DSHS_Magazine_2022

'When we settled here,
my focus was on riding.
Performing in top sport was
my plan A, and training
others was plan B.'
wishes have now been fulfilled. In the future we will completely
renovate the main building, which will also enlarge the indoor
arena, and in the short term an additional building will be
converted into an office and fitness room.” Jonna in particular
has promoted for the latter, because fortunately the riders are
paying more and more attention to being fit. In addition to their
own use, the riders who train at GDS Training can also use it. “In
recent years we have been constantly refining the location. Since
last summer we now live at this place ourselves and that is a big
advantage. We used to have an apartment in the city of Weert,
but at some point you get tired of that small balcony,” laughs
Vincent. Jonna has contributed to the design of the house which
has a Swedish touch and the layout is ideal for their situation.
For example, the house has a large guestroom, which is perfect
for when Jonna’s family or other guests come to visit. "That was
really a wish of mine and although we had to sacrifice some of
our own space in the house, we only see benefits from it. Besides
that, the house has a large garden, which is really enjoyable for
our children”, compliments Jonna.
Collaboration
In addition to the enormous space, peaceful surroundings and
all desirable facilities, the accommodation of GDS Training
is centrally located. Weert is home to other horsemen such as
former national coach Rob Ehrens and international trainer and
rider Yves Houtackers. “We were looking for something in this
area because it is centrally located and many riders are based
here.” But that’s definitely not the main reason that riders from
abroad especially, know how to find GDS Training so well. “When
we settled here, my focus was on riding. Performing in top sport
was my plan A, and training others was plan B. But that has
gradually changed and my plan B has become plan A. It is difficult
to combine competing at a high level and optimally supervising
your students. If you want to train your clients well, that is a fulltime
job. I want to be available for the students who are based at
our facility every day. I take care of the training together with my
good friends Tom Martens, who is here for a few hours every day,
and full-time Spencer Roe. Because there are three of us, there is
always someone who can help the students at the international
shows. If necessary, we can cover three different shows in the
same weekend. We all work in the same system and the client
can choose with whom he or she wants to do the daily training.
It works perfectly and we are selective in who we allow to train
here, because the student’s motivation has to suit ours. We give
our full commitment, so we expect it in return. That underlines
the success. Our collaboration also includes the occasional sale
of a horse, although trading is not a main goal for us.”
Total concept
The students are optimally supervised by Vincent and his partners
at the international competitions. This total concept does require a
lot of organization and that is what Jonna mainly focuses on. “I try to
28 DSHS | The 2022 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM