Complete world top present at The Dutch Masters

The Dutch Masters (7-10 March) has a top field of competitors, both in show jumping and dressage, to say the least. In show jumping, no fewer than 20 riders from the top 30 of the world rankings (no. 277) will compete. A total of 44 riders from 13 countries will compete for the prizes. For the dressage World Cup, the CDI1* and CDI3*, 27 riders from 11 countries will travel to the Brabanthallen.

Jumping: top sport guaranteed
Leading the list is the world's No 1, Swede Henrik von Eckermann, who will saddle up his top horse King Edward for the occasion. His compatriot Peder Fredricson (28) completes the Swedish contingent. Great Britain comes with heavy artillery: world number 2 Ben Maher (Faltic HB, Point Break) and Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson, Hello Valentino). Germany comes with 3 Rolex Grand Slam major winners. Daniel Deusser, Marcus Ehning and current 'live contender' Richard Vogel. For Vogel the stakes are high, if he wins the Rolex Grand Prix of The Dutch Masters he will get a bonus of €500,000 and can continue his series at CHIO Aachen for the Rolex Grand Slam title. Our southern neighbours come with seven riders including Pieter Devos, Nicola Philippaerts and Gregory Wathelet. For France, speed specialist Julien Epaillard, among others, has signed up.

The Dutch honour will be defended by 13 riders. World number 10 Harrie Smolders tops the list and further competitors will include Maikel van der Vleuten, Willem Greve, Lars Kersten, Sanne Thijssen, Leopold van Asten and Kim Emmen. The full list of participants is online here.

Dressage World Cup: improving position
For the dressage riders, The Dutch Masters is the last opportunity to collect points for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final to be held in Riyadh in April. Swede Patrik Kittel currently leads the standings after Neumünster (16-18 February) and is closely followed by Matthias Alexander Rath (GER). Both riders will start in Den Bosch as will the reigning world champion, Britain's Charlotte Fry. Furthermore, Isabell Werth (GER) cannot be missing from this illustrious company. From the Dutch side, Emmelie Scholtens, who scored a stunning victory in Neumünster with Indian Rock, and Marieke van der Putten will certainly try to improve their position. The full list of participants is online here.

The full programme is published here. Order your tickets now and don’t miss anything of this edition of The Dutch Masters!

Photos: TDM/Digishots