Recently Dutch show jumper, Harrie Smolders got his promotion into the A-squad of the Dutch international team. Together with Emerald (by Diamant de Semilly) and Don VHP Z (by Diamant de Semilly), Smolders - riding for Eurohorses Axel Verlooy - manifested collecting a series of good results. "Both Emerald and Don are 11-year-old. I thank them to have left the wood untouched last season, putting a smile on my face," states Smolders. "I invested a lot of time in the training of the two horses. Now it is time to get to the next level. Top sport horses are - in my opinion - best when 15-year-old." Both Don and Emerald are qualified for the Olympic Games. "I've never competed at any of the Olympic Games. But it is a dream," continues Smolders. "In the Netherlands we can count on a strong set of riders. All in favor of representing the orange colours in Rio. But nevertheless the big 'competition' I'm still convinced I make a chance being a part of our Olympic team." The dream is set for Harrie Smolder. Although the Olympics are the focus, Smolders will just continue the development of the two top jumpers. The World Cup finals are not a goal, but will probably be on the agenda for the Dutch show jumper.
