Dutch Pony A-team Updated, Selection Trials Announced

Thu, 03/12/2009 - 00:00
Dutch Dressage News

Dutch Pony Chef d'Equipe Christa Laarakkers has updated the pony A-team and announced the selection trials for the 2009 European Pony Championships.

The 13-year old Dana van Lierop has been submitted to the A-team with her 8-year old bay gelding Equestricons Lord Champion (by Le Champion). Van Lierop became the 2009 Dutch Indoor Pony Champion two weeks ago and has been consistently scoring in the upper sixties at the Imperial Riding Cup qualifiers.

Photo copyrighted: JW-Fotografie.nl

14-year old Maria van den Dungen is currently only listed with one pony in the A-team. Her star pony of last year, the 17-year old German Reitpony gelding Dino P, got injured weeks before the 2008 European Pony Championships and has been recovering every since. Furthermore, the liver chestnut gelding underwent extensive surgery for a severe colic attack mid January 2009. He is now recovering from the operation.

Current A-team members are:

  • Maria van den Dungen – Rembrandt DDH
  • Anne Meulendijks – Boticelli
  • Denise Nekeman – Hoby
  • Dana van Lierop – Equestricons Lord Champion
  • Antoinette te Riele – Danny Boy B, Golden Girl

The Dutch Equestrian Federation approved and announced the following three shows as official selection trials for the constitution of the pony team that will represent The Netherlands at the 2009 European Pony Championships in Moorsele, Belgium, July 28 - August 3, 2009. The following shows are qualifier:

  • Weert International, 8-10 May 2009
  • Outdoor Gelderland, De Steeg, Sunday 7 June 2009
  • Almelo, Imperial Riding Cup Finals, Sunday 28 June 2009

Related Links
Dana van Lierop, 2009 Dutch Indoor Pony Champion
Te Riele Wins Fourth Leg of 2009 Imperial Riding Cup in Harmelen
Antoinette Te Riele On Form at Third Leg of 2009 Imperial Riding Cup
Van den Dungen Out, Meulendijks In 2008 Dutch Pony Team