Israeli dressage rider Roy First, based in Belgium, has declared for Poland due to his dual nationality and belief that it will benefit his career. First made his international show debut in 2016 and represented Israel at the 2019 World Young Horse Championships. After a five-year break from international showing, he returned to the CDI ring in 2024 with two horses at small tour level.

First left Israel in 2007 to train as a professional dressage rider in The Netherlands and later Germany, working with top trainers such as Coby van Baalen and Judy Reynolds. In 2022, he moved to Belgium and set up his own business, now training with Belgian Olympian Domien Michiels. The decision to switch coaches and base himself in Belgium was made to reduce the strain of long drives and frequent shows on himself and his horses.

The connection with Belgium was solidified when First met his fiancé, Hans Buytaert, in 2021. He is now based at Delphine Meiresonne’s yard in Zandhoven, Belgium, and is focused on his training with Michiels. First’s decision to declare for Poland comes after careful consideration and a belief that it will be the best move for his career moving forward.