After fourteen stallions managed to jump double clear in the L class of the Blom Stallion Competition in Kronenberg, eight stallions achieved the same result today in IJsselmuiden. The final section of the Blom Stallion Competition saw several withdrawals, but still featured many high-quality stallions in the arena. After the second round, the stallions were evaluated and commented on by stallion selection committee members Eric van der Vleuten and chairman Wout-Jan van der Schans. Clear Potential Eight combinations remained double clear. Among them were the KWPN-approved stallions R.Elfhaban van Beek (v.Elfra van Beek Z out of Habanda van Beek PROK by Hos d’O, bred/owned by ’t Eirbissenhof) ridden by Conan Wright, Rocket Man TN (v.Kasanova de la Pomme out of Otina van HD sport-spr by El Torreo de Muze, breeder Danny Van Hooydonk) ridden by Koen Westendorp, Ringo Starr (v.O’Neill van ’t Eigenlo out of Elijanta stb prest PROK by Numero Uno, breeder Frans van Boxtel) ridden by Gerd Jan Horsmans, Rising Blue (v.Chacco-Blue out of Zarina III ster pref prest by Heartbreaker, breeder Willy Wijnen) ridden by Conan Wright, and Cognac vh Gebergte Z (v.Chacco-Blue out of Olympia JW van ’t Meulenhof by Diamant de Semilly, breeder Bob Janssens) ridden by Cristel Kalf. “R.Elfhaban van Beek was a bit fresh in the first round but allowed himself to be ridden much better in the second round, which helped him show his qualities. He jumps with good body use and has a nice attitude. Rocket Man TN is developing very positively; he becomes easier to ride and therefore increasingly consistent. Certainly a horse for the future. Ringo Starr is a big horse with plenty of blood, sometimes still a bit over-eager. He jumps with tremendous scope and has a good mindset, which will allow him to jump substantial courses later on,” explained Eric van der Vleuten. “Cognac vh Gebergte Z is a wonderfully pleasant jumper with excellent body use and lightness. He is rideable, very athletic, and we definitely expect to see him again in the future,” he continued. Wout-Jan added: “Rising Blue stands out for his great carefulness. He sometimes jumps a little too upward, which means he cannot finish behind quite yet. Once he relaxes, you immediately see his potential for the future.” Rising Blue, Cognac vh Gebergte Z, Ringo Starr, and R.Elfhaban van Beek also belonged to the double clear jumpers in Kronenberg. Results Blom Stallion Competition JS for KWPN / Photo: Aston VDL – Wilma Frentz

Just as in Kronenberg, Willem Greve and the KWPN-approved stallion Drummer 2000 TN (v.Diamant de Semilly) claimed victory in the M class of the Blom Stallion Competition in IJsselmuiden. The M class in IJsselmuiden featured thirteen participants, with three stallions competing HC as part of the stallion selection. Eight stallions returned for the jump-off. Impressive Performance The highly competitive, easily adjustable, and very willing KWPN-approved stallion Pharao (Vigo d’Arsouilles out of Donnalina ster pref prest PROK by Indoctro, bred and owned by Gebroeders Lohuis) delivered a fast, faultless jump-off round under Justin Zwartjens. That put them in contention for the win—until Willem Greve entered the ring for the second time with the KWPN-approved stallion Drummer 2000 TN (Diamant de Semilly out of China Touch Hero by Chin Chin, bred by Stud 2000) of Team Nijhof. Last year Drummer 2000 TN won the L class of the stallion competition, and he recently formed a new combination with Willem Greve, who is currently in outstanding form. The pair already won in Kronenberg, and they repeated that success today in IJsselmuiden. The big stallion jumps with tremendous power without losing precious time. Immediately upon landing, he turns toward the next fence again, with his blood adding to his efficiency. Their performance was not only good enough for the win—it will undoubtedly place Drummer 2000 TN high on many breeders’ lists. Athleticism and Ease The athletic KWPN-approved stallion Porsche SB (Kitt SB out of Legend Power SIH ster EPTM-spr by Vagabond de la Pomme, bred by Jaco and Linda Hiemstra) also produced two excellent clear rounds. Under Suzanne Tepper, he impressed with his ease, carefulness, and light-footed way of going. Cristel Kalf followed with two clear-jumping greys to finish fourth and fifth: the powerful and appointed Zirocco Blue VDL son Pardino VDL (out of Sixtine de Vains by Calvaro Z, bred by VDL Stud) and the effortless jumper Power Pool JR (Liverpool out of Zerna ster IBOP-spr sport-spr pref prest by Jacomar), bred by Johan Regterschot. Results Blom Stallion Competition  JS for KWPN / Photo: Drummer 2000 TN – Wilma Frentz

