

Uitslag FEI World Cup Kür Amsterdam:

1) Edward Gal (Harskamp) – Moorlands Totilas (Gribaldi x Glendale) – 87.000%
2) Laura Bechtolsheimer (Dui) – Mistral Hojris – 82.300%
3) Imke Schellekens-Bartels (Hooge Mierde) – Hunter Douglas Sunrise – 82.050%
4) Anky van Grunsven (Erp) – IPS Painted Black (Gribaldi x Ferro) – 81.200%
5) Isabell Werth (Dui) – Warum Nicht FRH – 79.800%
6) Hans Peter Minderhoud (Harskamp) – Exquis Nadine (TCN Partout x Roemer) – 76.700%
7) Patrick Kittel (Zwe) – Watermill Scandic HBC – 75.500%
8) Jeannette Haazen (Neeroeteren B.) – Nartan (Jazz x Le Faquin) – 74.750%
10) Christa Laarakkers (Winschoten) – Ovation (Cabochon x Apollonios) – 73.550%
11) Aat van Essen (Heerde) – Premier (Jazz x Ulft) – 72.700%
12) Jenny Schreven (Weert) – Krawall (Focus x Roemer) – 72.400%
13) Manon van Hylckama-Vlieg (Ned) – Poko Loko (Kennedy x Erik) – 69.100%

The seventh leg of the FEI World Cup Dressage in Amsterdam was won by Edward Gal and his black pearl Totilas. "I can’t describe what it is like to sit on such a fantastic horrse. It is an amazing feeling," according to Gal who left the opposition behind with over 7 per cent.

Imke Schellekens-Bartels, who finished third with Hunter Douglas Sunrise, rode a very good test, but, just as in the Grand Prix, the performance could have had a bit more expression and be a more sparkling.  "My Freestyle, which I showed for the first time in Amsterdam three years ago, fits us so well that it all looks naturally," explained Imke.

The 5,000 spectators got value for their money, because the world’s top riders all performed very good tests. Last year’s winner Anky van Grunsven finished in fourth. Her test wasn’t less than last year’s, but the three combinations who were placed ahead of her, Gal, Becholsheimer and Schellekens-Bartels were even better.  "We have enjoyed the sport and adrenaline was running regularly as the performances were of such high level," according to the experienced international judge Wim Erned. 

Six Dutch riders in the top 10 in the World Cup standings shows the current supremacy of the Netherlands is this discipline.This means a problem for qualification for the Final, which is held during Indoor Brabant. Edward and Imke share the lead with 55 points each. Jeannette Haazen is in third with 48 points and Anky van Grunsven in fourth with 47 points. Adeline Cornelissen takes fifth place with 41 points. Only three Dutch combinations are allowed in the final and there are only two qualifications left.

During the press ocnference Imke and Edward said jokingly that they had a solution.  Ëdward and I will make a deal and will not start in Neumunster and Gothenburg. If Adelinde and Anky do go they will pass us in the standings and Edward and I will finish equal third. Then they will have to accept all four of us," explained a smiling Imke. Technical director of the Dutch Federation Maarten van der Heijden does not have a solution yet. "I will study the regulations first and then we will decide who goes to Neumunster and Gothenburg," said Van der Heijden.

(Source: KNHS / Acedemy Bartels)

Tussenstand FEI World Cup 2009/2010, Western European League:

1) Edward Gal (NED) – 55
1) Imke Schellekens-Bartels (NED) – 55
3) Jeannette Haazen (NED) – 48
4) Anky van Grunsven (NED) – 47
5) Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) – 41
5) Monica Theodorescu (GER) – 41
7) Aat van Essen (NED) – 38
8) Matthias Alexander Rath (GER) – 35
9) Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) – 30
10) Isabell Werth (GER) – 29

Uitslag FEI World Cup Kür Amsterdam:

1) Edward Gal (Harskamp) – Moorlands Totilas (Gribaldi x Glendale) – 87.000%
2) Laura Bechtolsheimer (Dui) – Mistral Hojris – 82.300%
3) Imke Schellekens-Bartels (Hooge Mierde) – Hunter Douglas Sunrise – 82.050%
4) Anky van Grunsven (Erp) – IPS Painted Black (Gribaldi x Ferro) – 81.200%
5) Isabell Werth (Dui) – Warum Nicht FRH – 79.800%
6) Hans Peter Minderhoud (Harskamp) – Exquis Nadine (TCN Partout x Roemer) – 76.700%
7) Patrick Kittel (Zwe) – Watermill Scandic HBC – 75.500%
8) Jeannette Haazen (Neeroeteren B.) – Nartan (Jazz x Le Faquin) – 74.750%
10) Christa Laarakkers (Winschoten) – Ovation (Cabochon x Apollonios) – 73.550%
11) Aat van Essen (Heerde) – Premier (Jazz x Ulft) – 72.700%
12) Jenny Schreven (Weert) – Krawall (Focus x Roemer) – 72.400%
13) Manon van Hylckama-Vlieg (Ned) – Poko Loko (Kennedy x Erik) – 69.100%

Holland’s top jumping rider Piet Raijmakers officially retires from international competition during the international horse event Indoor Brabant (25-28 March 2010). The farewell will take place during the Rolex FEI World Cup presented by BMC. Indoor Brabant president Gerrit Jan Swinkels predicts "that it promises to be a real Brabant-worthy party!"

Piet Raijmakers can look back at a very successful international jumping career. His first big success was in 1991 with his world famous horse Ratina Z during the European Championships in La Baule, France, where they won gold with the Dutch jumping team and just missed out on the individual medals when finishing fourth. 1992 was a top year: Olympic team gold and individual silver with Ratina Z. In 2006 he won team gold with Van Schijndel’s Curtis at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. He was National Champion in 1980 and 1996. Piet rides for Van Schijndel Bouwgroep. He is married to Dorry and has two sons: Joep and Piet Jr. Junior is also jumping successfully on international level.

Holland’s top jumping rider Piet Raijmakers officially retires from international competition during the international horse event Indoor Brabant (25-28 March 2010). The farewell will take place during the Rolex FEI World Cup presented by BMC. Indoor Brabant president Gerrit Jan Swinkels predicts "that it promises to be a real Brabant-worthy party!"

Piet Raijmakers can look back at a very successful international jumping career. His first big success was in 1991 with his world famous horse Ratina Z during the European Championships in La Baule, France, where they won gold with the Dutch jumping team and just missed out on the individual medals when finishing fourth. 1992 was a top year: Olympic team gold and individual silver with Ratina Z. In 2006 he won team gold with Van Schijndel’s Curtis at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. He was National Champion in 1980 and 1996. Piet rides for Van Schijndel Bouwgroep. He is married to Dorry and has two sons: Joep and Piet Jr. Junior is also jumping successfully on international level.