Australian 5* dressage judge Susan Hoevenaars has been successfully operated on for early stage breast cancer after she was diagnosed with the disease at the beginning of December.
"I am delighted to report that my surgery last week was a complete success with all associated tests clear," Hoevenaars stated. "I will spend the next few weeks recuperating and looking forward to resuming my judging appointments in 2017 including the World Young Horse Championships and the European Championships as well as shows in Australia."
Hoevenaars was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer on 8 December 2016, the first day of competition at the 2016 CDI-W Werribee. Hoevenaars naturally withdrew from her judging duties and the show continued with four judges officiating for the World Cup qualifier.
The 67-year old Hoevenaars became a 5* judge on 1 July 2011. She and Mary Seefried are the only two judges in the Australian and Pacific region with 5* status.
"I would like to thank the enormous number of generous people who have sent me messages of support over the past few weeks and wish everyone a very happy and safe festive season and a successful 2017," said Hoevenaars.
Aside from being a judge Hoevenaars has also served as an Australian dressage selector and she represents the Asia Pacific Region on the Board of the IDOC. A former FEI rider, Susie began judging in her twenties to improve her dressage riding and education. She is an FEI Young Horse judge and on the FEI panel of judge educators for eventing.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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