The KWPN Auctions platform offers an excellent opportunity to kick off 2025 in style. From January the 10 th to 13 th , twenty promising three-year-old stallions will go under the virtual hammer in the Online Stallion Auction. The collection includes 16 dressage stallions and 4 showjumping stallions, all of which were presented at the first round viewing and hold great potential for both sport and breeding. The KWPN Online Stallion Auction is the first auction of 2025 on the KWPN Auctions platform. In addition to photos, videos, and detailed pedigree information, registered users can also access the stallions' veterinary reports. All twenty stallions have undergone clinical and radiographic examinations, offering buyers the assurance they need to invest with confidence. Successful families Several dressage stallions in this collection come from proven damlines. One standout is Seigneur, a son of Ferguson and a half-brother to none other than World Champion and Grand Prix stallion Jovian (s.Apache). His dam Zinith, has also produced the Grand Prix dressage horse Friend and may have once again delivered a star for the top-level of the sport. Another highlight is So Dance, a son of Las Vegas and half-brother to the Small Tour horses Dance on Jazz (s.Jazz) and Jive (s.Charmeur). So Dance hails from a damline rich in performances and predicates, which has already produced several Grand Prix horses, such as Helix, Entertainer Win T, and Lexus. Another exciting prospect is the Dynamic Dream son Despacito.  He is a one-year-younger full brother of the Westphalian and Oldenburg-approved stallion Daxx. His dam is a full sister to the Small Tour horse Escona 8, making him a highly interesting candidate for both sport and breeding. Promising jumpers Although fewer in number, the showjumping stallions in this collection are equally promising. One genetic highlight is Sabatier, a son of Jilbert van ’t Ruytershof, who shares his dam with CK mare champion Pippilotta (s.Grandorado TN). Bred from the renowned Kattebel line, Sabatier’s has the same granddam as top-level showjumpers such as Urico, Casantos, Oranca, and Wish. Another promising jumper is Skylander, a son of It’s Highlander VDK. He comes from the damline of the internationally successful 1.55/1.60m-level showjumpers Evli Valdina, ridden by Sanna Olsson, and SIG Iron Man, under Shota Ogomori. More information The complete collection is now available for viewing at www.kwpn.auction . Online bidding for this exceptional group of stallions opens on Friday the 10 th of January, and closes on Monday the 13 th of January, starting at 8:00 PM CET. To participate, bidders must register in advance. Each stallion has been reviewed by a KWPN inspector, who is also available to provide more detailed information. For questions about the collection or auction, please contact Mairin van der Tol at salespromotion@kwpn.nl or call +31 (0)341-255511. Picture: Digishots

In the third and final round of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage, Everest (by Especial) under Charlotte Fry secures the top position in the Z/ZZ-Licht combined class. Five stallions competed in this section of the competition. Among them, the two-time Pavo Cup champion Nashville SW (Secret out of Esina elite IBOP-dres sport-dres pref PROK by Jazz, bred by Stal Willig from Abcoude) delivered an impressive performance under Femke de Laat. However, as part of the stallion selection process, Nashville SW was not judged. Second victory  The KWPN-approved stallion Everest (Especial out of Fresia ster PROK by Negro), bred by Van Olst Horses, achieved the highest score of 88.6, including a 9.2 for his expressive trot and a 9 for overall impression. “Everest is highly responsive to aids and maintained excellent composure throughout the test,” explained judge Janine van Twist on behalf of the jury. “He’s a horse of exceptional quality, moving through the arena with rhythm and maintaining a steady, soft contact. His walk is solid, his trot is balanced, supple, and powerful, and his canter is rhythmic with expressive movement. We see a lot of promise for his future.” Everest previously won the stallion competition round in Ermelo. Great expression This is Naqueen (Trafalgar out of Aqueeni by Samba Hit, bred and owned by J.G.M. van de Meijden from Zuilichem), also competing at Z-level, followed closely in second place with Kim Noordijk. He scored 85.8 points, including three 8.7s. “This stallion also moves with great expression in trot and canter. He showed a strong working and extended walk, with cadence and power in trot and canter,” the jury remarked. In third place was the KWPN-approved stallion New Dreams (Jerveaux out of Jillz ster by Dream Boy, bred by Tim Coomans and Irene Verheul) under Adelinde Cornelissen. His harmonious performance earned him 85 points, including a 9 for his walk. “New Dreams has a spacious, supple walk, balanced and rhythmic trot, and a canter with good tempo and jump. He moves lightly and delivered an uncomplicated performance, though he could gain more strength in the canter,” the judges noted.  Overview page Stallion Competition 2024/2025 JS for KWPN Photo Everest: Mariol Middel