With stand-in rider Kars Bonhof in the saddle, the KWPN-approved stallion Tattoo H&DB TN claimed victory in the Z class of the Blom Stallion Competition in IJsselmuiden. The Z class of the Blom Stallion Competition featured six participants, four of whom qualified for the jump-off. In that jump-off, Kars Bonhof had two irons in the fire. In addition to the consistently performing KWPN-approved stallion Onassis TN (Grandorado TN out of Hella stb D-OC by Quasimodo van de Molendreef, bred by Stefan Wijnveen from Winterswijk Woold), he also brought Tattoo H&DB TN (Parfait van het Schaeck out of O’Mega H&DB by Kannan, bred by Valentijn De Bock and Carl Heyrman) to the start — a stallion normally ridden by Fabiënne Lichtenvoort Cats. And with success: with Tattoo H&DB TN, the Team Nijhof rider secured the win. Last year, Tattoo H&DB TN and his regular rider already won the stallion competition class in Kronenberg. With his consistent jumping technique and commitment, the powerful Tattoo H&DB TN delivered the fastest clear round with great ease. Consistent Performances With Onassis TN, Kars Bonhof took a more measured approach, yet he still produced another effortless clear round — good for third place, finishing just behind the KWPN-approved stallion Oslo (Cote de Zélande Delta Mossel Z out of Kelvira elite IBOP-spr D-OC by Chaman), bred by Mark van Heel and co-registered by Joop van Uytert. Under Jarno van Erp, this strong-galloping stallion once again impressed with a beautiful clear round, earning second place. Oslo stands out with his push from the floor, body use, and athletic ability. The winner of the previous competition in Kronenberg had to settle for fourth place this time. On and On MB (Baltic VDL out of Koosje de Roblesse ster sport-spr by Harley VDL), bred by Mirjam Bierings, touched an unfortunate rail in the jump-off under Rob Heijligers. Results Blom Stallion Competition JS for KWPN / Photo: Tattoo H&DB TN – Wilma Frentz

The first viewing started off well today in Ermelo. Of the 26 presented dressage stallions, 12 have been selected for the next inspection round. The stallion selection committee — consisting of chairman Bart Bax, Wouter Plaizier, and newcomer Emmelie Scholtens — appeared to be very much aligned on this first day. The assessment of the stallions began on the hard surface, followed by the evaluation of the free movement. German Bloodlines Foreign bloodlines were well represented today. The stallions Total McLaren, Vaderland, Secret, and Dante US each had two sons selected for the second viewing. “It was a great start today. There were several withdrawals, which is unfortunate. In total, we evaluated 26 stallions, one of which was too fresh, so we had to stop the assessment,” says committee chairman Bart Bax. “We were able to select a number of interesting stallions for ’s-Hertogenbosch and have set a line that we want to maintain over the coming days. It was Emmelie’s first time sitting at the judging table, and our collaboration went very well right from the start. We were fully aligned in our evaluations, which made the process smooth.” One Older Stallion In addition to eleven (almost) three-year-old stallions, the Livius son Power Edition KSH has also progressed to the next round. In his case, this means participating in the two remaining stallion competition classes, where he will be evaluated under saddle by the selection committee. After that, it will be decided whether he will also be invited to ’s-Hertogenbosch. Genetically interesting is, for example, the stallion Vamos Junior (by Vitalis), a full brother to the top dressage horse Vamos Amigos of Annabella Pidgley, who has been selected for the second viewing. Overview page first viewing with results JS for KWPN / Photo Horses.nl–Paardenkrant

Today, the autumn performance test concluded, resulting in approval for two talented stallions that were sold at the KWPN Stallion Show through the KWPN Select Sale. Among the jumper stallions, the Cavalier Russe Z son Story of the Year PP (out of Madermie PP by Iron Man van de Padenborre, bred by Stal Poppelaars in Heusden) made a strong impression. This stallion was purchased at the KWPN Select Sale by Suus Kuyten, who has repeatedly shown a keen eye for talent. Stallion inspection committee chairman Wout-Jan van der Schans praised the dark bay stallion for his good character and work ethic. He jumps with a powerful push-off, excellent reflexes, good front-leg technique, and correct use of his body. Additionally, Story of the Year PP gives his rider a very good feeling, often a promising sign for a bright future in sport. Premium Stallion One of the standouts in the dressage group proved to be KSS highlight Scaramouche (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.), out of Linskymorijke, elite IBOP-dressage, sport-dressage, PROK D-OC mare by Negro, bred by the Schellekens family from Schijndel, and owned by Joop van Uytert, Nico Witte, and Sjaak van der Lei. He was named premium stallion at the KWPN Stallion Show and subsequently sold for the top price of €280,000. During the performance test, the impressive stallion showed a lot of balance, posture, and suppleness in his movement. He performed very consistently and steadily over the past days. With such a strong evaluation, Scaramouche also appears to have a bright future ahead as an approved KWPN stallion. Overview page performance test

