End of an era: After more than twelve years as a board member of the foundation „Nederlands Olympiade Paard“ (N.O.P.), Emile Hendrix has now handed over his position to the Olympic champion and world and European champion Jeroen Dubbeldam. At the last board meeting, the great importance of Emile Hendrix for the N.O.P. and Dutch equestrian sport was once again acknowledged.
On behalf of the N.O.P. and the KNHS, the renowned show jumper, trainer and horse dealer Hendrix was thanked for his long-standing commitment, his expertise, his dedication and his professional competence. His contribution has played an important role in ensuring the proven success and development of the „Nederlands Olympiade Paard“!
The purpose: The foundation ensures that top Dutch horses remain in their own country. Through financial contracts with the owners, it ensures that these exceptional horses are not sold abroad before the Olympic Games or World Championships.
The name addition: As soon as a horse is admitted to this elite group, it officially receives the suffix „N.O.P.“ after its name.
When the N.O.P. was revived in 2013, Hendrix was a member of the board that formed the foundation for today’s organization. In the following years, together with other board members, he worked to preserve exceptional Dutch show horses for TeamNL, among other things. With his experience as an international show rider, his knowledge of the horse world, and his extensive national and international network, he made an important contribution to realizing this main goal of the N.O.P..
„With an open visor“
Chairman Hidde Frankena spoke highly of Hendrix during the board meeting: „From sports to trade, from the horses to the people around them. Your knowledge and your national and international network were of great value to the N.O.P.“ Frankena also praised his open and direct way of working: „What makes you special is how you handle this knowledge. Honest, clear and open. No political games, no shortcuts. When something had to be done, you didn’t leave it up to chance. With that, you earned the respect of your colleagues at the N.O.P, riders, owners, breeders and national coaches. Everyone knew what they were up to with you.“
New leading name
In recent years, the N.O.P. board has been consciously working on a gradual renewal of the board in order to ensure continuity. With the departure of Hendrix as the last member of the original board, this renewal is complete, and the board now consists of Hidde Frankena, André Cats, Joyce van Rooijen-Heuitink, Janneke Petrie and Jeroen Dubbeldam.
With the addition of Dubbeldam, the N.O.P. once again welcomes a leading name from Dutch equestrian sport. Frankena expressed his confidence in the new board member: „With Jeroen, we have found a worthy and respected successor. We are confident that Emile’s contribution will lead to a successful continuation.“
Source: KNHS