I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading riders, both in America and across Europe. Top international riders visit my stables, either traveling directly from Schiphol Airport or combining their visit with their journey between major competitions and events.
In the Netherlands, I have had the privilege of working alongside Edward Gal and other renowned international riders, including Marlies van Baalen, Lotje Schoots, and many more. These collaborations have provided valuable experiences and allowed me to contribute to the development and performance of some of the finest riders and horses in the international equestrian world.
working with the best
Edward Gal has always shown a passion for stylish, distinctive fashion choices, often pushing beyond traditional dressage protocol while maintaining elegance and sophistication. For him, I was given the opportunity to design a completely new tailcoat, built around three specific wishes: a uniform and powerful appearance, refined gold details, and a stand-up collar.
For the Dutch National Championships in 2021, I created a bespoke black softshell tailcoat, fully tailored to Edward’s requirements. The design combined a sleek black silhouette with luxurious gold accents: gold buttons, decorative points, and tails finished with elegant gold cord detailing. The most distinctive feature, however, was the unique saddle cut-out, an innovative alternative to the traditional tailcoat design, which was originally never developed with riding in mind.
During movement in the saddle, the tails naturally fall alongside the saddle rather than underneath the rider. This prevents the rider from sitting on the tails, keeps the garment perfectly positioned, and ensures a clean and distraction-free appearance throughout the test.
The saddle cut-out, patented by MQ Ridingwear, transformed Edward Gal’s tailcoat into a worldwide statement piece and one of the most talked-about designs in modern dressage fashion. It represents the combination of tradition, innovation, and technical craftsmanship, creating a garment that not only looks exceptional but also enhances performance in the arena.
edward gal
Dutch dressage rider
Oosterbeek, 2021
Marlies van Baalen competes in a beautiful orange Team NL tailcoat. Although the garment was of excellent quality, the fit was not fully tailored to her individual proportions. The front panels were slightly too long, causing the blue decorative points to press against the belt while riding. This created unwanted fullness between the buttons and caused the front of the tailcoat to ride upward, something that detracted from the clean, elegant silhouette required at the highest level of dressage.
After carefully studying Marlies both at home and in competition, I analysed how the tailcoat behaved throughout her riding position and movements. Based on these observations, I shortened the front panels and repositioned the decorative blue points higher on the coat to restore the correct visual balance.
The oversized shoulder pads were removed, allowing the tailcoat to follow the natural line of Marlies' shoulders rather than forcing an artificial shape. The sleeves were also adjusted to the exact correct length, ensuring a refined appearance both in the saddle and during presentations.
The result was more than a better-fitting jacket, it became a tailcoat designed around Marlies herself. Her natural silhouette is now fully reflected in the garment, while the tailcoat remains perfectly balanced throughout the test, moving effortlessly with horse and rider. This is the essence of specialist equestrian tailoring: combining technical precision, craftsmanship, and an understanding of biomechanics to create a tailcoat that performs as beautifully as it looks.
Marlies van baalen
Dutch dressage rider
Brakel, 2023
Marlies van Baalen competes in a beautiful orange Team NL tailcoat. Although the garment was of excellent quality, the fit was not fully tailored to her individual proportions. The front panels were slightly too long, causing the blue decorative points to press against the belt while riding. This created unwanted fullness between the buttons and caused the front of the tailcoat to ride upward, something that detracted from the clean, elegant silhouette required at the highest level of dressage.
After carefully studying Marlies both at home and in competition, I analysed how the tailcoat behaved throughout her riding position and movements. Based on these observations, I shortened the front panels and repositioned the decorative blue points higher on the coat to restore the correct visual balance.
The oversized shoulder pads were removed, allowing the tailcoat to follow the natural line of Marlies' shoulders rather than forcing an artificial shape. The sleeves were also adjusted to the exact correct length, ensuring a refined appearance both in the saddle and during presentations.
The result was more than a better-fitting jacket, it became a tailcoat designed around Marlies herself. Her natural silhouette is now fully reflected in the garment, while the tailcoat remains perfectly balanced throughout the test, moving effortlessly with horse and rider. This is the essence of specialist equestrian tailoring: combining technical precision, craftsmanship, and an understanding of biomechanics to create a tailcoat that performs as beautifully as it looks.
Marlies van baalen
Dutch dressage rider
Brakel, 2023
My sponsored rider, Lotje Schoots, had always competed in ready-to-wear tailcoats but continually encountered the same fitting challenge. She required additional room across the upper body, yet choosing a larger size resulted in a waist that was far too loose. This is exactly where true bespoke tailoring makes the impossible possible.
