Hanneke Gerritsen: Para Dressage Riders set an example for the regular sport

Hanneke is retired and lives in Brummen, Gelderland. She previously worked as an interior stylist with a specialization in kitchens and cooking. Alongside her passion for horses, she also loves to cook and garden—her English-style garden is one of her favorite places. Hanneke enjoys connecting with people and has a deep interest in others. She’s also creative and spends her free time glass fusing—creating beautiful pieces from small colored glass fragments melted together in a kiln.

Professionally, she’s an FEI Technical Delegate, a 5-star para dressage judge, and a national Grand Prix judge. Interestingly, this isn’t her first time as national coach—she also held the position 25 years ago

How It All Started
Hanneke: “I come from a true horse family. My father was a breeder and instructor, so it was in my blood from a young age. I rode a lot myself, ran a stud farm where I trained and sold young horses. Eventually, after a bad fall, I decided it was enough. Around that time, the former NPC (National Para Committee) asked me to take charge of para dressage in the Netherlands. To give you an idea—there were only a few para dressage riders competing at championships, and they were riding school horses. I took the job seriously and after four years, it became impossible to combine with my regular work. When I quit my job, opportunities began to arise internationally—and that’s how it all started.”

A Strong Position
“I’ve just started in this role, but I think TeamNL Para Dressage is in a strong position. I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the riders and their teams, and I’m pleasantly surprised. There’s a lot of quality, both at the top and throughout the field. Of course, international competition isn’t standing still either, but I’m confident.

I continue to critically monitor all combinations and improve wherever possible. Still, there’s room to grow. We have many excellent riders, but not enough suitable horses. That’s a real need—especially since some of the older horses will need to be replaced in the coming years.”

Helping Everyone Improve
As mentioned, Hanneke’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. TeamNL Para Dressage has been performing consistently well at championships for years. We asked Hanneke if she had an explanation for this.

“We have strong breeding in the Netherlands, and therefore excellent horses. Plus, there’s a wealth of talent—I have a large pool of riders to draw from. Many para dressage riders score above 70 percent.

Both the riders and we, the coaches, are committed to doing everything it takes to perform well. There’s discipline, and a lot of structure—training sessions, meetings, everything. I take the time to understand each rider, visit competitions, and make sure every detail is in place. What’s great is that I work with all para dressage riders—not just the top performers or a certain age group, but everyone. I actively scout and aim to improve every rider.”

Hellendoorn, Rotterdam, Ermelo
“Rotterdam isn’t a selection event for us this year. The selections will take place at the end of May in Hellendoorn and at the National Championships Dressage in Ermelo. Our European Championships are this July in Ermelo, here in the Netherlands. I hope there’ll be a big audience. I’m proud the event is hosted here, and as I said—we’re in a good place. Admission is very affordable: a full pass for all days is just €12.50.

I understand that para events attract a different crowd than a regular European Championship, but the riders are incredibly enthusiastic and truly deserve a big audience. I would love it if the large crowd in Rotterdam also came to cheer us on in Ermelo. Next year’s World Championships will be held in Aachen, and we’re well on our way.

Back to Rotterdam—I’ll do my best to bring a strong team to compete there. It’s a great opportunity to perform in an environment like yours.”

Memories of CHIO
“I started attending CHIO Rotterdam as a child with my father and veterinarian Dr. Mulder—probably in a pretty dress,” she laughs. “I must’ve been around ten years old. I’ve been professionally involved with CHIO since around 2000. I remember my first time well—it’s a beautiful story.

At the time, para dressage had serious financial challenges. A group of CHIO supporters helped raise sponsorship funds so we could buy what we needed and attend the competition. I remember being incredibly impressed by CHIO—the high jumps, the atmosphere. Those early visits as a child definitely fueled my passion for the sport. My father, who supported me all the way, would’ve been so proud.

I’ve also judged in Rotterdam. The first time was right after my father passed away. I was sad he couldn’t see it—he would’ve been thrilled.”

“When I think of Rotterdam, I think of warmth and your iconic Stroodorp. I’m not a partygoer, but at CHIO I always have a great time. I’ll definitely be there again this year. While it’s not a selection event for para dressage, I’ll be observing and coaching during the classes.”

Para Dressage as an Example
“Finally, I want to touch on horse welfare—rightfully a hot topic everywhere. I think we’re doing well by bringing it up often. Para dressage riders, in my opinion, are a shining example of how things should be done. Many of them don’t have physical strength, and yet they get their horses to perform beautifully.

In this discipline, anything questionable—like an open mouth—is heavily penalized. There’s always a calm atmosphere. You never hear shouting or raised voices. That’s something I deeply respect.”

A lovely conversation with a wonderful person—enthusiastic, straightforward, and utterly devoted to the sport. Thank you, Hanneke, for the great conversation. Wishing you lots of success and joy with TeamNL Para Dressage, and we look forward to seeing you next month in the Kralingse Bos.