All dressage stallions participating in the final presentation successfully completed the autumn performance test. Among them was champion stallion So Unique STH, known for his supple way of moving. The stallions were presented one by one and introduced by stallion inspection committee chairman Bart Bax. They showed themselves well and were repeatedly praised for their willingness to work and rideability. Sport Mares Champion stallion So Unique STH (s.Vivino), bred by Lens and Berna Nekeman from Hasselt, also proved impressive under saddle with his suppleness and expression. This uphill-moving, elegant, sharp stallion is one of two newly approved dressage stallions bred out of a Small Tour mare. The premium stallion Scaramouche (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) also has a dam competing at that level. This well-modelled stallion demonstrated easy transitions and showed much posture and suppleness. Premium stallion Sensation Gold (s.Ferguson), bred by Anton and Anneke Ballegooijen, was also approved. He is one of two dressage stallions in this group bred out of a Grand Prix mare. The dam of the Hermès son Spectre, bred by the Bernoski family, even competes at the highest level of international sport. Spectre was praised for his eagerness to learn, willingness, and powerful way of moving. Two by McLaren The Small Tour stallion McLaren had two sons approved at once: the very rideable and balanced Saint McLaren, honoured as a premium stallion in ’s-Hertogenbosch, and the well-moving Singapore AVE, noted for his strong leg technique and ability to collect and extend. Genetically interesting is the Escolar son Everglow Gold, a son of Olympic medallist Weihegold. This well-modelled stallion impressed with his strength, power, and fine rideability, and was already honoured as reserve champion at the KWPN Stallion Show. Also approved were the three-year-old Sondale (s.Glamourdale), who stood out for his rideability, attitude, and balance, and the Trakehner stallion Kanté (s.Rheinglanz), who shows a good attitude and displays stability and functionality in all three gaits. Older Stallions The long-legged Pavo Cup finalist Fiji (s.For Romance) also convinced during the performance test and was praised for his willingness, forward desire, and ease of collection. Alongside this five-year-old stallion, the four-year-old Magic McKee L (s.Total McLaren) was also approved. This black stallion impressed with his active and balanced way of moving. The full reports can be viewed in the KWPN database. Reports dressage stallions Overview page performance test

The final presentation of the autumn performance test resulted in breeding approval for 12 jumper stallions, including champion stallion Sixth Sense HBC. Under the watchful eye of a well-filled grandstand, 13 jumper stallions were evaluated for the last time by the stallion inspection committee. Only the Cumano son Cumano de Zélande Z, who participated voluntarily, was not approved. Eight Three-Year-Olds Champion stallion Sixth Sense HBC (s.Mattias) was one of the stallions that made strong progress during the performance test, resulting in approval for the breeding product of Hans de Roover, registered to Jan Schep and Reinie Tewis. VDL Stud had three stallions approved: Sunrise VDL (s.Landino VDL), who jumps with great athletic ability; the light-footed, powerful jumper Salerno VDL (s.Carrera VDL); and the eager Springfield VDL (s.Balou du Reventon), a grandson of top mare Cella. In total, eight three-year-old jumper stallions were approved, including the genetically interesting Secret Garden (s.Cero Blue TN) and the consistently performing Seagram (s.Aganix du Seigneur). “It worked very well for us to evaluate the three-year-olds in the late autumn performance test, and we really need those 21 days to get a fair impression,” committee chairman Wout-Jan van der Schans explained. “These three-year-olds managed to handle it easily.” Strong Four-Year-Olds In addition, four four-year-old stallions received approval, including the modern, intelligent, and upwardly jumping Ravello van de Hagenhorst (s.Dourkhan Hero Z). “We were able to approve a good group of stallions, who generally completed their test with great commitment.” The full reports of the stallions can be viewed in the KWPN Database. Overview page performance test