The instatement of Bert Rutten as new Dutch Senior Dressage Chef d'Equipe has brought much collateral damage in its wake. Not only was the threesome Jan Peeters, Sjef Janssen and Johann Hinnemann
kindly booted despite their work, but now Ton De Ridder has also decided to step back at team trainer of the Dutch Junior/Young Riders Dressage Team.
The Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) issued an packed schedule and recurrent health problems as the reasons of Ton De Ridder's resignation. De Ridder has his own training farm Rossheide in Aachen, Germany, from which he operates with his German wife Alexandra Simons-De Ridder.
Ton De Ridder was hired by the KNHS in January 2003 and worked together with chef d'equipe Jan Peeters resulting in a very successful season: team and individual gold at the 2003 European Junior Riders Championships, team silver and individual gold at the 2003 European Young Riders Championships.
Although De Ridder is leaving as team trainer, Jan Peeters will remain Chef d'Equipe of the Dutch JR/YR teams and he is going to communicate with the individual trainers. Ton De Ridder has agreed upon holding training sessions for the youth riders if specifically requested.
Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Bert Rutten, New Dutch Dressage Chef d'Equipe
Ton de Ridder, New Dutch Junior/Young Riders Team Coach