Wim Ernes, Olympic Judge, New Dutch Dressage Coach
12 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Wim Ernes, Olympic Judge, New Dutch Dressage Coach
HOOGE MIERDE, Netherlands, Oct. 29–Wim Ernes, an Olympic level judge popular around the world, will become the Dutch dressage coach, the Netherlands federation announced Monday, replacing Sjef Janssen who coached the Dutch team for eight years.
Wim, 54, who was on the ground jury at the London Games this summer said of the Olympics and his future: “That was beautiful. I did that for 15 years. However, I found it was time for something else. This came at the right time. ”
He signed on as coach from Jan. 1, 2013, through the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Sjef announced earlier this year he was returning full time to his training business with his wife, Anky van Grunsven.
Wim said he has two issues to deal with–short term to find replacements for Salinero that was ridden by Anky and Parzival ridden by Adelinde Cornelissen and long term to look to younger riders.
He was previously head coach at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta where Holland won team silver and Anky individual gold.
“It is impossible to compare” the sport now with 1966, he said.
“Technically, everything is at a much higher level. It is much more professional.”
Wim said he will judge three shows a year to maintain his license, but only at events in which no Dutch riders compete.
