Erik Duvander’s reign as High Performance Coach for New Zealand’s eventing team is over, with Equestrian Sport NZ annoucing that he is taking “a new direction in life”.
Under Erik’s coaching, the best results were the team bronze medals at both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. It was so nearly a contract finale covered in glory this year for Erik, with the eventing team being in gold-medal position going into the last phase at the Rio Olympics, but the final result was fourth.
Erik has only just returned to New Zealand, and has not yet responded to NZ Horse & Pony enquiries about his decision or his future.
We have, however, spoken with Sarah Dalziell-Clout, who in the statement from ESNZ, outlined the review currently underway with High Performance Sport NZ as they look at future funding.
“Like all Olympic sports, we are currently in the process of a review and debrief. As a part of that we are looking at our programme from an end-to-end perspective to continue to develop what has already been put in place, and to make those changes required to ensure future sustainable success on the world stage.
“ESNZ is working closely with High Performance Sport NZ throughout the review and will have a clearer understanding of the structure within the programme once the HPSNZ investment decisions are announced in December.”
Talking to NZ Horse & Pony, Sarah confirmed that Erik’s contract was coming to an end, “and essentially, he has chosen not to put his name forward for it to be renewed.” He therefore finishes on October 31.
As to replacing him, the review needs to be done first, Sarah says. “It is obviously contingent on the funding, as we won’t know what the shape of the programme will look like or the structure, until we know how we are able to finance it. We won’t be acting on it [his leaving] straight away, but certainly there is a lot of thought going into how it might look if we end up with the funding we are hoping to get.”
Sarah also emphasised that while the Rio result wasn’t the ideal outcome, she believes equestrian sport is in a strong position with High Performance NZ, and doesn’t think major changes will be needed as a result of Erik’s departure. “The team did put themselves into a gold-medal position going into the show jumping. The programme is really established and we have great people and systems in place, so going forward it will just be tweaking that.”
Sarah doesn’t know what Erik intends doing next. “My understanding is that he is taking some time out to think about where and what he is going to do, and spending some time with his family. He has given his input into the review, and has been great at ensuring the transition will happen smoothly and he has a smooth exit.”
Sarah was also very excited about having Jock Paget returning to New Zealand in the near future. “It is great in so many respects. It’s great for the developing riders and for the competitions here.” Jock has also indicated that he enjoys coaching, and we will look forward to seeing what role he plays in the future as the High Performance review concludes and funding is announced.
Meanwhile, some riders are taking to social media to share their views on Erik’s departure.
Clarke Johnstone is one who has spent a lot of time under Erik’s guidance. “This is a sad day for me. Erik has been a huge part of my career to this point and his advice and knowledge have been invaluable. Wishing him all the best in what comes next.”
Lizzie Green (nee Brown) is another young rider who has been coached extensively by Erik. “Such sad news for us Kiwi eventing riders. Erik has been my coach since I was 14 years old, in New Zealand on my first horse, Boots N All! He has sacrificed and given it all to our sport, and helped shape lots of young riders’ careers… we will embrace the change but his advice and input will be hugely missed!”
There is also considerable speculation, especially in the UK, about all the coaching changes afoot. Much-loved Yogi Breisner has stepped down after a long tenure as coach for the British eventing team and current German eventing coach, Chris Bartle, has put his hand up for that role. There is even speculation that Andrew Nicholson would be a suitable candidate – and also speculation that with the departure of Erik, Andrew’s path back into the New Zealand team may be smoothed. We will wait and see on that one!
The Canadians are also looking for a new coach to replace Clayton Fredericks. So, if you are a world-class equestrian coach, there seem to be a few opportunities available at the moment!
Erik’s Background
Erik Bo Duvander is 54, and was born in Chicago but moved to Sweden with his family at the age of five. He and his sister Elizabeth both competed at Young Rider level for Sweden, and Erik was driven to make eventing his career.
He went to the UK at the age of 22 and spent more than two years working for Mark Todd. He rode at the Barcelona Olympics, finishing 57th individually, and at the World Equestrian Games at The Hague, finishing 15th. His career highlight was being part of the gold-medal-winning Swedish team at the 1993 European Championships.
It was while riding at The Hague that he met his Kiwi wife Stephanie; the couple have three children. They moved to New Zealand in 2003; by this stage Erik was already making a name for himself as a coach, having trained for the Japan Racing Association and the Swedish eventing team.
In New Zealand, he started at first working with development squads, before landing the big job in 2005, after the Athens Olympics.
During his time at the helm, New Zealand eventers have won at championship level:
- team bronze, 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games
- individual bronze, 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games (Andrew Nicholson/Nereo)
- team bronze, 2012 London Olympics
You may also like to read the article we wrote after we spoke to Erik at the conclusion of the eventing at the Rio Olympics. It can be found on this link.