I created a completely handcrafted pattern based on Lotje’s precise body measurements, designed to complement every contour of her silhouette. From this, I produced a stretch-fabric prototype that allowed us to evaluate the fit both standing and in the saddle. Only after every detail had been perfected was the final tailcoat crafted.
Once we saw how beautifully the bespoke fit enhanced her position and proportions, choosing an equally distinctive colour was the natural next step. Lotje selected a sophisticated turquoise shade that perfectly complemented both her horse and her vibrant personality, creating a striking yet elegant appearance in the dressage arena.
For Lotje's tailcoat, I also incorporated the innovative saddle cut-out that I previously introduced for Edward Gal. The tails were individually shaped around the saddle, allowing the garment to move naturally with horse and rider while eliminating unnecessary bulk during the test.
However, Lotje had one additional request. During prize-giving ceremonies she preferred a more traditional, fuller appearance to the tails of her coat. To achieve both functionality and elegance, I designed a removable tail extension that can be attached within seconds before entering the podium and just as quickly removed should she ride a lap of honour immediately afterwards.
This project perfectly illustrates that bespoke equestrian tailoring is about far more than achieving the right size. It is about engineering a garment around the rider's body, movement, discipline, and personal preferences, combining technical innovation, craftsmanship, and elegance into a tailcoat that performs flawlessly at the highest level of the sport.
Lotje schots
Dutch dressage rider
Houten, 2023 -2026
My sponsored rider, Lotje Schoots, had always competed in ready-to-wear tailcoats but continually encountered the same fitting challenge. She required additional room across the upper body, yet choosing a larger size resulted in a waist that was far too loose. This is exactly where true bespoke tailoring makes the impossible possible.
I created a completely handcrafted pattern based on Lotje’s precise body measurements, designed to complement every contour of her silhouette. From this, I produced a stretch-fabric prototype that allowed us to evaluate the fit both standing and in the saddle. Only after every detail had been perfected was the final tailcoat crafted.
Once we saw how beautifully the bespoke fit enhanced her position and proportions, choosing an equally distinctive colour was the natural next step. Lotje selected a sophisticated turquoise shade that perfectly complemented both her horse and her vibrant personality, creating a striking yet elegant appearance in the dressage arena.
For Lotje's tailcoat, I also incorporated the innovative saddle cut-out that I previously introduced for Edward Gal. The tails were individually shaped around the saddle, allowing the garment to move naturally with horse and rider while eliminating unnecessary bulk during the test.
However, Lotje had one additional request. During prize-giving ceremonies she preferred a more traditional, fuller appearance to the tails of her coat. To achieve both functionality and elegance, I designed a removable tail extension that can be attached within seconds before entering the podium and just as quickly removed should she ride a lap of honour immediately afterwards.
This project perfectly illustrates that bespoke equestrian tailoring is about far more than achieving the right size. It is about engineering a garment around the rider's body, movement, discipline, and personal preferences, combining technical innovation, craftsmanship, and elegance into a tailcoat that performs flawlessly at the highest level of the sport.
Lotje Schots
Dutch dressage rider
Houten, 2023
International Grand Prix dressage rider Diederik van Silfhout called upon my specialist expertise to solve a technical fitting issue with his tailcoat. While the jacket appeared to fit perfectly when standing, it behaved very differently once he was in the saddle. Due to the natural movement of his upper body while riding, the front of the traditional tailcoat repeatedly ballooned across the chest, creating an untidy silhouette. Ultimately, the fit compromised the overall presentation to such an extent that Diederik chose to stop wearing the tailcoat in competition.
Rather than making superficial alterations, we completely reconstructed the garment. The original front darts were replaced with carefully engineered princess seams, allowing the excess volume across the upper chest to be redistributed with far greater precision. At the same time, I reinforced the front panels with an additional internal structure, providing greater stability and preventing the fabric from collapsing or creasing while riding.
The lapels were refined by repositioning and replacing the front buttons, allowing them to lie flatter against the body, while the sleeves were lengthened to eliminate exposed wrists in the riding position. Every adjustment was made with the rider in motion as the starting point—not simply how the garment looked on a mannequin or while standing still.
The result demonstrates the difference between conventional tailoring and specialist equestrian craftsmanship. Today, the tailcoat remains perfectly smooth across the front throughout the test, following the rider's movement instead of working against it. It creates a clean, elegant silhouette in the arena and proves that true equestrian tailoring is as much about biomechanics and performance as it is about aesthetics.
