KRONENBERG – From July 16 to 21, Peelbergen Equestrian Centre will be the scene of the European Championships Jumping for Young Riders, Juniors and Children.

As the first European Championship to be held in Peelbergen, and the only FEI Championship happening in the Netherlands in 2024, expectations are high.

Less than a month until Europe’s best show jumping young talents gather in Kronenberg to compete for the European Individual and Team titles, and especially proud is Ken Ruysen, event director.

“Awarding this European Championship to de Peelbergen is thanks to the trust we have built over the years. Not only are we ready to host a championship of this format, we are set on making it a unique event,” Ruysen explained.

Memories to last a lifetime

The opening ceremony on Monday 15th July will mark the official start of the event, with the first competition set to start at 14.30 the very next day. From Tuesday till Sunday, riders will compete for the individual and team medals in their age category, in competitions ranging from 1m25 for Children up until Young Riders’ 1m50 classes, on both sand and grass arenas.

“The young riders we welcome in July will be making memories in Peelbergen that they will look back on in their later careers. If you take a look back at riders who competed in the European Championships for Young Riders in the past, you will see today’s top riders, such as Steve Guerdat and Willem Greve. That Peelbergen may be part of that road to the top for some of the participants is very special.”

Creating an EC setting

Since the venue organises weekly competitions, creating an European Championship setting is a must. The centre is already set up for 3* level events, “we work hard to have perfect grounds and offer top facilities every competition. So for this European Championship we are not necessarily raising the bar, but we will focus more on the decoration and creating that special atmosphere that is an European Championship.”

Decorations and new obstacles, made especially for the European Championships, and various side events to entertain both horse lovers and day-trippers are on the program. Besides the evening program, which promises different kinds of entertainment every night of the event, Peelbergen chose to organise Walk Grandorse, a walk in the beautiful forest of Grandorse surrounding the centre, on the last day of the Championships, Sunday 21st.

The goal is to create more involvement with riders as well as with the local community, and make it an unforgettable event not only for the participants, but for everyone.

Free admission

“We are especially looking forward to top tier sport and the atmosphere that a major championship like this brings. We hope many visitors will come enjoy it. For as unique as this event is, there is one thing that is no different than usual: admission is free,” Ruysen said.

For more information about evening program, side events, and the competition schedule – www.peelbergen.eu/kronenberg-2024

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!