Board

Henk has been involved with the show ever since 1985, more than 20 years of that as committee member. For the last few years he has wielded the chairman’s gavel. He is also part of the sponsor commission. “The show is a fantastic event,” says Henk, “and it is extremely pleasant to be able to contribute to it. Certainly too because we are keeping a bit of cultural heritage in existence, in a polder that is becoming more and more built up.”

Hans watches more closely over the show budget than anyone else. He keeps his eye on the cents like a tigress watching over her cubs. Because most other committee members do sometimes have the inclination to spend money too readily. But with Hans, who has been financial watchdog of the committee since mid 2001, they have no chance. “Financially too the show is quite a job. And it is great to be able to combine my profession with my hobby like this. It is a really great event, with a great deal of money involved. And we have to treat it with care.”

Corine has been associated with the organising committee since the end of 2009. She runs the general secretariat and is something of a jack of all trades. She is involved in a little bit of everything, from printing to programming, sponsorship, competitive sports, the business corner, the website... “My goal is to have as broad an overview as possible,” says Corine. “It is a fascinating event. Throughout the years I have experienced the competition from many angles; as spectator, participant, employee, jury member, and this year for the first time as a member of the organising committee.”

Bertine has been officially connected with the show as committee member since 2007. She is responsible among other things for the press centre. Besides this she prepares the special Show Newspaper every year and also appears as lady speaker. “Haarlemmermeer Horse Show is one of the nicest shows in the Netherlands,” she is firmly convinced. “Not only for the participants, but certainly for people who are not involved with horses every day.”

Gem has been a committee member for many years. The show started up the foal championship on his initiative in 1997, in collaboration with the North Holland section of Royal Warmblood Horses of the Netherlands (KWPN). And every year there are more entries. Besides this Gem – together with Hans Medenblik – organises discussions with the caterer.  “The Haarlemmermeer Show is exciting every single year, but it is and remains a really lovely show. And that is what I am happy to be involved with."

Adri has been part of the committee since 2002. Together with Henk Prins and Hans Hartman he brings in the many sponsors. Besides this he is part of the setting-up subcommittee for the ground and he makes contributions on many matters. Discussions with the municipality about permits and the like are also carried out by Adri. “What is pleasant about my duties as sponsor enlister and business relationship officer is that we are putting a really attractive product on the market from which many people obtain pleasure and at which all visitors feel at home.”

André has already been involved for a few years. He has been a committee member since September 2001. Among other things, André is contact person for the market village and he organises admission to the Business Corner. Besides this he can put his hand to lots of things. Through his joining the committee André has also put his village Nieuw-Vennep more firmly on the map within the Haarlemmermeer Show. “I joined the committee after a ‘thorough interrogation’ by Messrs Puck Petrie (former chairman), Henk Prins and Ms Jacqueline Beukers. But I think it’s great to be able to make my contribution to such a big event within the Haarlemmermeer community.”

Annemiek Zorge-Shevtzoff, competition secretariat

Annemiek, once a very successful dressage rider herself, is responsible for the competition secretariat. She is the contact person for the national and international participants. She can be found at the secretariat every day of the competition. She does not ride anymore. “It simply takes up too much time,” Annemiek explains. “I put my family first and I also have a wonderful, if busy, job with Expresso Fashion. I just do not have the time anymore to train intensively, or even to own my own horse. But I don’t mind. I am extremely happy to be involved in the sport as I am now.”