Ad Aarts Equestrian of the Year 2025
SportNational coach Ad Aarts was named Equestrian of the Year 2025 on Saturday afternoon during The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch. This title is awarded annually by the committee to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to enabling Dutch equestrians to perform at the highest level, or who supports the equestrian sport in the broadest sense.
Since 2011, Ad Aarts has been the national coach for pony and para-driving single-horse teams, and in 2018 he also took on four- and two-horse teams, making him the national coach for no less than seven driving disciplines. In addition, Ad was the initiator of the successful ‘Perspectieven team’, the KNHS talent program for driving sport.
Personal experience and pedagogical skills
According to the committee, the successes that Ad Aarts has achieved for many years are based on two pillars: his extensive personal experience as a Four-in-Hand driver and his pedagogical skills, developed during his time with the instructor training program in Deurne.
What stands out is that, whether it involves a pony driver in the Perspectives Team or a top-level Four-in-Hand driver, Ad Aarts is always willing to go to great lengths to improve the combination. Dutch driving sport, and thus the entire Dutch equestrian community, owes a great deal of thanks to the ever-humble Ad Aarts.
True horseman at heart
By selecting Ad Aarts as Equestrian of the Year, the committee wanted not only to express that gratitude and appreciation but also to show respect for this dedicated horseman who works tirelessly behind the scenes.
The full jury report can be downloaded here.
