The advisory group, consisting of Jeroen Dubbeldam, Eric van der Vleuten, and Roelof Bril, unanimously recommended Van der Mei to the KNHS (Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation). According to the trio, she possesses the experience, knowledge, and full commitment required to fulfill the role of national coach at the top level. Another contributing factor was that she can focus entirely on this role and holds a clear vision for the further development of Dutch show jumping.

Even after her appointment, which officially takes effect on January 1, 2027, the advisory group will remain involved. In her new position, Van der Mei can rely on the support and advice of Dubbeldam, Van der Vleuten, and Bril. As a result, the knowledge and experience of three prominent figures in Dutch show jumping will remain available to the senior program.

Stronger connection between elite sport and talent development

Van der Mei's appointment is part of a broader restructuring of the show jumping program. The decision was made to create a stronger connection between elite sport and talent development, which also makes Van der Mei responsible for Dutch participation in the Longines EEF Series—the series of Nations Cups just below the highest level. In turn, youth coach Edwin Hoogenraat will become responsible for the Juniors and Young Riders, while his colleague Koen Leemans takes charge of guiding the Children and pony riders.

Van der Mei, who makes history as the first female national coach of the Dutch senior show jumpers, is looking forward to her new role: "It is a great honor to become national coach of the TeamNL show jumpers. The Netherlands has an exceptionally strong group of riders, horses, owners, trainers, and support staff. I look forward to working with them toward athletic success while simultaneously contributing to a strong training structure for the future."

A clear vision

According to technical director Laurens van Lieren, the division of roles is based on a clear vision: "In the coming years, we want to focus even more emphatically on the progression to the absolute top of the sport. Guided by that mindset, we are choosing a stronger joint approach within the show jumping program. Where age categories used to place their own individual emphasis in the past, we want to work even more explicitly from one shared vision of talent development in the coming years to facilitate progression. The focus thus shifts from separate programs to one continuous development pathway."

Van Lieren emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the technical staff: "For us, the main priority is that everyone within the program works as one team. No one running their own separate shop, but coaches working together toward the same goal. The real intention is for the coaches to reinforce one another. Together, they create an optimal high-performance culture.

The objective is to develop 'sustainable' combinations at the 1.60m level capable of competing consistently at the top world level for a long time and representing the Netherlands at European Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic Games. With Nathalie guiding the seniors and EEF Series, Edwin leading the older youth riders, and Koen taking care of the youngest talents, we are building a single continuous development pathway toward the highest international level."

About Nathalie van der Mei

Nathalie van der Mei (1965) made a name for herself as an international show jumper. Riding Heechhiem's Springtime, she broke through at the top level and came into consideration for representing the Netherlands in Nations Cup events. She subsequently rode various other international competition horses and established herself as a respected trainer of young show jumpers. In the following years, her focus gradually shifted to coaching, training, and talent development. As a trainer and mentor, she remained closely involved in the sport and built an excellent reputation within Dutch show jumping. With her appointment, the KNHS selects a national coach who combines experience from elite international sport with extensive knowledge of and commitment to the development of both riders and horses.