The Dutch equestrian federation and team trainer Tineke Bartels have announced the team that will represent The Netherlands at the 2014 European Pony Championships in Millstreet, Ireland, on 29 July - 3 August 2014. The Dutch team is supervised by team trainer Bartels and team vet Rijk Jan Pleijter.
"It was very hard to make a choice," Bartels explained. "I had to select from a group of combinations which are on the same level. At the last observation trial they rode very strongly under pressure and noone really made mistakes. The team I picked was also at the Europeans last year and is experienced. We are going with the team and individually for a podium place. I expect the Danish and Germans to be very strong, so we'll have a big task ahead of us, but we definitely have a shot."
The Dutch pony team includes:
- Demy Kurstjens - Ciske (by Composer van de Beekerheide)
- Joëlle Peters - Haasendonk’s Sultan (by Nieuwmoed’s Patrick)
- Lisanne Zoutendijk - Champ of Class (by Champion de Luxe)
- Febe van Zwambagt - Coco Jambo (y Champion de Luxe)
The reserve combination is Rianne Kooistra on Diamonds are Forever (by Diamond)
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2014 European Pony Championships