22 July 2015

Riny Rutjens stepping down from active competition

Riny Rutjens, the most successful international pair driver of all time has decided to hang up his reins. After over 30 years competing internationally, the 62 year-old driver feels that now is the time to stop.

"I've been thinking about stopping for a while", says Rutjens. "I have experienced almost everything that you can experience in this sport, and thanks to that I have been able to build up a wonderful business. At a certain moment, you begin to wonder if this is still what you really want, and as much as I could keep competing and be competitive, I have noticed that I have less drive to do so. It costs enormous amounts of time and energy to get two drivers prepared for and to the competitions. Rodinde can continue to represent our family at shows and I will continue to help her and naturally keep traning, giving lessons and buying/selling horses. Combined driving is my sport and will continue to be, albeit from another perspective. I have a number of antique carriages which I love to drive, so there is still lots left to enjoy!"

The international competition in Beekbergen was Rutjens last show, and his favourite. Over the years he has won in Beekbergen many times and has many great memories from this event.

Rutjens achieved a number of top presentations both nationally and internationally. He was named pair horse Dutch Champion eight times, and won numerous national competitions.

In 1991 Rutjens drove in his first World Championship and since then has been a member of the Dutch team in almost every World Championship since. In 1997 and 2003 he helped the Dutch team bring home bronze medals and in 2001 a silver. The highlight of his career was at the World Championships in Jardy in 2003 where he won the individual gold medal. He has also been recipient of the FEI Top Driver Award on multiple occasions.

Team coach Harry de Ruyter regrets Rutjens decision, but also understands it: "Riny was extremely valuable to the Dutch team, especially through his dressage presentations. We will certainly miss him, but I understand his decision. I have always appreciated his dedication to the sport and to the Dutch team, Riny put the Dutch pair drivers on the map and for this he has earned our respect."