Sterrehof’s Dante N.O.P. selected for the Tokyo Olympics

Sterrehof’s Dante N.O.P. and Marc have been selected for the Tokyo Olympics! In addition to the reigning Dutch champions, chef d’equipe Rob Ehrens takes Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z and Harrie Smolders with Dolinn N.O.P. to Japan. Willem Greve is the travelling reserve with Zypria S N.O.P..

Marc, Dante and groom Madeleine

Third Olympic horse

Dante’s selection means that for the third time one of our horses can participate at the Olympic Games. Sterrehof’s Opium was the first in 2008. The now 25-year-old Opium, still present at Sterrehof Stud, made an excellent appearance in Hong Kong thirteen years ago. He finished seventh individually and fourth with the Dutch team. Four years later, even more success followed when Sterrehof’s Tamino came into action in London. The gelding, now 21 years of age and retired at the Houtzager-Kayser Stable, delivered an important contribution to the silver medal of the Dutch team. Individually, another top 10 position was achieved as Tamino finished ninth. More about these top horses can be read and seen in our Hall of Fame.

Selected for the big championships

Dante’s participation also means that for the eighth time a Sterrehof horse represents the Netherlands at a major championship. In addition to the Olympics, Opium also competed at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor and Tamino at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky. The other three selections were realised by Sterrehof’s Calimero. Marc’s top-class gelding, who is fit again this year, attended the 2017 European Championship in Gothenburg, the 2010 WEG in Tryon and the 2019 European Championship in Rotterdam. During the latter championship, Calimero clinched a nice eighth place.

Finally, two of our horses previously competed for Austria. In 2009 Julia saddled Sterrehof’s Pherna for the European Championships and in 2017 our top stallion Sterrehof’s Cayetano Z performed well at the European Championships in Gothenburg.