The Experts

Comdt John Ledingham has represented Ireland in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and over 60 Nations Cup competitions, notably winning the Aga Khan trophy at Dublin Horse Show no less than five times and claimed the famous Hickstead Derby three times.

Transitioning seamlessly from rider to coach, Comdt John Ledingham assumed the role of Chef d’Equipe and Ireland Coach, earning multiple Horse Sport Ireland Coach of the Year awards for his outstanding contributions to coaching excellence. He is a passionate advocate for equine welfare. He embraces the responsibility to create an environment that safeguards the well-being of all involved in equestrian sports.

Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from and be inspired by one of the true legends of show jumping.

Jacques Verkerk is an expert when it comes to the selection of the right sport horse. He has extensive experience working as an inspector for KWPN judging and selecting foals, mares and stallions for the top sport.

He has been the press official for the KNHS, not only focusing on the top level international athletes but also given a platform to those on a grassroots level. In recent years, he has established his own company and works as a journalist and advisor specializing in following international events and selecting promising young horses for highest level.

Jacques Verkerk is in a prominent position in the forefront of the international equine industry and is more than happy to share his knowledge with us.

Jan Bemelmans is a well-known coach who had his impact in the world of dressage. Born in Belgium, he moved to Germany at 17 close to Düsseldorf. He wanted to compete with the best German riders, so he decided to change nationalities. There, he won a gold medal and 3 bronze medals in the German Championships. Bemelmans was part of the Olympic German dressage team for 6 years and the last coach and rider to receive the “Reitmeister” certificate through a written thesis.

Later, Jan Bemelmans became the dressage coach for the Spanish Olympic for 16 years where his team won 5 bronze medals and 3 silver medals at international championship. After coaching in Spain, Bemelmans coached the French dressage team between 2012 and 2020. With the French team he went to the Rio Games in 2016. In his career as coach, he went to 8 Olympic games.