Sven Harmsen (NED), the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation’s Chef d’Equipe, national coach and trainer for Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders in Jumping, has passed away at the age of 51.

He attended the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Calgary as Chef d’Equipe with the senior Dutch team of Jur Vrieling, Leon Thijssen, Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam, and shared their bronze medal win in the BMO Nations’ Cup on 8 September. Later that evening at the gala dinner he suffered a severe heart attack, from which he was unable to recover.

By Anna Williams

The incredible setting of the Magna Racino venue at Ebreichsdorf (AUT) played host to the 2012 European Jumping Championships for Young Riders, Juniors and Children, with over 200 horses and riders descending on the site which many believed provided the best facilities ever for these prestigious Championships.