‘s-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands – Willem Greve delivered a masterful performance in the HeadFirst Group Prize – Best of Champions horse exchange competition at The Dutch Masters in ‘s-Hertogenbosch on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event, a unique test of horsemanship, saw top riders navigate courses with unfamiliar mounts, showcasing adaptability and skill. Greve was the only competitor to remain faultless across all four horses, securing a decisive victory.
The horse exchange format challenges riders to quickly build rapport with different horses, demanding a keen understanding of equine behavior and precise riding technique. This year’s competition featured a stellar field of international show jumping talent, including European champion Richard Vogel, World Cup Final winner Julien Epaillard, and Belgian champion Gilles Thomas. The riders were tasked with completing courses on horses they hadn’t ridden before, adding a significant layer of complexity to the already demanding sport.
Greve’s Unblemished Run
Greve’s success stemmed from his ability to seamlessly integrate with each horse, demonstrating exceptional feel and control. He piloted Sir Minka Z, Happy Landais, Greenacres Comilfo, and Easy Up de Grandry through the courses without incurring any penalties. “I consider it’s what brings a rider together with the horse,” Greve explained, reflecting on his performance. “It’s pure enjoyment to see the craftsmanship and the feeling.”
Commentators Harrie Smolders and Jeroen Dubbeldam lauded Greve’s performance, highlighting his ability to quickly assess and adapt to each horse’s unique characteristics. Smolders described Greve as having “a horse encyclopedia” in his head, allowing him to understand and respond to the horses’ needs effectively. Dubbeldam added that Greve’s victory was a testament to his skill and a beautiful display of horsemanship.
Vogel and Epaillard Close Behind
Richard Vogel finished in second place, incurring a total of three penalty points with Happy Landais. Julien Epaillard secured third place, also with three penalty points, riding Easy Up de Grandry. Epaillard’s performance was particularly notable, as he had recently topped the CSI5*-W 150m presented by KBC Bank-Verzekering in Mechelen with Donatello d’Auge, a horse currently ranked highly in the WBFSH Ranking. World of Showjumping reported on Epaillard’s recent success.
Gilles Thomas finished in fourth place with four penalty points. His rounds with Happy Landais and Sir Minka Z were solid, but a single rail down in each round ultimately placed him just off the podium.
Easy Up de Grandry Stands Out
Easy Up de Grandry, a 12-year-old gelding, proved to be a standout performer throughout the competition. Ridden by both Epaillard and Greve, the horse consistently delivered strong rounds. The 9-year-old gelding, Easy Up, also impressed, completing the course in a time of 198.42 seconds, slightly faster than the 207.42 seconds achieved by others.
The Dutch Masters Continues
The HeadFirst Group Prize – Best of Champions is a highlight of The Dutch Masters, a prestigious event on the FEI Dressage World Cup calendar. The event, held at the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, attracts top equestrian athletes and enthusiasts from around the globe. ClipMyHorse.TV is providing live streaming and on-demand videos of the competition.
The competition continues with further events throughout the weekend, showcasing the best in show jumping and dressage. Fans can follow the action live on ClipMyHorse.TV and through updates from The Dutch Masters official channels.
Willem Greve’s victory in the horse exchange competition underscores his versatility and skill as a rider. His ability to quickly connect with unfamiliar horses and deliver clear rounds demonstrates a deep understanding of the sport and a remarkable talent for horsemanship. The Dutch Masters continues to provide thrilling competition and showcase the beauty and athleticism of equestrian sport.
