The Netherlands is one of only six nations (the others being Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium and the host country, France) to boast team berths in all equestrian disciplines for Paris 2024, with their ticket in eventing gained at the 2023 FEI Eventing European Championships.
The Netherlands’ National Eventing Coach Andrew Heffernan rode at the Europeans, but he told us at the time that he certainly wouldn’t be riding in the team for Paris 2024 (watch that interview here), and he has now announced the longlist for Team Netherlands.
He has also outlined events that the riders will attend in the lead-up with the following designated as ‘observation moments’ before final selection in late June/July. Participation at Bicton in May is mandatory for all riders but they can also choose other competitions in consultation with the national coach.
April 12 – 14 - Burnham Market (GBR), CCI4*-S
April 17 – 21 – Strzegom (POL), CCI4*-L or 4*-S
May 21 – 26 – Bicton (GBR), CCI4*-S
June 13 – 16 – Luhmuhlen (GER), CCI4*-S
“My selection includes combinations that have already met the most important qualification requirements. In addition, there are a few combinations that I think it is realistic to expect to achieve their goal of qualifying this year. And of course, adjustments can still be made within the selection during the season. I look forward with confidence with this group” says Andrew on the KNHS website.
Longlisted riders and horses Team Netherlands
Althea Bleekman (Devon, GBR) riding Granncord. Owner: Althea and Janou Bleekman
Merel Blom (Heerde) riding Vesuve d'Aveyron. Owner: Radstake Horses - Robert and Bjinse Venderbosch
Janneke Boonzajer (Renswoude) riding ACSI Champ de Tailleur. Owner: Hetty Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf AND I'm Special Owner: Sandhoeve Stables - Bas de Grood and Janneke Boonzaadjer
Jillian Giessen (Ysselsteyn, LB) riding Gold Nugget. Owner: Caroline Jane Moss and Jillian Giessen
Stephan Hazeleger (Harskamp) riding James Bond. Owner: Stephan Hazeleger
Sanne de Jong (Aalsmeer) riding Enjoy. Owner: Sanne de Jong and Jantien van Zon
AND Global Faerlie Flashy. Owner: Morgan Sheehy and Van Zon en de Jong Hippique
AND Jersey MBF N.O.P. Owner: Ad Verkerk
Raf Kooremans (Turnhout Bel.) riding Houdini. Owner: J. Huijjbregts and R. Buiteman AND Cross-border Radar Love. Owner: Jeanine Steentjes
Tim Lips (Breda) riding Eckinops D'am. Owner: Lips Stables
Elaine Pen (Wassenaar) riding Diwali. Owner: Eli and Stephanie Leenaars
Rachel Rendle (Crossgar, Irish) riding Ballyvally Bay. Owner: Rachel Rendle
Maartje van Riel (Loon op Zand) riding Eppo. Owner: Van Riel B.V. and Maartje van Riel
Jordy Wilken (Lemelerveld) riding Curacao. Owner: Jordy Wilken
