Demi Haerkens finishes her winning round with Ehl Doula N.O.P. (Matilde Tarchiani)
Kronenberg, 16 June 2024
After the Dutch Championship, the Peelbergen CPEDI3* of this weekend offered Dutch riders another crucial opportunity to secure a spot on the Paralympic Team for Paris 2024. This competition is the second of three observation moments, with the final one set to take place in Deurne later in July. We sat down with Chef d’Equipe Joyce van Rooijen-Heuitink to to get a glimpse into the meticulous process of selecting the team and the high hopes for Paris 2024.
Hello Joyce, thank you for being here with us today. This weekend marks a key moment in the selection process for the Dutch team heading to Paris 2024. You’ve had an impressive career as an International GP Rider and Trainer, and an FEI Level 2/3* Judge. Now, as Head Coach of the Dutch Paraequestrian Team, what are the key factors you consider when selecting riders for the team?
For me, it is very important that they have consistent results. Of course, one show can go less well than another, or sometimes the scores can be less positive, but I like to see consistent riding. Harmonious riding is also very important. The judges need to like the full picture. Then you have reliable horses, and that is a big thing to me. Being able to rely on a horse to go into a big arena and not get too spooky is crucial because everything in Paris will be spooky and the atmosphere is crazy. So these bombproof but still very rideable horses are key. Riders must be able to keep their cool as well, especially in the team competition. Representing your country can be a nerve-wracking moment, and they need a good mindset for that.
Team NL has been doing great this weekend, winning the Team Competition too. Are you satisfied with what you have seen so far?
Yes, absolutely! They have been doing amazing. I have quite a few very experienced riders that have been through it all already. They rode so many championships and have proven that both they and their horses can deal with the pressure and have a lot of routine. But you are also always looking out for new riders and new horses to build for the future, and I saw some very promising things this weekend.
Can you share your expectations for Paris this year?
I think my riders and horses are that good, and we can aim for gold. Over the past years, we won quite a few titles at the European and World Championships, and in Tokyo, we came just second. So, actually, the team Olympic gold is the one medal that has been missing, not just for me but for everyone who has been competing over the past few years. So, we are all really aiming for that one and hoping to win it, but we know that hoping is not enough. We have to ride really well, and that’s what we aim for.
Lastly, we know all bets are off and nothing is set in stone yet, but if you could leave a message for the riders before Paris, what would it be?
Once you get to Paris, first of all, you have to ride well because when you ride well, you enjoy it more! But I would say just make sure you do everything you did before. Have the same preparation, ride the same around the ring and in the ring as you always did, and keep the same mindset. In that way, you get the same performance, and that’s the way to enjoy the competition the most, I think.
Thank you Joyce, good luck!
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