One of the most eye-catching horses at the 2025 KWPN Select Sale was the black Tycoon (by Taurus), who was eventually sold for 110,000 euro to an online buyer from the United States after an exciting bidding duel. Recently, the four-year-old stallion claimed two victories in an under-saddle class at Dressage at Devon. The buyer of Tycoon turned out to be American Grand Prix rider Alice Tarjan, who had not seen the stallion in person beforehand. Tycoon (out of Reentje by Finest Selection, bred by Christin Boekhoff from Friedeburg-Marx, Germany) is a son of the Westphalian premium stallion Taurus (by Toto Jr.), and on the dam’s side he descends from a strong Hanoverian line. Once in the United States, Tycoon came under saddle with Allison Nemeth, Tarjan’s stable rider. She guided the stallion to a final score of 85.5% and two wins in an under-saddle class for three-year-old horses. Buying talent and quality gaits Tarjan frequently purchases young horses from Europe based solely on video footage. Especially at auctions such as the KWPN Select Sale, where the stallions have already been extensively viewed and assessed, she sees no issue with that. “The lunging video of Tycoon immediately caught my attention. His walk and canter were super, and the trot as well. He also looked like a very rideable horse. After that, I watched the video from the first viewing again. In the end, I placed the highest bid online during the auction.” Buying young horses from video alone is not a problem for Tarjan. “Maybe I’m a little crazy, but with a young horse you don’t yet know what they’ll be like under saddle. That largely depends on us as riders and how a horse develops. You’re buying talent and good gaits. When you buy an eight-year-old, it’s different—they’ve already been ridden and shaped by their rider. With Tycoon, everything fell into place the right way. He’s doing incredibly well.” Difficult start in the US When Tycoon arrived in the United States, Tarjan initially had some doubts about the stallion. “It really took him a few weeks to settle in here. Fortunately, he’s doing great now and he’s also very easy to handle in the barn. He’s a very rideable horse. He’s living the good life here and enjoys turnout in the paddock during the day.” A future Grand Prix horse Tarjan’s stable rider Allison Nemeth currently has the stallion under saddle, which is going very well. Tarjan herself has also ridden the stallion a few times. “Allison is a ‘lucky girl’ to be able to ride him—she’s doing a great job with him. I’ve sat on him a few times myself, and he gives an amazing feeling. He already almost feels like a Grand Prix horse. He has such a great feeling, naturally uphill and with a rare quality of connection through his body.” This year, the stallion will likely be carefully prepared for the five-year-old classes in the United States, with an eye on 2027, as there are few classes for four-year-olds in the US. “It’s definitely the intention to keep him for the long term as well. This will certainly be a Grand Prix horse,” Tarjan laughs. Don’t miss the KWPN Select Sale Are you looking for a top sport horse or a future approved stallion? Then visit the KWPN Select Sale. On Thursday, January 29, the show jumping horses will go under the hammer, followed by the dressage stallions on Saturday, January 31. In addition to live bidding, it is also possible to place bids online and by telephone. Do you have questions about the auction? Please contact us at +31 341-255511 or email selectsale@kwpn.nl. The collection is online at www.kwpn.auction JM for KWPN Photo Tycoon: Digishots

International visitors can fully enjoy the KWPN Stallion Show with live English commentary, available throughout all four days of the event. Translation headsets can be used anywhere in the Brabanthallen, including the regular grandstands, and are not limited to VIP areas. The live English commentary is provided by various KWPN inspectors and judges, including Arie Hamoen, Bart Henstra, Wim Versteeg, Marian Dorresteijn and Petro Trommelen. The headsets can be rented per day for €30, must be reserved in advance via the KWPN-ticketshop , and can be collected and returned at the KWPN Stand during the event. Experience the KWPN Stallion Show 2026 from 28 to 31 January. The Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will be transformed into the absolute highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the  KWPN Stallion Show . In addition to the stallion selection, we will treat you to a fantastic programme with exciting sport and show classes, showcasing the very best of the world of the Dutch sport horse. Don’t have a ticket yet?  Order yours quickly . Unable to come to Den Bosch? The KWPN Stallion Show can also be followed via the  KWPN.tv . Bron: KWPN Photo: Hippofoto*

