Harrie Smolders and DON VP Z will not make it to the European Championships. Photo © Jeny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Press release from KNHS
A big blow for the Dutch team ahead of the European Championships in Rotterdam: 2017 Vice-Champions Harrie Smolders and Don VHP Z N.O.P. will not be competing as previously announced.
Dutch coach Rob Ehrens explains: “Harrie will not get Don VHP Z N.O.P. in the right form needed in time for the championships. It is very unfortunate, but there is no other option but to switch riders. For the same reason this combination didn’t compete at CHIO Geesteren. In Falsterbo, Harrie had a good feeling but wasn’t sure yet so he also went to Berlin. However, the form proved insufficient and we decided not to take Don to Rotterdam. For a European Championships, certainly in your own country, you have to be in the flow, otherwise it will not work. It is a pity, but it is part of the sport. Doron Kuipers is now moving on to the team, while Bart Bles and Israel van de Dennehoeve become reserves.”
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