Leeuwarden, The Netherlands – October 17, 2026 – A sold-out WTC Expo, an exciting jump-off, and a Dutch winner: the 2026 Indoor Friesland reached a fitting conclusion on Saturday evening. Michael Greeve (NED), riding the nine-year-old Rubens (by Luguaner), claimed victory in the 1.55-meter SLTN Grand Prix CSI 3*. With a lightning-fast round in 29.29 seconds, he finished convincingly ahead of the competition. Second place went to young Liesje Vrolijk (NED), giving the Dutch crowd double the reason to cheer.
Nine combinations qualified for the jump-off by posting a clear round, including three Dutch participants. Greeve, riding Rubens, emerged victorious, followed by Liesje Vrolijk (NED) and her nine-year-old, home-bred stallion Detective Vive Z (by Dominator Z). The pair finished in 30.52 seconds. Belgian rider Gudrun Patteet (BEL) completed the podium with the eleven-year-old Sea Coast Chica V.V.Z. (by Comme Il Faut), finishing in 30.77 seconds.
Busy Days, a Great Conclusion
Afterward, a satisfied Greeve appeared before the press. “They were busy days, from early in the morning until late at night. But for such a wonderful event, I’m more than happy to put in the effort,” he says with a smile. During Indoor Friesland, the rider had more on his plate than just competing in his own classes. In addition to participating in the CSI3* tour, he coached his student, Tim ten Berg, in the CSI1* tour and made his debut as a team captain in the Allspan Pony Cup. “Fortunately, everything went well. Tim and I both achieved some great results, and I also really enjoyed being a team captain.”
Victory High on the Wish List
Greeve makes no secret of the fact that he had set his sights on the concluding Grand Prix. ‘I was really going for it. This victory was high on my wish list. We already finished second in the qualifier, and today the jump-off went exactly as I had planned. There’s not much more I can say about it, really. Everything just fell into place.’
For Greeve, who has competed in four of the five editions since the return of Indoor Friesland, the event remains a special fixture on his calendar. “Indoor Friesland in three words? Super, regional, and a fantastic crowd,” he replies spontaneously—before laughing and adding, “That’s four words, sorry!”
The winner certainly doesn’t lack enthusiasm. “I definitely hope to be back next year. Indoor Friesland is firmly marked in my calendar.” Up next for Rubens is the horse show in Maastricht. And after that? Greeve is already cautiously looking ahead. “Who knows—maybe the European Championships next year? That would be wonderful, of course.”
With Greeve’s victory and an enthusiastic crowd in the stands, the 2026 edition of Indoor Friesland came to a close. It was a final evening that once again underscored why this event holds such a special place on the international competition calendar for both riders and spectators alike.
Final Results – €56,800 SLTN Grand Prix CSI 3* – 1.55m
1) Michael Greeve (NED) & Rubens – 0 / 0 – 29.29
2) Liesje Vrolijk (NED) & Detective Vive Z – 0 / 0 – 30.52
3) Gudruntt Patteet (BEL) & Sea Coast Chica V.V. Z – 0 / 0 – 30.77
Source: News Release (translated & edited) from the Indoor Friesland Media Team
Photo: © Digishots
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