On Saturday afternoon, the KWPN Stallion Show in ’s-Hertogenbosch will feature the Oregon Trophy. Five approved KWPN harness horse stallions will compete against each other in this spectacular class. The trophy will be contested for the 28th time this year and boasts a very strong field of competitors. Defending champion is Magnifiek (Idol out of Helise keur by Atleet, breeder Henri Kruidhof from Rouveen), registered and driven by Lambertus Huckriede from Enschede. The ten-year-old grey stallion has already won the Oregon Trophy three times and is once again regarded as one of the main contenders. Latino Latino (Dylano out of Freydessa keur prestatie by Vaandrager HBC, breeder/owner Egbert Kruiswijk from Loenen aan de Vecht, co-owner Black Horse B.V. from Sliedrecht) caused a real sensation in 2024 by winning the Oregon Trophy in spectacular fashion. The eleven-year-old Latino returns this year and once again forms a very strong combination with Mark de Groot. Olympus JB Harry van Middelaar can always rely on the eight-year-old Olympus JB (Icellie out of Indalina elite preferent  byColonist, breeder Henk Minkema from De Wilgen), recently acquired by Jan Bakker from Oldebroek. This combination has been particularly successful and has already claimed many championships. Olympus JB is always eager to show the audience that a harness horse is truly a show horse. Neon GSM The nine-year-old Neon GSM (Bocellies Matteo out of Daymonde keur by A New Day G.S.M. aangewezen), bred by Jan Thijs Seinen from Punthorst and co-registered and driven by Albert Lueks from Diever, enjoyed a very strong season last year. In this form, the stallion is certainly capable of achieving top results again, thanks to his impressive and expressive way of presenting himself in the ring. Nicolei VB Nicolei VB (Image HBC out of Plain’s Estelle by Plain’s Black Magic), bred/owned by Marcel van Bruggen from Varik and co-owned by Egbert Schep from Tull en ’t Waal, is also nine years old. In the hands of Marcel van Bruggen, this stallion will deliver a beautiful contribution to the class with his consistently refined, elegant, and captivating style of showing. They too will be aiming for the prestigious Oregon Trophy in this competition for approved KWPN harness horse stallions, which promises to be especially exciting with such a strong field. From 28 to 31 January 2026, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will be transformed into the absolute highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show . In addition to the stallion selection, visitors can enjoy a fantastic program featuring exciting sport and show classes, showcasing the very best of the Dutch sport horse world. Don’t have a ticket yet? Order yours quickly . Unable to attend in person? The KWPN Stallion Show can also be followed via KWPN.tv .

For many years, Peter Wetzelaer from Herpen has been a loyal consignor to the KWPN Select Sale (KSS). Many of the stallions he presents at the KWPN Stallion Show are sold through the KSS. “The KWPN Stallion Show in ’s-Hertogenbosch is a great platform, and I’ve always been able to sell horses there very well,” says Wetzelaer. This year, Wetzelaer is offering two stallions in the KWPN Select Sale. These are Tadic VDT (Sanceo out of Grace Kelly VDT elite EPTM-dres by Jazz), which he owns jointly with breeder A. van de Tillaart of VDT Horses, and Taygo NL (Neil out of Newlynn DP ster PROK by Desperados, bred by NWC JP Lommers from Sint-Oedenrode), which he owns in partnership with Nathalie Holterhues. KWPN stallion Jersey marks first success Peter Wetzelaer’s successful sales through the KWPN Select Sale began with his home-bred stallion Jersey (Vivaldi out of Kebalia keur pref prest by Ferro). Wetzelaer bred Jersey himself and also prepared him for the stallion selection. After being sold through the KSS, Jersey was approved by the KWPN. “The combination of Vivaldi with Kebalia turned out exactly as I had envisioned at the time. He was always a striking horse and was also sold very well,” Wetzelaer explains. From Jersey to continued success Jersey was the first stallion that Wetzelaer sold to his full satisfaction through the KSS, and many more successes would follow. Together with his partner Eva de Boer, Wetzelaer runs a high-quality dressage sales stable in Herpen, Brabant. At Stal Wetzelaer, the focus is primarily on preparing horses for inspections, training young horses, and trading. “We always have many horses at the stable and present several each year at the KWPN Stallion Show. For us, the KSS is an ideal moment to sell stallions, and for buyers it’s an attractive opportunity to purchase a quality sport horse or a potential future KWPN-approved stallion.” Collaborations with breeders Many of the stallions Wetzelaer presents at the KWPN Stallion Show are owned jointly, often in partnership with the breeder. Through the KSS, he has sold several notable stallions in recent