The Nations Cup Jumping competition in Rotterdam is one of the eight division one venues from the European series. Italy won the two previous events at home in Rome and then in St Gallen, Switzerland. While in equestrian sport teams like the United States, Germany, France and The Netherlands normally top the tables, the competition is really starting to open up with other nations putting in stellar performances. Wins from teams which previously struggled to be competitive at the top levels of jumping are a positive sign for the future of the sport. In Rotterdam Sweden took the first prize, before Switzerland and Italy. It also gives a country like China perspective.

The Chinese riders are not yet present, but they have found the way to Dutch horses already. "Per year 14,000 Dutch horses are being moved to China," reacted De Mooij. "That means 300 big planes per year filled with horses. All bred in the Netherlands. Dutch horses are held in high esteem all over the world. But it is not only the horse. We have so much know-how. We have to guide this process well, with trainers, instructors."

The choice for the Dutch horse is not strange. The Netherlands have a large history in horse sports. There are 450,000 horses in the country and the Dutch horse industry contains 10,000 equestrian companies and a total turnover of 2 million euros, figures by the Dutch equestrian federation KNHS say. "The Dutch horses are known to be willing, fearless, physically and mentally strong, and bred to perform at the highest level," according to a statement by the organization behind the breeding of Dutch horses, the KWPN. "The combination of sport aptitude and an uncomplicated temperament make these horses unique and very popular at all levels of equestrian sport and breeding."

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