Diederik van Silfhout
Dutch dressage rider
Lunteren, 2023
International Grand Prix dressage rider Diederik van Silfhout called upon my specialist expertise to solve a technical fitting issue with his tailcoat. While the jacket appeared to fit perfectly when standing, it behaved very differently once he was in the saddle. Due to the natural movement of his upper body while riding, the front of the traditional tailcoat repeatedly ballooned across the chest, creating an untidy silhouette. Ultimately, the fit compromised the overall presentation to such an extent that Diederik chose to stop wearing the tailcoat in competition.
Rather than making superficial alterations, we completely reconstructed the garment. The original front darts were replaced with carefully engineered princess seams, allowing the excess volume across the upper chest to be redistributed with far greater precision. At the same time, I reinforced the front panels with an additional internal structure, providing greater stability and preventing the fabric from collapsing or creasing while riding.
The lapels were refined by repositioning and replacing the front buttons, allowing them to lie flatter against the body, while the sleeves were lengthened to eliminate exposed wrists in the riding position. Every adjustment was made with the rider in motion as the starting point—not simply how the garment looked on a mannequin or while standing still.
The result demonstrates the difference between conventional tailoring and specialist equestrian craftsmanship. Today, the tailcoat remains perfectly smooth across the front throughout the test, following the rider's movement instead of working against it. It creates a clean, elegant silhouette in the arena and proves that true equestrian tailoring is as much about biomechanics and performance as it is about aesthetics.
Diederik van silfhout
Dutch dressage rider
Lunteren, 2023
Cassandra Schmidt, a dressage rider from Texas, trains and competes with her horses in Wellington, Florida, home of the prestigious Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International. During a visit to the Netherlands, she came to my atelier for the fitting of her bespoke tailcoat and to try on the first prototype, both standing and seated in the saddle.
The project actually began months earlier, while Cassandra was still in the United States. Because her tailcoat was needed for the autumn competition season, we started the entire process remotely. During an extensive video consultation, I guided Cassandra step by step through taking her own measurements. While she measured, I observed every detail live, provided instructions, and recorded the measurements to ensure the highest possible level of accuracy.
Her vision was clear: a truly tailor-made tailcoat that would fit flawlessly while reflecting her own personality and signature style. She wanted timeless elegance with a subtle sparkle. One special request was the addition of crystal rhinestones on the collar, inspired by the colours of the American flag, creating a refined statement without compromising the classic appearance required in the international dressage arena.
Before cutting the fabric, I carefully analysed videos of Cassandra riding her dressage tests. This allowed me to identify exactly where previous tailcoats restricted her position or failed to complement her posture in motion. Using photographs and reference images she shared from America, we discussed every aspect of the design, fit, and finishing in detail. Throughout the production process, I kept Cassandra closely involved by regularly sending photos and videos, allowing her to follow every stage of the creation of her tailcoat.
When Cassandra arrived in the Netherlands, she visited my atelier for the first fitting. Standing naturally and seated on the saddle stand, we evaluated every detail of the fit, proportions, and balance from a rider's perspective. The final adjustments were made with the same precision used for elite international riders, ensuring the tailcoat would perform perfectly both in and out of the saddle.
One week later, the completed tailcoat was ready for its final fitting. Cassandra returned to collect it before flying back to the United States, ready to step into the arena at the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International wearing a bespoke tailcoat created exclusively for her combining exceptional fit, technical precision, and a design that reflected her individuality as an international dressage rider.
Cassandra Schmidt
American dressage rider
Texas Fort Worth Wellington, 2024 & 2026
Cassandra Schmidt, a dressage rider from Texas, trains and competes with her horses in Wellington, Florida, home of the prestigious Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International. During a visit to the Netherlands, she came to my atelier for the fitting of her bespoke tailcoat and to try on the first prototype, both standing and seated in the saddle.
The project actually began months earlier, while Cassandra was still in the United States. Because her tailcoat was needed for the autumn competition season, we started the entire process remotely. During an extensive video consultation, I guided Cassandra step by step through taking her own measurements. While she measured, I observed every detail live, provided instructions, and recorded the measurements to ensure the highest possible level of accuracy.
Her vision was clear: a truly tailor-made tailcoat that would fit flawlessly while reflecting her own personality and signature style. She wanted timeless elegance with a subtle sparkle. One special request was the addition of crystal rhinestones on the collar, inspired by the colours of the American flag, creating a refined statement without compromising the classic appearance required in the international dressage arena.
