CSI Eindhoven continues its long-standing annual tradition by welcoming world-class riders to the city for the Ascension Day long weekend. The event features a strong contingent of Dutch equestrian talent, including multiple national champion Willem Greve and reigning champion Michael Greeve. They are joined by Olympic rider Kim Emmen, former Derby winner Jur Vrieling, and Bas Moerings, who won last year’s prestigious Wim van der Leegte Memorial Grand Prix.
Family experience at no cost
Designed as a family-friendly outing, CSI Eindhoven allows visitors to experience elite equestrian sport and the unique bond between horse and rider up close. The event remains free to the public, blending international competition with the characteristic hospitality and entertainment of the Brabant region. The full programme of events is available on the official website at www.csi-eindhoven.nl.
From 14 to 17 May, CSI Eindhoven will once again host four days of international show jumping. The event brings together elite riders and horses at the Karpendonkse Plas for a series of spectacular competitions. On the program, of course, Ladies Day, the Van Grunsven Group Derby, the Wim van der Leegte Memorial and there will be paddles this year by former PSV footballers. There is also more than enough for the children to do. Admission is free as always.
The tournament is well-known for its unique atmosphere, blending high-level professional equestrian sport with traditional Brabant hospitality. As one of the highlights of the regional sporting calendar, it offers a scenic lakeside setting for spectators to enjoy world-class equestrianism.
Winners
Qio van het Oosthof and Doron Kuipers have been a combination for two years now. “This is the second time for Qio at CSI Eindhoven, and he felt very good. From start to finish, he actually did exactly what he was meant to do. This was a very nice start!” says the proud winner Kuipers.
The first day of CSI Eindhoven began on Thursday with Doron Kuipers securing victory in the Small Tour 1.40m Wijlaars Prix. Riding the ten-year-old stallion Qio van het Oosthof, Kuipers led the field in an event sponsored by Wijlaars Grondwerken, a long-term partner of the competition.
Kuipers and Qio van het Oosthof have competed together for two years. The winner noted that the horse felt excellent throughout the round and performed exactly as expected. Kuipers is a familiar face at the event, having won the Grand Prix in Eindhoven eleven years ago. He praised the quality of the facilities and the atmosphere of the competition, which he has attended more times than he can count.
Wijlaars Grondwerken – closely connected to CSI Eindhoven
The sponsor of the opening class, Wijlaars Grondwerken, has deep roots in the event. Board member Frans Wijlaars, who runs the company with his brother Martijn, was an international rider for 15 years and won the Eindhoven Derby in 2011. Since then, his focus has shifted to the family business. The company has grown significantly, recently acquiring another earthworks firm and expanding its total staff to over 50 people.
Karpendonkse Plas the stage for international jumpers
Preparing the venue at Karpendonkse Plas presents a unique challenge for the organisers. As a public park used for recreation and other events throughout the year, the ground must be transformed into a professional equestrian surface in a short period. The Wijlaars family business specialises in this work, building around 50 professional horse arenas every year.
Frans Wijlaars and a group of partners, including rider Leopold van Asten, took over the organisation of the competition 13 years ago. For him, the 54th edition of CSI Eindhoven feels like a home match.
The top three results for the Wijlaars Prix 1.40m were:
- Doron Kuipers with Qio van het Oosthof
- Kim Emmen with Lavantus C
- Henk van de Pol with Only You de Kaluri
CSI Eindhoven is open to the public daily with free admission. Visitors can find parking across from the site at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).
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