Great victory for Willem Greve in SLTN Grand Prix
Indoor Friesland 2024 is over! The closing SLTN Grand Prix, with a jump-off over a height of 1,55 m, has just been ridden. The WTC Expo was packed and the atmosphere was traditionally cozy. Eight combinations were allowed to return for the jump-off, seven from the Netherlands and one from Germany. On Thursday he already managed to win the qualification, and today he repeated that trick. Willem Greve and Highway TN NOP (Eldorado van de Zeshoek) are back! With a final time of 35,95 seconds, Willem and the twelve-year-old stallion conquered first place. For Willem, this is his second victory in the main event of Indoor Friesland since the comeback in 2022.
The entire top three consisted of Dutch combinations. Second place went to Marc Houtzager with his sixteen-year-old mare, Sterrenhof's Dante (Canturano), who finished in 36,90 seconds. This duo always knows how to peak at the right moment. Jur Vrieling finished in third place with his eleven-year-old mare Helwell du Chabus (Elvis Ter Putte) and clocked 37,11 seconds.
Much experience
Willem: “I don’t look back anymore, only forward. Highway TN’s two victories here in Leeuwarden are a great boost and a great start to the winter season. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me these past months. About today: our basic course started smoothly, but the three-way junction was difficult and a stumbling block for many combinations. However, Highway TN has a lot of experience and felt strong. Jeroen gave me a valuable tip just before the jump-off: keep going, but not too fast.”
Too few three-star competitions
“Indoor Friesland 2024 was, just like the previous editions, fantastic. Friesland has always been a real horse province, and you can tell. Yesterday the hall was full, today again, even this morning when the ponies entered. There are far too few three-star competitions; they are often two- or five-star competitions, while that intermediate step is so important. Indoor Friesland also offers a wonderful total package for equestrian enthusiasts: from Frisians and ponies to harness horses and national classes. We are all happy to participate. Just look at this morning, when Vincent came especially from Oliva to help the pony riders, and Maikel, Jur, Jeroen and I were ready at 8.00:XNUMX.”
Coming together, top sport and popular sport
“Indoor Friesland 2024 in three words? Coming together, top sport, popular sport. I am already looking forward to next year! Your sports director Yvonne van Bergen can already put me in the spotlight. By the way, I have agreed with ambassador Jeroen Dubbeldam that he can win the Grand Prix again next year, we will take turns.”
Chairman Waling Haytema
The last words are for Indoor Friesland chairman Waling Haytema. His description of Indoor Friesland 2024 in three words: “Spectacular, problem-free, cozy.”
See you next year!
Three editions of Indoor Friesland 2.0, three Dutch victories: Willem Greve, Jeroen Dubbeldam, and now Willem Greve again. Who will complete the quartet in 2025? Everyone who was involved in Indoor Friesland 2024 in any way this year, thank you for your efforts and presence. We hope to see you next year at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden! #zinindoorfriesland2025
Photos: Digishots
Text: Marjan de Wildt – Media Team Indoor Friesland
