The Dutch Masters: ready, steady, go!

Bologna, March 2nd, 2021 – The FEI officially announced that international equestrian events could resume as from 12 April and this is good news for the organisation of The Dutch Masters. Now there is definite green light to organise the event from 23 to 25 April.

Measures

The planned Covid-19 measures remain in place and this special edition of The Dutch Masters will also take place behind closed doors. The FEI has published a list of measures because of the Rhino virus. Of course the organisation, together with the veterinary team, will closely follow up these measures. Immediately upon arrival the health of the horses will be checked and the temperature will be measured. Especially in the stables everything will be done to avoid contact between the horses and there will be several additional hygiene measures. Safety for man and horse comes first.

Top Jumping Competitors

Organisation can again count on the international jumping top. Numbers 1 and 2 from Switzerland, Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, are present. The number 3, Daniel Deusser is currently in top form. Last weekend the German rider won the prestigious $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix in Wellington, USA, with the 13-year-old stallion Scuderia Tobago Z, who he also wants to start in ´s-Hertogenbosch. The Swede Henrik von Eckermann, who won the Rolex Grand Prix in the Brabanthallen in 2019, will also travel to ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Peder Fredricson (SWE) and the Belgian Pieter Devos ensure that the entire top 5 of the world rankings will be at the start. Of course all the top Dutch riders like Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam will also be there. The complete list of participants will be announced shortly.

Dressage

The top dressage riders are already preparing for the outdoor season in view of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This proved to be incompatible with the indoor competitions of The Dutch Masters. Therefore, it was decided to skip the dressage programme of this edition for a year. The programme will be completed with extra show jumping classes so that the riders can prepare their horses optimally for the Rolex Grand Prix.