Biography

It will be a first Badminton for Japanese Olympic rider Ryuzo Kitajima (39) who is currently based just outside Tetbury with his trainer Angela Tucker. In 2024 with Badminton entry Ferozo Nieuwmoed, Ryuzo completed Burghley double clear (15^th) and in 2022 the combination was also 15^th at Pau 5*.

In 2024 with his ride Cekatinka JRA he competed at the Paris Olympic Games – his 3^rd Olympic appearance – but was withdrawn before the final showjumping.

In his downtime Ryuzo a teacher for Riding Club Crane enjoys golf. Ryuzo is married and has two daughters.

Feroza Nieuwmoed owned by Riding Club Crane, is a 15-year-old Dutch bred KWPN registered gelding. He is by the Belgian showjumper Querly Elvis (aka VDL Groep Zagreb) out of a mare by Frisbee Kerellec He was acquired as a 6-year-old from Mike and Emma Winter and was formerly ridden by Mike Winter. Ryuzo has ridden him since and produced him to 5*.