Rob Hoekstra’s future as British performance manager uncertain

Rob Hoekstra – the man who masterminded our showjumpers’ return to form – has told H&H he has not yet decided whether to stay on until Rio 2016.

The Dutch-born coach has transformed Team GBR’s fortunes since taking over in February 2010. He was brought in to replace Derek Ricketts, following Britain’s exit from the Nations Cup Top League.

“I’m going to finish our season first with the Nations Cup in Dublin [17 August] and then Calgary [9 September], and then I need to sit down with a few people and make a decision,” said Rob.

“Obviously, there’s been an ambition to win a gold medal at an Olympics and it depends on funding, which we won’t know for a couple of months. So I don’t see any decision being made until then.”

Whether Rob or a successor guides Team GBR to their next championship, it appears, for the moment, that they will not be lacking in horsepower.

Nick Skelton has scotched rumours that Big Star and Carlo 273 would be sold after the Games (news, 10 August), while Scott Brash’s patron Lord Harris said he wants to make the young showjumper “the number one rider in the world“.

“As far as I’m aware, none of the horses are being sold,” said Rob. “It’s always a possibility, though.”

Rob told H&H he is looking forward to a well-earned break after Calgary.

“I’ve got friends with a boat in Menorca, so I think I’ll spend a week there and think about what we’ll do next,” he said.

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