The Netherlands has never won a gold medal at the Olympics in the Special Grand Prix, the country’s final. In the Anky van Grunsven era, Holland won four silver and one bronze.

“We can practice for another three years and then we’ll see. Total US is a mega talent and can do anything for an 8.5 or better,” Gal said. “It takes time, but I’m hopeful. It’s good to have so much talent under the chair.”

No honorary metal

At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the Dutch dressage team narrowly missed an Olympic medal. Finished fourth, Germany captured the gold for the twelfth time.

Not only were there no medals won in the country finals, the riders and the Amazons did not take home a single medal of honor in 2016. It was the first time since 1992 that the Dutch team came home empty-handed.

The individual dressage final (freestyle) is scheduled for Wednesday. Amazone Van Baalen could not qualify for this. Hans Peter Minderhoud with Dream Boy and Edward Gal with Total US qualified and have to start again tomorrow.

After that, the Olympic equestrian tournament continues with events and jumping.