TeamNL Chef d’Équipe Wout-Jan van der Schans Looks Ahead

The first thing Wout-Jan tells us is that he’s doing well. He’s gradually easing back into things. While he’s not riding yet, he is back working at his yard, which recently moved from Nijkerk (Gelderland) to Dedemsvaart (Overijssel). His son Patrick remains in Nijkerk.

Beauville Z, Monaco, Grandorado TN and Imagine

Wout-Jan: “To be honest, I never really left. I’ve kept following everything via live streams, I selected the teams, and I decided who would compete in the other events. I promised to field the strongest possible team for Rotterdam – and I’m doing just that.”

“The first rider I want to name is Maikel van der Vleuten, a regular in Rotterdam and someone who almost always jumps clear or finishes with just one fault. This year he will compete with his top horse Beauville Z, a phenomenal athlete who already has two Olympic medals. They recently won a 1.50m class at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Cannes and have been building up towards Rotterdam since then.”

“Harrie Smolders is also part of the team, with his star horse Monaco. Just like Maikel and Beauville Z, this combination has been together for years. Harrie is known for keeping his cool and often clinches a clear round as the last to go. Recently, Harrie and Monaco won the Grand Prix in Cannes.”

“Willem Greve is my third rider and he’ll bring his crack horse Grandorado TN N.O.P. Willem is in the fortunate position of having three top-level horses at the moment. He’s had a bit of bad luck with injuries—either his own or his horses’—in the lead-up to past championships. That makes Rotterdam a crucial moment for him on the road to the upcoming European Championships. I have full confidence in his ability to deliver.”

“And last but not least, there’s Kim Emmen and her bold grey Imagine. This duo really started making waves here in Rotterdam last year, even qualifying for the Olympics in Paris. They jumped clear three days in a row—only on the final day did fatigue unfortunately catch up. Over the winter they’ve become even stronger. I have every confidence in them. Of course, there are no guarantees in our sport—horses are living beings—but I’m optimistic about a strong result in Rotterdam.”

From the Europeans and World Championships to the Olympic Games

“We don’t have a large number of Dutch showjumping combinations at the very top level, but this is a really strong team. If they’re in form, they have a real shot at a medal. They performed well in Paris and have gained another year of experience since then. I think we’re still at the same competitive level.” “This year, the European Championships are on the calendar, but next year we’re heading to the World Championships in Aachen, where we aim to secure Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028. There’s still a second chance via the following year’s European Championships, but I’d like to grab that first opportunity in Aachen.”

“Beauville Z and Monaco are getting a bit older, so we need to focus on bringing in younger horses—and I think they’re on the way. At this year’s Dutch Championships, I saw several promising young combinations, and after Rotterdam I want to give some of them experience in Aachen. A number of seasoned riders are also training talented young horses. But it’s crucial that the owners are willing to keep those horses for TeamNL, so we need to support and appreciate them wherever we can. In Rotterdam, you’re already doing a great job at that.”

Corland and ET

“Yes, I’m really looking forward to it and hope for an electric, orange-filled Friday in the Rotterdam Arena. I also have some great personal memories from CHIO. In 2000, I rode Corland, a grey, and beat Hugo Simon and the legendary ET in the qualifier for the Grand Prix on day one. Both of us made it to the jump-off on Sunday and both jumped clear again. Back then, the timekeeping wasn’t as precise as it is now, and as I crossed the finish, I thought I had won—but moments later it turned out I had come second. Still a great result, but I remember being quite disappointed at the time.”

Favorite fans

“Speaking of memories—it always gave me a boost when a member of the Royal Family was in the stands. They genuinely love the sport, they’re spontaneous and passionate, and you can see how much they care. Who would I love to see in the Rotterdam stands someday? Even though I’m an Ajax supporter, I’d say Willem van Hanegem. I love his sense of humor and the way he tells stories—just brilliant.”

Dining in Rotterdam

“Back in the Corland and ET days, we used to go out for dinner in the city with the team. In recent years, I’d usually head home after competing. But this year, I want to revive that tradition. Does the typical Rotterdam restaurant De Pijp still exist? I’d love to go there again. When you’re on the road competing almost every weekend, good food and nice local spots mean a lot—for both riders and their teams. Unfortunately, Pancake house De Big is gone, so we’ll have to find something new.”

“Finally, I hope that everyone who loves our sport comes to Rotterdam and goes home with a great feeling after enjoying some incredible jumping.”

An enthusiastic story from a passionate coach. We fully agree and hope to see the stands filled with fans cheering on TeamNL during the Longines League of Nations™ on Friday.
Dressed in orange, of course!