Text © World of Showjumping

This week, the Rein-family's Nikka vd Bisschop (Emerald x Nabab de Reve) and Canada's Erynn Ballard made their international debut together at Wellington International.

Nikka vd Bisschop has previously been seen with Beth Underhill in the saddle, but the Canadian rider and the Rein-family parted ways in March after two-and-a-half years of collaboration. With Underhill, Nikka vd Bisschop was part of the Canadian team that took team silver at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago and the two also competed at the 2022 World Equestrian Games in Herning. 

Ballard has represented Canada at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, at the 2022 World Championship in Herning and at the 2023 FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Omaha – and is now looking at a potential selection for the 2024 Olympic Games. 

"It is an honour to be Nikka’s rider," Ballard commented to WoSJ. "We have a great team supporting us. I am very excited for the future with this mare and the Rein-family. None of this would be possible without the support of Ilan Ferder and Nick Skelton. Thank you to Mark, Tara and Cassidy Rein as well as Nick Skelton and Ilan Ferder."