‘s-Hertogenbosch, March 16 – Schelstraete Equine Law proudly announces that its ambassador, dressage rider Micky Schelstraete, has been selected for the KNHS Talent Team 2026. The announcement was made on Saturday, March 14, during The Dutch Masters/Indoor Brabant Horse Show at the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
In addition to this important milestone, Schelstraete delivered a strong performance later that evening, finishing fifth with her horse Venezia in the ZZ-Licht Freestyle with a score of 73%.
Selected for the KNHS Talent Team 2026
On Saturday, 14 March, the KNHS Talent Team 2026 was officially presented during The Dutch Masters. Micky Schelstraete was selected for the team in the discipline of dressage, recognizing her potential within the international equestrian sector.
The KNHS Talent Team represents the highest level within the KNHS Talents Program, which is the talent development system of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS). Riders selected for the team are between 18 and 25 years old and are considered among the most promising athletes in Dutch equestrian sport. They are selected based on their results, potential, and development prospects by the national coaches of the different disciplines.
The aim is to prepare the riders for future participation in the Olympic disciplines, with the long-term goal of representing TeamNL at major international championships, such as World Championships and the Olympics.
Schelstraete expressed her enthusiasm about the selection: “To be part of the talent team has always been a big dream for me. Horses are my life, and I want nothing more than to go as far as possible in this beautiful sport. The fact that I will now be supported through the KNHS Talent Team to get the best out of myself and my horses is incredible.”.
As part of the program’s presentation, Schelstraete also gave a dressage demonstration with her horse Karim during The Dutch Masters.
Fifth place in the ZZ-Licht Freestyle
Later that same evening, Schelstraete returned to the arena with her horse Venezia (v. Vitalis) to competine in the ZZ-Licht Freestyle. The combination deliverd a strong freestyle test, finishing fifth with a score of 73%. Following this result, Schelstraete and Venezia will continu their development together in the ZZ-Zwaar class.
About Schelstraete Equine Law
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Our expertise spans the full spectrum of the equine and sports industries, enabling clients to operate with confidence in a fast-evolving international environment. Schelstraete Equine Law is the international equine law firm of choice for cross-border transactions, FEI and CAS tribunal representation, and complex equestrian legal matters.
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Media contact
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Charlotte van den Akker at pr@schelstraete.com
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Photo by Marilou Linders
