Not fast, but driven well, EFO Horse Insurance Prix for Enrico van Manen

The first international three-star show jumping competition of Indoor Friesland 2025 has concluded. Forty-eight combinations competed in the EFO Horse Insurance Prize over a height of 1.40m. The victory went to Dutchman Enrico van Manen from Stroe in Gelderland. In the WTC Expo, he rode the nine-year-old gelding Lehman (by Baltic VDL) across the finish line in 32.01 seconds.

Second place went to Belgium. Bart Jay Jr. Vandecasteele rode Kadee van de Renthoeve Z (by Kannan) and finished in 32.25 seconds. Third place also remained in the Netherlands. Frisian rider Marriët Smit-Hoekstra once again took the arena for the awards ceremony. This time she rode the seven-year-old mare Nijerite (by Comthago VDL), and together they clocked a time of 33.44 seconds.

First time at the start
Enrico: "I work for myself, and together with my father, I run a show jumping stable where I ride and we trade. Two years ago, I came here for the first time as a spectator, and I immediately found it a very special show. There were lots of spectators and a fantastic atmosphere. I was so happy to participate for the first time this year."

Warm-up lap
"The horse I won with, Lehman, I've had with my father for four years. He's already been at a higher level, and this was really just a warm-up round. Tomorrow I want to take him to a higher level. Regarding my win, I didn't think I was going fast at all. Lehman has a lot of canter, and I just rode very smoothly."

St. Tropez
Last month, I was allowed to compete in the four-star competition in St. Tropez, and I stayed double clear in the 1.60m. This is my best performance so far; I was very happy and proud, and it left me wanting more.

Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
Photo: Digishots