Jean Bemelmans is a world-renowned Belgian-born dressage trainer who moved to Germany at the age of 17. He achieved the title of Reitmeister, an honour given to those who have successfully trained over 50 horses to International Grand Prix level. Bemelmans also served as the National Trainer for the Spanish Team, leading them to team silver…
The mare who ruled the world There are influential mares… and then there is Ratina Z. From Olympic glory to redefining what a modern sport mare could be, her legacy continues to shape the genetics of champions across the globe. Foaled in 1982 at the legendary Zangersheide Stud in Belgium, Ratina Z arrived into the world…
What separates the best from the rest? Text: Ryan Tehini Athletes all over the world dedicate themselves tirelessly in the pursuit of one common goal: to win a medal at the Olympics. The dream of competing at the Olympic Games is one that is had by many, but realised by a very select few. Athletes from…
The LA28 Olympic equestrian events will be held at Santa Anita Park, which was also the home of horse sports at the 1984 Olympic Games. In 1984, the cross-country for the Olympic eventing was held at a satellite venue (Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in San Diego County) but 2028 will see all phases of the…
The NOP (Dutch Olympic Horse) suffix denotes that the horse has been taken into the group of horses in the Dutch Olympic Horse Foundation ('Stichting Nederlands Olympiade Paard' (N.O.P.).) The foundation, in partnership with the Dutch Equestrian Federation, provides financial support to the horse's owner to prevent horses from being sold out of the Dutch Team,…
Glock's Dream Boy or 'Dreamy' is the son of Vivaldi. Dream Boy was the first offspring of Vivaldi to be approved in the Netherlands. Dream Boy's pedigree boasts the names of very influential dressage sires; his dam sire, Ferro, is the grandfather to Valegro. Due to his success in the competition ring, Dream Boy's owners decided…
Earlier this year we looked into the technical side of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games, and in doing so discovered that top-event rider Jessica George from Natal had already obtained two of the three required MERs (Minimum Eligibility Requirements) to qualify for the Olympics. She achieved these scores in the CCI4*-S events held earlier…
Jade Hooke for showjumping [dropcap]S[/dropcap]outh Africa is on the cusp of being internationally competitive – we have had eventers and vaulters represent us in the World Equestrian Games, showjumpers in the World Cup Final, and recently, a dressage rider at the Rio Olympic Games. We seem to be close and yet so far, but what exactly…

