Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Taminiau mark last competition together with win in Grand Prix Freestyle
Even a heatwave couldn’t stop the goosebumps from coming on a special Saturday evening of dressage action at CHIO Rotterdam. The Topsport Rotterdam Prize Grand Prix Freestyle saw an impressive performance by Hans Peter Minderhoud. In their last competition together, the Dutch rider and Glock’s Taminiau scored 81.905%, their best result ever.
Marlies van Baalen and Habibi DVB placed second with a solid test,
scoring 77.700%. Thamar Zweistra came third with Hexagons Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T. (77.360%).
The home crowd in the Rotterdam Arena had more than enough reason to celebrate after the Grand Prix Freestyle, as the scoreboard featured Dutch riders in places 1 through 5.
Among the many strong performances, Hans Peter MInderhoud and Glock’s Taminiau’s test stood out. Relaxed yet focused, the combination moved as one around the Rotterdam Arena in a nearly flawless performance, earning them an impressive 81.905%.
As Glock's Stables is moving out of The Netherlands soon, this was Hans Peter Minderhoud’s last competition with Glock’s Taminiau. The packed Rotterdam Arena sent the combination off with a standing ovation.
Emotional but proud
“Today wasn’t an easy day for me”, Minderhoud said. “But I really wanted to finish today in a good way, and deliver a good test, and that’s what we did. Glock’s Taminiau was a bit tense in the warm-up, but when we came to the arena, he did his job and I was super happy with him. We had nearly no mistakes, the trot work was super and we had a really nice canter. He is an amazing horse. I’m a bit emotional right now, but I’m happy and also proud to end it in this way, winning here in Rotterdam with a test like this.”
Marlies van Baalen was pleased with her performance with Habibi DVB, securing second place for them. “I was super happy with my ride here. I think we all felt that it was Hans Peter’s day here today”, she said. “With Habibi DVB, I’ve had a pretty good week. I enjoyed every second of our test, especially the piaffe and the passage went really well. CHIO Rotterdam is a super show to compete in, the crowd is always so enthusiastic.”
Thamar Zweistra, who came in third place with Hexagons Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T., was also happy with her test. “My horse did really amazing. He is 9 years old and not that experienced yet with the atmosphere of bigger venues like CHIO Rotterdam. But with every competition we do, he gets more confident and does even better. I’m very happy with his progress. I think we have a bright future ahead of us, and I’m so proud of him.”