The Gelder stallions kicked off this morning at the KWPN Stallion Competition during the IICH in Groningen. Odeer earned impressive marks in the harness performance, while Odin won the dressage test. Four Gelder stallions participated in this third selection round of the KWPN Stallion Competition. Odeer was the only one to perform in the harness category, showing a very well-rounded performance under Henk Hammers, including a score of 9 for his trot. Highest score Anouk Noordman’s homebred Odeer (Atze out of Zeronica, elite, sport-dressage, PROK by Talos) received strong marks, including an 8.5 for canter and an 8.3 for overall impression. This sympathetic stallion achieved the highest total score of 83.2 points. Judge Bauke de Boer remarked: “This stallion demonstrated a very polished performance and was presented in a beautifully relaxed manner. His walk is more than sufficient, though he could stretch his nose out slightly more. His trot is characterized by a lot of suppleness, technique, and power from the hindquarters. In canter, he shows great elasticity and elevation. The harmony is also exactly how we like it. All in all, a very complete performance.” Dressage test Three participants competed in the dressage test. The palomino-colored Odin (Edmundo out of Buonaternel, elite, IBOP, sport-dressage, pref, PROK by Vitens, breeders M.H. Zwaneveld and P.E.M. Herweijger from Assen), ridden by Dirk-Jan van de Water, achieved the highest score of 83 points. Jury member Janine van Twist commented: “In the first group, we saw two willing stallions, Odin and Ojee-B, each with their own charisma. Odin has a spacious walk, although he could show more looseness at times. In trot, we see a lot of quality and excellent foreleg use. His canter is large, expressive, and of high quality, earning him an 8.3, though he could show slightly more carrying power. For both harmony and overall impression, Odin deserved an 8.5 today.” The Ibsen B son Ojee-B (out of Jorien Tilde, elite, IBOP, PROK by Rubus, breeder G.S.W. te Bokkel from Eerbeek) took second place under Anouk Slabbers with 82.4 points. “Ojee-B follows the hand well in walk, although he could develop slightly more reach. His trot is rhythmic and supple, though it could show more extension. His canter is rhythmic, balanced, and supple, earning him an 8.5, as well as for harmony.” The very well-walking Olaf Official (Henkie out of Diamant, ster by Sirius, breeder G.J.W. Roerdinkholder from Winterswijk Kotten) followed in third place under Zoë Kuintjes with exactly 80 points. “The highlight of his test was his walk, for which we awarded him an 8.8. He walks beautifully through his body, his trot is rhythmic but could develop more balance, and his canter shows good suppleness.” Overview page Stallion Competition 2024/2025 JS for KWPN Photo: Odin - Mariol Middel

It was, just like last year, a full house during the first round viewing of the KWPN harness horse stallions in the Willem Alexander Hall in Ermelo. Eleven three-year-old stallions advanced to the next round, while a four-year-old must first be presented in harness in Den Bosch before potentially being invited. Before noon, the stallions (33) were evaluated by the jury consisting of chairman Wim Versteeg, Thomas van der Weiden, Bauke de Boer, and inspector Viggon van Beest in the lane next to the main arena. All were also scored linearly. This information was carried forward into the afternoon session, where the horses were shown in six groups, demonstrating their trotting ability as well as their walk for a large audience. After each group, the results were announced, leading to eleven final selections. These included four sons of Macho, two of Magnifiek, and one each from Cizandro, Icellie, Neon GSM, Roy M, and Sallandt's Long Train Running. Positive impression Wim Versteeg explains that the selected stallions left a positive impression. "There was sometimes some debate about whether or not to refer a stallion, but we aimed to fulfill the task of keeping lower-related stallions in the process for as long as possible and, when in doubt, giving them the benefit of the doubt. We were also able to fulfill the task of giving offspring from younger stallions as much opportunity as possible. The stallions Macho, Magnifiek, Neon GSM, and the large-sized approved Hackney stallion Sallandt's Long Train Running showed their oldest offspring, and we were able to bring a few of them to Den Bosch." Three sons of Macho, two of Magnifiek, and one each from Hertog Jan, Lanto HBC, Neon GSM, and Waterman were awarded ster status. Advancing: Cat. no. 700 - Sam (Cizandro x Fijantha ster from Larix) Cat. no. 703 - Sun King Apple (Icellie x Iristeusi ster pref from Eebert) Cat. no. 711 - Samba (Macho x Mareda ster from Cizandro) Cat. no. 713 - Seizandro (Macho x Heidelien elite from Cizandro) Cat. no. 715 - Surprise T (Macho x Helga ster pref from Cizandro) Cat. no. 719 - Sjimmie (Macho x Lirzela stb from Dylano) Cat. no. 722 - Stuurman W (Magnifiek x Hulinda W keur from Cizandro) Cat. no. 726 - Showtime (Magnifiek x Viva Jerina elite pref from Marvel) Cat. no. 728 - Storm S (Neon GSM x Doesburga ster from Stuurboord) Cat. no. 729 - Sorrento (Roy M x Julia-Rose ster from Cizandro) Cat. no. 731 - Sepp (Sallandt's Long Train Running x Hendrini ster from Manno) To be presented in harness in Den Bosch: Cat. no. 733 - Rayan EVL (Icellie x Lizzy ster from Eebert) Well-developed The show of the stallions registered last fall was very impressive. They have developed excellently and each one put on a very beautiful performance. These included Relatief, Ravensgoed W, Ricardo, and Rebel MJDB. Overview page of the first viewing of the harness horses (with an overview of the selected stallions) DB for KWPN Photo: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl

In just one month, the biggest KWPN auction of the year, the KWPN Select Sale, will take place. On January 30 and February 1, future breeding stallions and sport horses will be auctioned at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, with bidding available both live and online for these top talents. For over 20 years, the KWPN Select Sale has been a supplier of top sport horses. In recent years, many horses have reached the highest level, including Island VG, the Olympic horse of rider Kim Emmen. Island VG (Zirocco Blue VDL x Ezella ster pref prest by Indoctro, bred by J. van Gestel from Hilvarenbeek) was sold as a second round viewing stallion at the KWPN Select Sale in 2016 and shines under the saddle of Kim Emmen. The gelding is owned by Stal Thijssen BV and Eric Berkhof and is stabled with Eric Berkhof, the owner of De Margaretha Hoeve and employer of Olympic rider Kim Emmen. Praise for Island VG The eleven-year-old Zirocco Blue VDL gelding Island VG has become a very successful showjumper and has been competing at the highest level under Kim Emmen for quite some time. “Island VG has a great character, he’s sharp and always wants to do his best,” says Kim, praising the KWPN Select Sale reference. At the end of 2024, the pair jumped to a fifth and seventh place in a 1.55m and 1.50m class at the London Horse Show. For Kim Emmen, Island VG is a support for her Olympic horse Imagine. “Island is just an amazing horse to have, especially to save Imagine, so he doesn’t have to do all the classes every time.” “Many great experiences with him” Kim Emmen took the reins from Swedish rider Sanna Bergs Olsson in 2021, who had competed with Island VG until he was eight. “I took him over from Sanna Bergs Olsson, and he hadn’t competed much, only some 1.35m courses. From that level, I started riding him. After a while, I took him to the Sunshine Tour in Spain, and we immediately built him up to 1.45m, and we just kept going.” Kim and Island VG now have many great achievements under their belt. One of the highlights was the Dutch Championship in 2023. “I’ve had many great moments with him, like two years ago when we won the silver medal at the Dutch Senior Championship in Deurne. I also have great memories of Aachen, where we finished sixth in the 1.55m North Rhine-Westphalia prize. Those are the most beautiful moments for me and Island so far,” Kim proudly shares. Looking ahead to the outdoor season Kim Emmen had a fantastic year. In addition to the good results with Island VG, there were also numerous successes with Imagine. What are Kim’s plans for Island VG? “Island has done a lot lately, so I want to give him some rest over the next few weeks. After that, I might take him to Jumping Amsterdam, but that’s not certain yet. Then we’ll work towards the outdoor season.” The focus will be on securing a spot for the European Championships in Spain this summer. “Leading up to that, Island is very important. Imagine is my first horse, but without a good second horse, it’s much more challenging to get Imagine in the right shape and keep him there. Island deserves this credit,” concludes Kim Emmen. Visit the KWPN Select Sale Are you also looking for a top sport horse or a future approved stallion? Visit the KWPN Select Sale on Thursday, January 30, when the showjumpers will be auctioned, followed by the dressage stallions on Saturday, February 1. In addition to live bidding, it’s also possible to place bids online and by phone. If you have any questions about the auction, please contact us at 0341-255511 or by email at selectsale@kwpn.nl. The collection will be online on January 14 at www.kwpn.auction. Photo CHIO Aachen: Hippo Foto Media JM for KWPN

On January 30 and February 1, 2025, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will once again serve as the venue for the prestigious KWPN Select Sale. This auction has already delivered numerous successes, including in the 2024 edition. During the 2024 KWPN Select Sale, the three-year-old Glamourdale son Rayano was purchased for an impressive 130,000 euro by Stephan Hirdes. The auction topper Rayano, bred by Belgian breeder Herwig Verthriest and previously owned by Gertjan van Olst, has found his place in the stables of Stephan Hirdes and Kim van der Muren, owners of MH Sporthorses. “Rayano picks up everything super well” We spoke with Stephan Hirdes, who remains highly enthusiastic about Rayano. “It’s always exciting to buy a horse at an auction that hasn’t yet been broken in and still has to go through the entire stallion approval process. But Rayano picks up everything super well and truly stands out for his character.” During the KWPN Stallion Test of 2024, Rayano (out of Kalista elite IBOP D-OC by Cum Laude) was approved as a KWPN breeding