At the end of August, Exloo is the scene of the European Championships for four-in-hand driving and the World Championships in para-driving, which are organized at the Equestrian Center in the village. It is the second time that the European Championship is held on Dutch soil. In 2011 it was organized in Breda.
“We said when we started that we want to become the most versatile center in the north,” says Lieuwe Koopmans of the Equestrian Center. “And the European and World Cup is part of that.”
Last spring, during the annual, international driving competition, the idea of holding the European Championships for four-in-hand drivers and the World Championships for para-driving arose. “We had already made some adjustments for that match. And the national coach was here too. He called two days later that the European Championship was still free. Asking whether that is not something for us.”
Partly due to the financial support of sponsors and the province of Drenthe, the championship takes place. “I think this fits perfectly. We are of course a cycling province as Drenthe. And you can walk well here. Horse riding fits perfectly in this list,” says deputy Henk Brink. “Horse riding is a big sport in our province. And with this you have two top events, where world champions are on the line. Then driving is the cream of the crop as far as I’m concerned.”
There is still some work to be done before that happens, says Koopmans. “The entire site is being renovated. We started leveling the land in the autumn. The obstacles are fine for a competition, but not yet for the European and World Championships. The builders have already been busy between Christmas and the New Year with the renewal. It’s not finished yet, but the foundation is there.”
Ingrid Veneman from 2nd Exloërmond is the reigning Dutch Para Driving Champion. She has only one goal this year: that is gold at the World Cup in her own province. “It’s so cool to ride at a World Championship in your own province. And that also between the European Championships for four-in-hand horses. That’s such a great atmosphere. The goal is gold. That would be cool. But I’m not the only one, there are really good drivers. But we’re going for it.”
Bram Chardon from Schipluiden is currently European Champion and hopes to become that again in his own country. His biggest competitor in Exloo is his father IJsbrand Chardon. “The European Championship is an important event for our country,” he says.
“At first we had our doubts about the location. We thought: Does that man know what he is doing?”, he refers to organizer Koopmans. “A match is not equal to a championship. But we walked around today. And after five minutes we already knew: That’s fine here. We’re really looking forward to it.”
The European Championships for four-in-hand and World Championships for para-driving will take place from 23 to 27 August on the grounds of the Equestrian Center in Exloo. The entrance is free.