Susan de Klein Succumbs to Cancer, Aged 46

Mon, 11/11/2019 - 07:32
The Netherlands
Susan de Klein at the 2010 World Equestrian Games :: Photo © Astrid Appels

Dutch Grand Prix rider Susan de Klein has passed away in Beuningen, The Netherlands after a long, hard-fought battle against cancer. She was only 46 years  old.

De Klein was born on 29 May 1973.

Susan worked as an assistant trainer for German horse dealer Dirk Haese, when she achieved her career highlights as a professional dressage rider. 

She competed for the Dutch Antilles as an individual at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen (on Special) and at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington (on Prins). In her last year as an international Grand Prix rider in 2012 she competed Prins and Success. Her last CDI start was in Deauville in July 2012. De Klein also briefly rode KWPN stallion Ferro at the end of his sport career

De Klein left Germany and relocated to Holland, where she began her own business, based on an alternative, holistic approach to dressage training and horse care, focusing on intuition, Bach for animals, and acupuncture. She trained and competed Deja Vu (by Dimaggio) to national Grand Prix level.

Unconditional love for animals
In 2018 De Klein was diagnosed with bile duct-liver cancer, but due to metastasis her treatment in The Netherlands was stopped. After some experimentation with medication from Mexico, Susan went to Germany in December 2018 for special cancer treatment from Dr. Vogl.

In January 2019 she started a crowd funding campaign to help her finance the German treatment plan. 

De Klein lost her fight to cancer on 7 November 2019. 

A memorial will be held on 14 November 2019 at Landgoed Mookerheide in Molenhoek, The Netherlands. 

Photos © Astrid Appels - private

Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Susan de Klein
Susan de Klein Starts Crowd Funding for Cancer Treatment
Scores: 2009 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses
Kaiserkult is "Harmony Pure" at the 2004 Bundeschampionate
Scandic, Rousseau and Painted Black Win First Leg of 2003-2004 KWPN Stallion Competition