In July and August Rotterdam will be the equestrian capital of Europe hosting two top equestrian events: the FEI European Dressage Championships and CHIO Rotterdam. To create a more equestrian feel, 25 life-sized models of real horses will be located around the city centre of Rotterdam.
The horses will be painted and decorated by local artists and students and will be used for several activities this summer. The organizing committee for the EC and the Rotterdam City Government strongly believe this initiative connects equestrian sports, art and culture.
"At least for a short period Rotterdam will be the Equestrian Capital of Europe," says Frans Lavooij, president of the Organizing Committee. “The FEI EC Dressage directly followed by the 63rd edition of the CHIO Rotterdam will bring the whole equestrian world to Rotterdam. This is a nice way to profile these major events in our City linking sports, art and culture.”
About FEI European Dressage Championships 2011
From 17 - 21 August 2011 the FEI European Dressage Championships take place. It will be an important competition as this is a Pre-Olympic year and the championships qualify for London 2012. The Dutch have lead the international dressage for many years now and will strongly defend their European title on their home turf. Competition will be intense as 21 countries have applied.
On Wednesday and Thursday there are the Grand Prix Team Championships, Saturday the Grand Prix Special and on Sunday the Grand Prix Freestyle. Saturday night the Equestrian Gala programme is going to be spectacular, a ‘must’ for everybody who likes dressage.
The event will be the perfect opportunity for exposing equestrian sports, particularly dressage. The Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), City of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Topsport and the CHIO Rotterdam are the organizers of the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 supported by the main sponsor Rabobank.
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2011 European Championships