It’s not necessary to present Harrie Smolders, Longines World Ranking number 19. The 36 years old Dutchman from Lage Mierde is employed by Eurohorse in Grobbendonk since 2002. Harrie is an exceptional rider but also a great trainer. Joris Vanspringel, 24^th and best Belgian in eventing at the Rio Olympics called Harry an example as a rider and a human being!                

They youngest of the Dutch team is the 28 years old Maikel van der Vleuten, Longines World Ranking number 36. The apple does not fall far from the three, Maikel’s father Eric was a renowned international rider. Maikel lives and trains and his father’s place but the emphasis of Maikel is on the sport, his father is more engaged in training and horse dealing.

Nicola Philippaerts, Longines World Ranking 38 performed so well the last few months that he was selected for the OG. The only 23 years old rider from Meeuwen-Gruitrode was born and raised with horses. His father Ludo is already now a living legend but Nicola and his twin brother Olivier are well on track to equal and improve his achievements. 

Jessica Mendoza, Longines World Ranking 91 received the Rising Star Award of the FEI. The British rider, living in Mierlo in Holland is only twenty years old and made it into the top 100. For the Olympic Games in Rio she is the reserve rider behind the established values. She is certainly on her way up and she is always going for it.

 Of course we wish all our Olympic riders the best in Rio and we look forward to receiving them in Zandhoven!