Van der Schans, from Dedemsvaart, first highlights Greve and the stallion Grandorado TN N.O.P. The experienced pair recently placed ninth in the prestigious Grand Prix of Calgary. “Willem has three horses—Grandorado, Pretty Woman, and Highway—that he can alternate at the highest level. With Grandorado, I can rely on him as a strong asset for the team.”

Schuttert will ride Isis in the final. Van der Schans explains: “The combination jumped well last week in St. Tropez with just one fault in the Nations Cup. This weekend they are competing again in St. Tropez and will travel from there directly to Barcelona.”

Cupcake Z and Ipsthar
Thijssen will ride Cupcake Z. “They have already performed very creditably in Nations Cups this summer, and at the beginning of September in Calgary, Cupcake Z jumped increasingly convincingly with solid rounds in both the Nations Cup and the Grand Prix. The pair seem to be in good form, and I hope they can play an important role for the team in Barcelona,” says the coach.

He also counts on the long-established pairing of Moerings and Ipsthar. “Last week in the Longines League of Nations in St. Tropez they performed well. Ipsthar jumped beautifully there, as he has all summer. With those four, we’ll go into it. As the fifth rider, Johnny Pals joins with Zarkava Hero Z. In recent Grand Prix classes, they’ve consistently been among the leaders.”

Looking ahead to next year
Regarding the team’s chances, Van der Schans comments: “I’m aware that we have a few pairs who aren’t yet so experienced. Of course, in a final like this there is extra pressure. I hope they can hold their ground and help us fight for as high a position as possible.”

This time the selection does not include Harrie Smolders, Kim Emmen, or Maikel van der Vleuten. “They told me that the two final rounds would be a bit too much for their top horses at the moment. I have to respect that. I think it’s wise to give their horses some rest and focus on next year, when the World Championships in Aachen are on the calendar.”