On 14th January 2001, the first open training session for Belgian junior and young riders was held at the stables of Valerie Verellen in Wiekevorst.

Whether the choice of location was a wise one, is disputable. As Valerie Verellen is a trying candidate herself, it is not really fair towards the other competitors to have such an important training session organised at Verellen's barn. While the other 3 horses had never seen the indoor arena at Verellen's, Valeri's horse Wise Guy was relaxed and calm at his home base. Nevertheless, is Verellen's facility one of the most beautifully equiped in the nation and lends it perfectly to the occassion. With great hospitality were all other riders welcomed by Mr and Mrs Verellen.

Four riders (1 junior and 3 young riders) showed up for this first session which consisted in riding a dressage test and receiving comments and remarks at the end of it. Mariette Withages and Jean van Daele were invited to judge the tests while Chef d'Equipe Leo Joosten supervised each ride from the sideline. After the test, each rider got their major errors pointed out and was asked to ride some of the exercises again. It is undoubtable that this experience was of high educative value and it is, therefore, recommendable young riders' trainers to show up too and learn from their students' mistakes.

The second open training session for junior and young riders will be held 26th February 2001 at La Chevalerie in Brussels. More riders are expected, as the January session was an unplanned one. Mss Verellen had already scheduled a skiing vacation in February and it was to her convenience that a first session was to be held in January.

Some Additional Junior Rider Tidbits:
Katrien Verreet, whose horse died July 2000, will be competing Wienerwalz the upcoming show season. Valerie Verellen has her choice between Wise Guy and Robic van de Wateringhoeve. Hannelore Volders is currently out with Giovanni, who has a minor injury. Delphine Meiresonne will be riding her Danish gelding Ferrarri. It is not certain if Simon Missiaen is going to start with Goldstern G. Pony Rider Isabelle Boost will make her junior riders' debut on the Oldenburg mare Fatima L.

Related Link
Junior/Young Rider Chef d'Equipe Leo Joosten Under Fire