Janneke Boonzaiijer at the European Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt
It’s a big year for the Dutch contingent: for the first time since the Rio Olympics in 2016, our friends in orange will be sending a full line-up to the Games after securing a ticket at last year’s FEI European Eventing Championships at Haras du Pin. Today, they’ve hit one of the first big milestones in the run-up to their trip – they’ve released their long-list of eligible horses and riders, which features a broad range of experienced talent and exciting up-and-comers.
British-based team coach and upper-level competitor Andrew Heffernan, says, “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.”
The long-listed combinations are as follows:
- Althea Bleekman and Granncord, owned by Janou Bleekman and the rider
- Merel Blom and Vesuve d’Aveyron, owned by Radstake Horses — Robert and Bjinse Venderbosch
- Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ de Tailleur, owned by Hetty Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf, and I’m Special, owned by Sandhoeve Stables — Bas de Grood and the rider
- Jillian Giessen and Gold Nugget, owned by Caroline Jane Moss and the rider
- Stephan Hazeleger and James Bond, owned by the rider
- Sanne de Jong and Enjoy, owned by Jantien van Zon and the rider, and Global Faerlie Flashy, owned by Morgan Sheehy and Van Zon en de Jong Hippique, and Jersey MBF N.O.P., owned by Ad Verkerk
- Raf Kooremans and Houdini, owned by J. Huijjbregts and R. Buiteman, and Crossborder Radar Love, owned by Jeanine Steentjes
- Tim Lips and Eckinops D’am, owned by Lips Stables
- Elaine Pen and Divali, owned by Eli and Stephanie Leenaars
- Rachel Rendle and Ballyvally Bay, owned by the rider
- Maartje van Riel and Eppo, owned by Van Riel B.V. and the rider
- Jordy Wilken and Curacao, owned by the rider