years, including the now KWPN-approved Pontiac (Total US out of Velvet VDT elite pref prest by Ferro) and the selected stallion Olympus VDT (Romanov Blue Hors out of Velvet VDT), also bred by Ad van de Tillaart. The latter achieved an impressive auction price of €140,000. The Sanceo son Tadic VDT is closely related to this successful dam line. His granddam is a half-sister to Velvet VDT, the dam of these auction standouts. A commercial showcase Other stallions successfully sold through the KSS include the selected stallion Raf KL (Vaderland out of Kolinda KL ster IBOP-dres by Ferdeaux, bred by J. Korsten and R. Lunenburg) and the former second-inspection stallion L’Amour (Grand Galaxy Win out of Zalite by San Remo, bred by J.W.J.M. Janssen), who is now competing at Intermédiaire II level in the United States. “The stallion selection is a fantastic showcase, it really generates business. It’s a show, the shop window of your studbook, a calling card. And it definitely stimulates trade,” Peter concludes. Don’t miss the KWPN Select Sale Are you looking for a top sport horse or a future approved stallion? Visit the KWPN Select Sale. On Thursday, January 29, the showjumping horses will go under the hammer, followed by the dressage stallions on Saturday, January 31. In addition to live bidding, it is also possible to bid online and by telephone. For more information, please contact +31 341-255511 or email selectsale@kwpn.nl. The full collection is now available at www.kwpn.auction . Photo: Hippofoto – Jersey JM for KWPN

During the KWPN Stallion Show, KWPN will host an international congress on Wednesday evening, January 28, fully dedicated to the future of showjumping breeding. In the Hertogzaal of the Brabanthallen, breeders, riders, and experts from various countries will come together to share their views on the direction in which both the sport and breeding of showjumping horses are developing. Showjumping breeding is constantly evolving. Changes in sport and the market present breeders with new challenges and decisions. This congress will address the developments and trends that currently play a decisive role and how these influence the breeding of horses that can perform sustainably at the highest level. Attention will be given to both genetic selection and practical experience from the sport, with the aim of further aligning breeding goals and performance. Perspectives from multiple countries Each speaker brings a unique background and area of expertise. Daniel and Nicolas Boudrenghien share their vision from the Belgian showjumping breeding industry, where performance and breeding decisions are closely intertwined. Cheryl Broderick represents the Irish perspective and discusses international developments within showjumping sport. From the Netherlands, Daan Horn takes part in the discussion, while German breeder Heinz Meyer shares his many years of insights and experience. Congress information Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the congress starting at 7:30 p.m. The event takes place on Wednesday, January 28, in the Hertogzaal of the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The language of the congress is English. The showjumping congress is part of the KWPN Stallion Show and provides valuable in-depth content alongside the main program, with ample room for knowledge sharing and interaction. Separate tickets for the showjumping congress are available. From January 28 to 31, 2026, the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch will once again be transformed into the ultimate highlight of Dutch sport horse breeding and sport during the  KWPN Stallion Show . In addition to the stallion selection, we will treat you to a fantastic programme with exciting sport and show classes, showcasing the very best of the world of the Dutch sport horse. Don’t have a ticket yet?  Order yours quickly . Unable to come to Den Bosch? The KWPN Stallion Show can also be followed via the  KWPN.tv . Source: KWPN Photo: Hippofoto

During the KWPN Stallion Show, the future of the dressage horse will take center stage on Thursday evening, January 29. In the Hertogzaal of the Brabanthallen, KWPN will host an international congress where breeding and sport come together under the theme “Shaping the future of dressage – where breeding meets performance.” The congress offers an inspiring and in-depth platform for breeders, riders, and all those involved in the dressage sport. The central question of the evening is what the dressage horse of the future should look like. Which standards and qualities are required to succeed in both sport and breeding? In addition, the congress will address current trends in dressage breeding and explore how commercial breeding and elite sport can better complement and strengthen each other. International expertise A strong panel of speakers will contribute to the