The Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation has announced the combinations that will represent the Netherlands at the Paris Olympic Games, held July 26-Aug. 6.

Eventing

• Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ De Tailleur, groomed by Ria Westeneng
  • Direct reserve: I’m Special N.O.P., groomed by Ria Westeneng
• Sanne de Jong and Enjoy, groomed by Jantien van Zon
• Raf Kooremans and Crossborder Radar Love, groomed by Lydie Kooremans

Elaine Pen and Divali, groomed by Sabine Heijn, will be the traveling reserve.

Non-traveling reserves

• Tim Lips and Eckinops D’am, groomed by Sammie Aanraad
• Sanne de Jong and Global Faerlie Flashy, groomed by Jantien van Zon

“I am looking forward to going to Paris with these four riders,” said Chef d’Equipe Andrew Heffernan. “My goal—and assignment—is to achieve a top 6-8 ranking with the team and I have the confidence that these riders can do that. The competitions we participated in in the preparation have ensured that we travel very well prepared to Paris. Horses and horsemen have shown that they can do it.”  

Dressage

• Dinja van Liere and Hermes N.O.P., groomed by Susan van Dongen
  • Direct reserve: Hartsuijker, groomed by Susan van Dongen
• Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Toto Jr, groomed by Anna Visser
• Emmelie Scholtens and Indian Rock, groomed by Hilde Sanders

Edward Gal and Glock’s Total US, groomed by Vanesssa Ruiter, will be the traveling reserve.

Non-traveling reserve

• Marlies van Baalen and Habibi DVB N.O.P., groomed by Joyce Sollman

“I am very proud of the performance that the riders and horses have delivered during the observation competitions,” said Patric van der Meer, the dressage chef d’equipe. “It was all very close together, and it is a luxury that we have such a good group. … During the CHIO Rotterdam [the Netherlands] we received a lot of compliments about the Dutch performance. I will do everything I can to hold on to the right form of the team so that everyone in Paris can see what the Dutch dressage team has to offer.”

Show Jumping

• Willem Greve and Grandorado TN N.O.P., groomed by Richard Skillen
  • Direct reserve: Highway TN N.O.P., groomed by Richard Skillen
• Harrie Smolders and Uricas v/d Kattevennen, groomed by Josefine Goransson
  • Direct reserve: Monaco N.O.P., groomed by Josefine Goransson
• Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P., groomed by Alin Seider
  • Direct reserve: O’Bailey vh Brouwershof N.O.P., groomed by Alin Seider

Kim Emmen and Imagine, groomed by Barbara Kanka Gut, will be the traveling reserve.

Non-traveling reserves

• Mathijs van Asten and Sirocco, groomed by Dani Burema
• Jur Vrieling and Jourdain VDL, groomed by Melissa Postma

“The first three riders were stuck in my mind for some time,” said Chef d’Equipe Jos Lansink. “They also have the advantage of having a very good second horse at their disposal. In Paris, the shape of the day will be decisive. With only three riders in a team, it shouldn’t be against it. In Rotterdam you also saw how close everything was together, the horses were really in good shape, but in a country competition you need clear rounds otherwise you won’t participate. I am really happy with these four combinations, they are real championship riders with very good horses.”