Netherlands ready to defend Nations Cup crown

The 109th edition of the FEI Nations Cup is about to start in Europe, the current holders are the Netherlands coached by Rob Ehrens.
After the stages already held in Abu Dhabi and Ocala on 14 and 15 February, from April 16 the new European Cup season will start with the meeting in Samorin, Slovakia.
The FEI has made some structural changes compared to last season, for example the number of countries competing in the first European division has increased from 8 to 10: in addition to the champions Netherlands there is also France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium and Great Britain who have moved up from the second to the first division.
Another big change in the new season is the day of the Nations Cup stage, no longer scheduled for Friday but Sunday afternoon.
Once again leading the oranje will be the long-time coach Rob Ehrens, for whom the Nations Cup remains one of the most important goals of the season, the Dutch coach has also formalized his choices for the stages in which they will acquire Ranking points:
– 17 – 20 May La Baule
– 21 – 24 June Rotterdam
– 12 – 15 July Falsterbo
– 26 – 29 July Hickstead
– 8 – 12 August Dublin
FINAL 4 – 7 October Barcelona
Source: press release CHIO Rotterdam
Photo: Netherlands Team take the 2017 Title during the Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final. (L-R) Michel Hendrix, Aniek Poels, 2017 ESP-Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping ™ Final – CSIO Barcelona. Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. Saturday 30 September Photo: FEI / Libby Law Photography