Tani Joosten named KNHS Talent of the Year 2024
Showjumper Tani Joosten, 25, has been named KNHS Talent of the Year 2024 in her debut year as part of the KNHS Talent Team. The selection was made by a committee led by Anky van Grunsven.
Showjumper Tani Joosten, 25, has been named KNHS Talent of the Year 2024 in her debut year as part of the KNHS Talent Team. The selection was made by a committee led by Anky van Grunsven. Joosten received the prestigious award during Jumping Amsterdam, while the audience award went to dressage rider Marten Luiten, who secured the most public votes.
The KNHS Talent Team represents the most promising riders aged 18–25 from the Olympic disciplines dressage, showjumping, eventing and para-dressage.
Joosten had an impressive year, excelling at the highest level with her horse Galdal Mé KWPN (Zambesi TN x Chin Chin).
Highlights included strong performances at Jumping Amsterdam, a Nations Cup debut with TeamNL in Abu Dhabi, and a flawless round in the Warsaw Nations Cup final. She also earned a second place with the Dutch team at Hickstead.
Marten Luiten, who previously won the KNHS Talent of the Year title for three consecutive years, received the audience award in 2024. He continued his successful streak with a U25 Dutch title and a bronze team medal at the U25 European Championships, along with victories at major events in Rotterdam, Tolbert, and Den Bosch.
This year’s committee noted a close race between Joosten and Mel Thijssen, both excelling at senior level and consistently performing in Nations Cups with TeamNL.
The final decision favoured Joosten by a narrow margin, with the committee expressing high hopes for her future at major international championships.
Previous name worthy winners of the KNHS Talent of the Year are the multiple Olympic medalists Maikel van der Vleuten, Gerco Schröder [show jumping], and Rixt van der Horst [para dressage].
