Hans Peter Minderhoud riding Exquis Nadine helped give the Netherlands an early lead in the Dressage World Championships presented by Alltech at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Photo Credit: Dirk Caremans

The Netherlands leads the Team Dressage Championships after the first day of competition. They had a very strong showing with two of their four riders in the top three individual standings. Imke Schellekens-Bartels is currently the individual leader, while teammate Hans Peter Minderhoud is in third.

Imke was happy with her team's performance and looking forward to the Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday night. "I think it's going to be electric on Friday night when we have the freestyle. I'm really looking forward to that night because I think it's going to be something that we never will forget again."

Asked about the games debut in the United States she said, "It's amazingly big; here and there a little bit chaotic with the training times and things like that. But it's great to be here and to see how much effort they put into the whole games. It looks amazing."