A storm swept over the Hoofddorp located show grounds of the 2012 Dutch Dressage Championships on Friday 8 June 2012 and demolished a spectators' tent. The organization decided to stop the show for today and postpone the second round of the small tour championships until tomorrow.
Especially in the afternoon a strong wind blew through the show ground, constantly knocking over the fences of the dressage arena. The FEI pony riders competing in the national FEI Pony Cup finals were disturbed by these extreme conditions. The fences were first supported by sandbags but to little avail.
The situation worsened at the beginning of the second round of small tour championship and during Marlies van Baalen's ride the riders' and press' tent was ripped apart. Seven of fourteen combinations had already ridden in this weather.
In agreement with the local police, the show organization stopped the competition for today and rescheduled the Intermediaire I for tomorrow, starting at 7.30 AM.
Show organizer Janneke Petrie commented that, "there are lots of tall trees on the premises. That's why we not only decided to stop the show but evacuate the entire show grounds. We are now working on setting up an entirely new show schedule for Saturday. The competition which was stopped now will be fitted in tomorrow. Riders who competed today can choose to keep their result or ride again tomorrow."
Photo © Dirk Caremans
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