Before cutting the fabric, I carefully analysed videos of Cassandra riding her dressage tests. This allowed me to identify exactly where previous tailcoats restricted her position or failed to complement her posture in motion. Using photographs and reference images she shared from America, we discussed every aspect of the design, fit, and finishing in detail. Throughout the production process, I kept Cassandra closely involved by regularly sending photos and videos, allowing her to follow every stage of the creation of her tailcoat.
When Cassandra arrived in the Netherlands, she visited my atelier for the first fitting. Standing naturally and seated on the saddle stand, we evaluated every detail of the fit, proportions, and balance from a rider's perspective. The final adjustments were made with the same precision used for elite international riders, ensuring the tailcoat would perform perfectly both in and out of the saddle.
One week later, the completed tailcoat was ready for its final fitting. Cassandra returned to collect it before flying back to the United States, ready to step into the arena at the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International wearing a bespoke tailcoat created exclusively for her combining exceptional fit, technical precision, and a design that reflected her individuality as an international dressage rider.
cassandra schmidt
American dressage rider
Texas Fort Worth Wellington, 2024 & 2026
Dutch National Dressage Team Coach Patrick van der Meer already owned a beautifully crafted sponsor tailcoat, but he wanted to give it a more personal and distinctive character. Working closely together, we refined the fit through bespoke tailoring, transforming an already well-fitting garment into one that felt truly exceptional.
To complement the design, we selected an elegant light grey fabric for the collar, decorative details, and pocket square, creating a sophisticated look that reflected Patrick’s personal style while maintaining the classic elegance required at the highest level of dressage.
The tailoring process extended far beyond traditional alterations. I repositioned the front buttons to improve the balance of the upper body and evaluated the fit while Patrick was in the saddle. A tailcoat should not only fit perfectly when standing still; it must perform flawlessly in motion, maintaining clean lines and following the rider's posture throughout every movement.
The result is a bespoke tailcoat that moves naturally with the rider, accentuating his silhouette while preserving complete freedom of movement. At international level, these details make the difference. Judges expect harmony, balance, and elegance—not only from horse and rider, but also from the overall presentation. This is where specialist equestrian tailoring distinguishes itself from conventional tailoring: every adjustment is made with the biomechanics of horse and rider in mind.
Patrick van de meer
Bondscoach team NL dressage
Naaldwijk, 2022
Dutch National Dressage Team Coach Patrick van der Meer already owned a beautifully crafted sponsor tailcoat, but he wanted to give it a more personal and distinctive character. Working closely together, we refined the fit through bespoke tailoring, transforming an already well-fitting garment into one that felt truly exceptional.
To complement the design, we selected an elegant light grey fabric for the collar, decorative details, and pocket square, creating a sophisticated look that reflected Patrick’s personal style while maintaining the classic elegance required at the highest level of dressage.
The tailoring process extended far beyond traditional alterations. I repositioned the front buttons to improve the balance of the upper body and evaluated the fit while Patrick was in the saddle. A tailcoat should not only fit perfectly when standing still; it must perform flawlessly in motion, maintaining clean lines and following the rider's posture throughout every movement.
The result is a bespoke tailcoat that moves naturally with the rider, accentuating his silhouette while preserving complete freedom of movement. At international level, these details make the difference. Judges expect harmony, balance, and elegance—not only from horse and rider, but also from the overall presentation. This is where specialist equestrian tailoring distinguishes itself from conventional tailoring: every adjustment is made with the biomechanics of horse and rider in mind.
patrick van
de meer
Bondscoach team NL dressage
Naaldwijk, 2022
Olympic dressage rider Hans Peter Minderhoud has been a prominent and respected member of the Dutch national dressage team for many years. Previously, he trained and competed for the Glock Performance Center in Oosterbeek, a world-renowned equestrian facility known for its exceptional horses, including the legendary stallion Totilas and his highly successful offspring.
Hans Peter has dedicated his career to training and developing horses and riders at the highest level of international dressage. His own journey began at the age of 16, when he started training at the dressage yard of Anky van Grunsven, one of the most influential figures in the sport.
At the highest level of dressage, a perfect fit is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Every detail matters when presentation, movement, and performance are combined. Hans Peter’s taller, elegant build is ideally suited to bespoke tailoring, where proportions, balance, and freedom of movement are carefully considered.
A professionally tailored tailcoat enhances the rider’s appearance and allows the athlete to perform with confidence and precision. My expertise lies in creating and refining high-level equestrian attire, ensuring that each garment is individually adapted to the rider’s physique, posture, and the demands of elite dressage sport.
