Legendary event to make its return at 2025 Dutch Masters
There’s a new look to the programme at this year’s Dutch Masters (Indoor Brabant Horse Show) in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, with tomorrow evening’s card featuring an event format that has not been seen on the international stage since the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen. Making its return in a competition dubbed the “Best of Champions” is the horse rotation, which will see four of the world’s leading riders go head-to-head on each other’s mounts.
Lining up to tackle a 1.45m-1.50m course are Mikael van der Vleuten, an individual jumping bronze medallist at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris; former Olympic team and world team and individual champion Henrik von Eckermann; former European individual silver medallist Philipp Weishaupt; and Dutch champion Willem Greve. This unique challenge will put the quartet’s ability to adapt and their riding skills fully to the test.
The last rider to win a world title under the horse-rotation format – once the high point of the world championships – was Jeroen Dubbeldam, who did so in some style at Caen 2014. Now the sporting director of the Dutch Masters, Dubbeldam is reviving it, such is his belief in its appeal and the spectacle it provides: “I’ve always found it really interesting. What could be better than to bring together medallists from each of the last major championships and watch them do battle as true competitors and with the utmost respect for the horses?”
The idea has been warmly received by the riders, among them Steve Guerdat: “It’s a fascinating event to watch because it puts the emphasis on the relationship between horse and rider and shows what the horses can do when they’re under different riders.” Unfortunately for the former Olympic and European champion, he is currently out of action and will miss the event, having just had surgery on a herniated disk. Reigning individual Olympic champion Christian Kukuk has also pulled out of the event, albeit for an entirely different reason: his wife is due to give birth in the next few days.
Discussing the event’s unique appeal, Greve said: “The key to success in any event is understanding your horse. That doesn’t change with this format – you just have to understand a horse you’re not familiar with, and in a very short space of time.” The Best of Champions will pose a genuine challenge for these elite riders and test their ability to adapt at speed, a skill that will separate the best from the rest.
Dubbeldam will be hosting the event on the night and giving the crowd a unique insight into it by interviewing the riders. Though the horses taking part have yet to be announced, the quality of the riders on show means this is one event not to be missed. It promises to be a memorable occasion, one that could well become an integral part of the Dutch Masters in the years ahead, hopefully with Guerdat and Kukuk back in action?
Aurore Favre
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