Allspan Animal Bedding Prix for Dutch Anniek van Dulst
The youth are the future certainly applies to Indoor Friesland. After the Ponies and Juniors, the track at the WTC Expo was prepared for the Allspan Animal Bedding Prix for Young Riders. Twelve combinations from four different countries rode their team test. They performed well, and the judges were therefore able to award their points generously. The first Dutch victory at Indoor Friesland 2025 is a fact. After the Children's, Anniek van Dulst also managed to attract attention in this age class. In the saddle of the eight-year-old gelding My First Choice – Dutopia (by First Choice), she achieved an excellent score of 71.86%.
Second and third place went to Germany and Denmark, respectively. Liezel Everars took second place. She rode the nine-year-old mare Venere (by Vitalis) and scored 70.04%. Third place went to Luna Kolbaek Rosenberg and the nine-year-old stallion Kamar's Extreme Noir Hit, scoring 69.70%.
Exceeded expectations
Anniek: "I'm twenty years old, and after competing in the European Championships for Children and Juniors, I was able to add the Young Riders to my team this year. After this European Championship, I haven't competed in any major competitions and have decided that I want to do a few fun indoor shows this season. I'd never been to Indoor Friesland before, but I'd heard a lot of positive things. None of that is an exaggeration; I think it's fantastic here; it even exceeds my expectations."
Mother also has a share
My First Choice – Dutopia belongs to the Van de Weegh family, who have since become good friends of ours. There was a report about me in the Hoefslag magazine about a horse leaving me. They then approached me about My First Choice, which they bred themselves. That was four years ago. I didn't always ride him myself during those four years. When I was very busy for a while, my mother rode him. She certainly played a part in our successes, as did my trainer, Jennifer Sekreve.
My test went really well today. It took a little getting used to after a long break, but it soon became second nature. He was nice and relaxed, and I could ride him well. The trot is always a highlight, but his canter is also improving. I even got an eight and a half for a pirouette. The neck length remains a point of attention, but I wasn't dissatisfied with that either.
Gym teacher
This year I'm in the final year of my HBO (higher professional education) program to become a secondary school gym teacher. (laughing) Here I am, Mrs. Van Dulst. My future is still uncertain. I don't know if I want to continue studying, work, pursue a career in horses, or perhaps a combination of the two. Incidentally, training horses and teaching gym are very similar. You need a lot of patience and transparency in both.
Photos: Digishots
Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
Anniek van Dulst (NED) – My First Choice Dutopia Indoor Friesland 2025 © DigiShots