Hans peter minderhout
Dutch dressage rider
Oosterbeek, 2021
Olympic dressage rider Hans Peter Minderhoud has been a prominent and respected member of the Dutch national dressage team for many years. Previously, he trained and competed for the Glock Performance Center in Oosterbeek, a world-renowned equestrian facility known for its exceptional horses, including the legendary stallion Totilas and his highly successful offspring.
Hans Peter has dedicated his career to training and developing horses and riders at the highest level of international dressage. His own journey began at the age of 16, when he started training at the dressage yard of Anky van Grunsven, one of the most influential figures in the sport.
At the highest level of dressage, a perfect fit is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Every detail matters when presentation, movement, and performance are combined. Hans Peter’s taller, elegant build is ideally suited to bespoke tailoring, where proportions, balance, and freedom of movement are carefully considered.
A professionally tailored tailcoat enhances the rider’s appearance and allows the athlete to perform with confidence and precision. My expertise lies in creating and refining high-level equestrian attire, ensuring that each garment is individually adapted to the rider’s physique, posture, and the demands of elite dressage sport.
Hans peter minderhout
Dutch dressage rider
Oosterbeek, 2021
Jolanda Adelaar is an International Working Equitation Master, Grand Prix dressage rider, and Equine Behavior Therapist. With her background in Italy, where bespoke tailoring and craftsmanship are deeply rooted in the culture, Jolanda knew exactly what she wanted: a perfect balance between refinement, elegance, and functionality.
When I was asked to adjust the fit of her sponsor’s tailcoat, I transformed an oversized and unbalanced garment into a beautifully tailored design, fully proportioned to her height, posture, and silhouette. The result was a tailcoat that enhanced her natural presence and allowed her figure to come back into full balance, both alongside her horse and in the dressage arena.
Creating a perfectly fitted tailcoat for an international rider requires far more than simple alterations. It requires a deep understanding of equestrian tailoring, movement, posture, and the unique demands of dressage. My expertise lies in creating and refining high-level riding attire where craftsmanship, precision, and performance come together, elevating the tailcoat from a standard garment into a true piece of professional equestrian equipment.
jolanda adelaar
Dutch Grand Prix dressage rider
Veghel, 2019
Jolanda Adelaar Jolanda Adelaar is an International Working Equitation Master, Grand Prix dressage rider, and Equine Behavior Therapist. With her background in Italy, where bespoke tailoring and craftsmanship are deeply rooted in the culture, Jolanda knew exactly what she wanted: a perfect balance between refinement, elegance, and functionality.
When I was asked to adjust the fit of her sponsor’s tailcoat, I transformed an oversized and unbalanced garment into a beautifully tailored design, fully proportioned to her height, posture, and silhouette. The result was a tailcoat that enhanced her natural presence and allowed her figure to come back into full balance, both alongside her horse and in the dressage arena.
Creating a perfectly fitted tailcoat for an international rider requires far more than simple alterations. It requires a deep understanding of equestrian tailoring, movement, posture, and the unique demands of dressage. My expertise lies in creating and refining high-level riding attire where craftsmanship, precision, and performance come together, elevating the tailcoat from a standard garment into a true piece of professional equestrian equipment.
jolanda adelaar
Dutch Grand Prix dressage rider
Veghel, 2019
During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Emmelie Scholtens entered the arena wearing her blue Team NL tailcoat. I had the privilege of creating the final adjustments and refining the fit of the tailcoats for Emmelie and the Dutch dressage team, ensuring they were perfectly tailored to each rider’s individual measurements.
Emmelie Scholtens is a highly respected name in international dressage, recognized for her achievements with several outstanding horses. Among the notable stallions she has successfully presented at the highest levels of the sport are Apache, Desperado, and Indian Rock. Her dedication, talent, and partnership with these exceptional horses have made her a prominent figure within the international dressage community.
Emmelie Scholtens
Dutch dressage riders
Gorinchem, 2024
During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Emmelie Scholtens entered the arena wearing her blue Team NL tailcoat. I had the privilege of creating the final adjustments and refining the fit of the tailcoats for Emmelie and the Dutch dressage team, ensuring they were perfectly tailored to each rider’s individual measurements.
Emmelie Scholtens is a highly respected name in international dressage, recognized for her achievements with several outstanding horses. Among the notable stallions she has successfully presented at the highest levels of the sport are Apache, Desperado, and Indian Rock. Her dedication, talent, and partnership with these exceptional horses have made her a prominent figure within the international dressage community.
Emmelie Scholtens
Dutch dressage riders
Gorinchem, 2024