stallion. Stephan Hirdes, who has extensive experience purchasing horses and foals, knows exactly what he’s looking for. What does he focus on when buying? “When Kim and I purchase a horse, we look at the dam line, movement, suppleness, and hindleg use. We also pay close attention to character. We want a good sport horse that is also easy to ride, especially if we plan to sell it later.” Preparing for the Stallion Presentation At the KWPN Stallion Show, the approved stallions of 2024 will be showcased under saddle during the stallion presentation, where Rayano will also make his debut. “The plan is to present Rayano at the stallion presentation in 's-Hertogenbosch and then work towards the Pavo Cup,” Hirdes explains. Beyond the stallion presentation and the Pavo Cup, Hirdes emphasizes giving Rayano the time to develop into a top dressage horse. “Because he’s still young, we’re taking it slow with him. He has all the time he needs to grow with us,” Hirdes highlights. “He has a fantastic hindleg, great suppleness, and an amazing character. In my opinion, he’s truly complete. He’s a very pleasant stallion to have in the stable, and he’s developing fantastically,” says a proud Stephan Hirdes about KWPN Select Sale reference Rayano. “I had a great experience buying at the KWPN Select Sale, and everything was very well organized,” says a satisfied Stephan Hirdes. Attend the KWPN Select Sale Are you also looking for a top stallion? Then visit the KWPN Select Sale. Showjumping stallions will go under the hammer on Thursday, January 30, followed by dressage stallions on Saturday, February 1. In addition to live bidding, you can also place bids online or by phone. If you have any questions about the auction, contact us at 0341-255511 or email selectsale@kwpn.nl. The collection will be available online from January 14 at www.kwpn.auction. JM for KWPN Photo: Hippo Foto Media

The first round viewing of the KWPN Stallion Show is in full swing, marking the start of the selection process for the top stallions to be included in the KWPN Select Sale. From January 29 to February 1, it will once again be time for the most prestigious KWPN auction, the KWPN Select Sale. We spoke with KSS ambassador Gertjan van Olst, who has been involved with the KWPN Select Sale since its first edition. Stallion owner Gertjan van Olst of Van Olst Horses has been involved in the KWPN Select Sale from the very beginning, initially as a board member and now as a regular buyer and seller. Over the years, he has bought and sold several horses through the KWPN Select Sale, including the promising KWPN-approved stallion Romantico, which he purchased at the most recent edition. “ A horse that makes us happy” Gertjan van Olst speaks highly of the three-year-old Romantico (by Grandorado TN, bred by R. Mulder from Houwerzijl), his 2024 KWPN Select Sale acquisition. “Romantico jumps with excellent technique, shows great balance, has power, and possesses a cooperative temperament. So far, everything is going well, and he is developing into an exceptional horse. He’s a horse that makes us happy, a truly successful purchase from the KWPN Select Sale.” The three-year-old Romantico will make his show debut in the ring next year. “We are now carefully preparing him for the presentation of the new stallion cohort in 's-Hertogenbosch. After that, we plan to work towards the KWPN Championships, which he will combine with the breeding season,” Van Olst explains. Rayano: Auction top seller This year, the Glamourdale son Rayano, owned by Gertjan van Olst and bred by Belgian breeder Herwig Verthriest, was the auction topper at the KWPN Select Sale. He was sold for 130,000 euro to Stephan Hirdes and Kim van der Muren. Gertjan van Olst considers the KWPN Select Sale the ideal venue to sell a horse. “There is a large audience thanks to the Stallion Show, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the venue provides a beautiful setting for the KWPN Select Sale.” As a buyer, he also finds the auction very appealing. “There are always many excellent stallions for sale, offering a wide selection and choice for buyers,” he says. A favorite memory When we asked about his favorite memory of the KWPN Select Sale, Van Olst immediately recalls Blue Hors Zack. “That was truly the best moment for me from the KWPN Select Sale. Through the auction, the stallion came to the stables of Blue Hors. He later became a big success as a dressage horse and a complete breeding stallion.”As a two-and-a-half-year-old stallion, Blue Hors Zack was sold for the extraordinary sum of 430,000 euro and remains the highest-priced horse ever sold at the KWPN Select Sale. “I believe an auction truly belongs to the Stallion Show. It’s the perfect end of the event,” Van Olst concludes. Visit the KWPN Select Sale Are you looking for a top stallion? Then visit the KWPN Select Sale! On Thursday, January 30, the showjumping stallions will go under the hammer, followed by the dressage stallions on Saturday, February 1. In addition to live bidding, online and phone bids are also possible. For questions about the auction, contact 0341-255511 or email selectsale@kwpn.nl. The collection will be available online starting January 14. JM for KWPN Photo of Rayano: Hippofoto Media