discussion. Emma Bundell from Great Britain, known for her sharp vision on modern dressage breeding, will share her insights on selecting and developing sport horses. German dressage rider Isabell Werth will bring her experience from the very top of the sport. Cristine Arns-Krogmann, an internationally active judge and breeder from Germany, will also take part. Eugene Reesink represents the Dutch perspective, connecting sport and breeding through his broad experience. Practical information The Dressage Congress will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the Hertogzaal of the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the congress starting at 7:00 p.m. The language of the congress is English. The congress is part of the KWPN Stallion Show, which will be held from January 28 to 31, 2026. Separate tickets for the Dressage Congress are available. From January 28 to 31, 2026, the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch will once again be transformed into the ultimate highlight of Dutch sport horse breeding and sport during the  KWPN Stallion Show . In addition to the stallion selection, we will treat you to a fantastic programme with exciting sport and show classes, showcasing the very best of the world of the Dutch sport horse. Don’t have a ticket yet?  Order yours quickly . Unable to come to Den Bosch? The KWPN Stallion Show can also be followed via the  KWPN.tv . Source: KWPN Photo: Hippofoto

Stal Hendrix has purchased many horses at the KWPN Select Sale (KSS) over the years, several of which have developed into highly successful breeding stallions or top sport horses. Examples include Leonardo Da Vinci J.P.P., Milancinthe D., Lambada Shake, and Bustique. “If there’s talent, you have to act,” says Paul Hendrix. KSS reference Milancinthe D. (Impressive VDL out of Heyacinthe VDL PROK ster by Zavall VDL, bred by G.B. Quist) was purchased by Hendrix in 2020. According to Milancinthe’s former rider Oda Charlotte Lyngvaer, he is an extremely careful horse that she was very fond of. Today, the stallion is ridden by Giampiero Garofalo, the Italian stable rider at Stal Hendrix. Michel Hendrix confirms Milancinthe D.’s careful nature: “He has a lot of quality and potential, but also a lot of blood. That’s why we want to develop him gradually and thoughtfully. With some horses, you can already compete in Grand Prix classes when they are eight or nine years old, but with this horse we are taking things a bit more slowly because of his carefulness. We’re giving him that time, because he absolutely has the potential and we truly believe in his quality.” Michel Hendrix always keeps a close eye on the KSS auctions. “This year as well, we certainly have our eye on a few horses. During the second inspection, we will definitely take another look at several stallions.” A great platform Over the years, Stal Hendrix has purchased many stallions at the KSS, with notable successes among them, such as the KWPN-approved stallion Lambada Shake (Aganix du Seigneur out of Grappa AG sport-spr by Spartacus TN, bred by Alex Gisbertz). Paul Hendrix considers the KSS an excellent platform for breeders to present their stallions to a wide audience. “That’s very positive. Large breeders often already have their own networks, but for smaller breeders as well, the KSS can be a fantastic stage. The selection process is very thorough, and many high-quality horses have emerged from the auction.” Hendrix has purchased numerous horses through the KSS. “We once bought a Verdi son who later became one of the best hunter horses in the United States. My most expensive purchase ever was the stallion Bustique, which was quite some time ago. Looking back, I’m very happy we bought him, he has brought us a great deal.” Being there on time Through their own auctions in the Netherlands and abroad, Hendrix often sells further-developed horses. “These are usually older, ridden horses with competition experience. Those auctions are often filled with horses we have bred ourselves, as well as horses we purchased at the KSS.” Stallions purchased at the KSS are often just three years old at the time of purchase, which Hendrix considers quite young. “But,” he adds, “for truly good young horses, you have to be there on time, you just need more patience. If there’s talent, you have to act.” Don’t miss the KWPN Select Sale Are you looking for a top sport horse or a future approved stallion? Visit the KWPN Select Sale. On Thursday, January 29, the showjumping horses will go under the hammer, followed by the dressage stallions on Saturday, January 31. In addition to live bidding, it is also possible to place bids online and by telephone. For more information about the auction, please contact +31 341-255511 or email selectsale@kwpn.nl. The full collection is now available at www.kwpn.auction . Photo: Hippofoto* – Bustique Keur JM for KWPN