Coming together, top sport and popular sport at Indoor Friesland; a look back at the jumping week
The organization of Indoor Friesland in the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden looks back on a very successful third edition. Three out of five days, the jumping week of the equestrian event was sold out. Top riders, regional riders, sponsors and the public; everyone was wildly enthusiastic about the great atmosphere, the facilities and the program. On the closing evening with the SLTN Grand Prix of Leeuwarden, winner Willem Greve perhaps expressed it best: “Indoor Friesland stands for coming together, top sport and popular sport.”
The chairman of Indoor Friesland, Waling Haytema, described the event as spectacular, problem-free and pleasant. The enthusiasm could be seen and felt everywhere. Indoor Friesland is an experience. That started on Tuesday with the Univé show Horses & Friends, presented by none other than Britt Dekker. Thousands of children and their families enjoyed theatre, music and horses in the beautiful track of Indoor Friesland.
World top
On Wednesday, qualified regional show jumpers competed in the finals of the popular Horses2fly Competition, where they were all enthusiastically cheered on by the large audience present.
The international show jumpers started their competitions on Thursday. Several absolute world top riders had found their way to Leeuwarden including the winner of Olympic bronze, Maikel van der Vleuten, but also the world champion of the young show jumpers, the German Katrin Eckermann.
Four-in-hand
On Thursday evening, the world's top four-in-hand drivers put on a top show in which the battle for victory was fierce. The driving skills of the drivers who steered the four horses in front of their carriage at full speed through a delicate course were admirable and spectacular. The regional top favorite Anne Okkema was loudly cheered on, but after two laps at top speed, he had to admit defeat to the Dutchman Koos de Ronde who was also too fast for the Australian world champion Boyd Exell.
Frisian Evening
On Friday, the Frisian Evening was the highlight of the day. After a beautiful tribute by Maikel van der Vleuten and the exciting and original Elfsteden Jumping, the most beautiful Frisian horses entered the ring. The audience enjoyed these black pearls. After the harness horse Championship of the North, Gys was proclaimed the best Frisian horse of the season at the closing Prijs der Besten.
Surprise for the pony riders
Saturday started off with a huge hit, namely the final of the Indoor Friesland Allspan Pony Cup. 25 pony riders had qualified for the final via five competition matches, in which a huge surprise awaited them. Five of the best show jumpers in the Netherlands were each given five pony riders under their wing and guided them through the course, warming up and riding the course. Influencer Kristy Snepvangers was there, handed out the prizes afterwards and of course had a Meet & Greet with her many fans. The morning could not have been better for the 25 finalists.
SLTN Grand Prix a nice boost for Willem Greve
Indoor Friesland concluded on Saturday evening with the SLTN Grand Prix. The winner of two years ago, Willem Greve, was once again the very best with his sturdy stallion Highway TN. It was a great boost for the rider from Markelo who had a disappointing summer when he unexpectedly had to withdraw from the Olympic Games. “This victory is a great boost for the entire team,” Greve said afterwards. “This is a great start to the indoor season.”
Photos: Digishots
Text: Media Team Indoor Friesland
