When the N.O.P. was revitalized in 2013, Hendrix was part of the board that formed the foundation for the current organization. In the years that followed, together with fellow board members, he committed himself to preserving exceptional Dutch show jumpers for TeamNL. With his experience as an international show jumper, his knowledge of the horse world, and his extensive national and international network, he made a major contribution to achieving this main objective of the N.O.P.

‘With open visor’

Chairman Hidde Frankena spoke words of praise about Hendrix during the board meeting: “From the sport to the trade, from the horses to the people around them. Your knowledge and your national and international network were of great value to the N.O.P.” Frankena also praised his open and direct way of working: “What makes you special is how you handle that knowledge. Honest, clear, and with an open visor. No political games, no detours. If something needed to be done, you didn't let it run its course. Through that, you earned the respect of N.O.P. colleagues, riders, owners, breeders, and national coaches. With you, everyone knew where they stood.”

New leading name

In recent years, the N.O.P. board consciously worked on a phased board renewal to ensure continuity. With the departure of Hendrix as the last member of the original board, this renewal has been completed, and the board now consists of Hidde Frankena, André Cats, Joyce van Rooijen-Heuitink, Janneke Petrie, and Jeroen Dubbeldam.

With the arrival of Dubbeldam, the N.O.P. once again welcomes a leading name from Dutch equestrian sports. Frankena expressed his confidence in the new board member: “In Jeroen, we have found a worthy and respected successor. We are fully confident that Emile's contribution will be given a wonderful continuation under his leadership.”