Eleven sport horses and two broodmares make up the second edition of the Dutch Dressage Traders auction. After the success of the first edition, Rom Vermunt, Gertjan van Olst, Jeroen Witte, Marcel van Manen, Diederik van Silfhout, Jorg van Os, Peter Wetzelaer, Sjoerd van Leeuwen and Sjaak van der Lei have once again joined forces. The market for dressage horses is at a high level and the Dutch Dressage Traders aim to play a prominent role in it. “We focus on a broad target group: from young horses to fully trained dressage horses with sportresults” explains Gertjan van Olst. “Our goal is to offer horses from different levels within every collection.” And they succeeded in doing so this edition as well. The collection contains a Small Tour horse to talented three-, four-, and five-year-old dressage horses. Grand Prix in mind Quality is one of the key priorities on a DDT collection: “We focus on correctness, health, character, and rideability, these are the most important criteria for us. Besides that we look for appealing, complete horses; real eye-catchers. The complete package must be right; from temperament and healt to three good gaits and when I select a horse, I immediately have the highest achievable level, the Grand Prix, in mind” explains the stallion owner from Den Hout. Approved Small Tour stallion With this perspective in mind, the second collection was created. The eleven sport horses and two broodmares have been carefully selected. For instance Nobilisyade NVDW is part of the collection. This Mecklenburg-approved stallion has proven himself internationally at Young Riders and Prix St. Georges level, with the qualities and temperament for the higher levels. Young talented horses The three-year-old Dark Rousseau daughter Tumtum seems to have a great aptitude for the sport. In addition, this mare is also very interestingly bred; her dam is the full sister of World Champion Jovian. Renoir ST-J is a large, appealing gelding with a lot of presence and a modern dressage model. This five-year-old gelding is a son of Jameson RS2. The three-year-old Total Dream shows a top attitude with a great willingness to work. He remains level-headed and proactive, which makes him very suitable for further training towards the dressagesport. Descending from Total McLaren x Franklin, he combines modern movements with a fine temperament. Full sister to Kjento In addition to the sport horses, two broodmares are part of the collection. One of them is none other than the full sister of two-time World Champion and Grand Prix stallion Kjento. The Elite mare Iana V.O.D already produced the KWPN-approved stallion Purple Rain (by Desperado); she is expecting a foal by Secret this year. The second broodmare is the Z2-classified Lucienne V.O.D. This Glamourdale daughter is the half-sister of the KWPN stallions UB40 and Davino V.O.D., who passed away at young age. Try-outs Interested parties will have the opportunity to try out horses themselves prior to the auction. The contact details of the responsible DDT partner are available for each horse, so that an appointment can be scheduled directly with the trader. Auction closes May 14th The collection is now online, bidding starts Monday May 11 th and the auction closes on Thursday, May 14 th from 8PM. For questions about the auction, please contact Sjaak van der Lei at +31 6 12 38 87 06. If you have specific questions about one of the auction horses you can contact the relevant DDT partner directly. Collection

Leon Thijssen is a perfect example of a modern breeder. His passion for breeding originated from the sport, and by now his breeding program largely serves his sport stable. Several of his breeding products have already developed into 1.60m showjumpers, such as Hello, Juice, and Hi There. The common thread in his breeding story? Never compromising on attitude, quality, and the health of his mares. And that approach is paying off. The international showjumper from Sevenum can already look back on a successful sporting career at the highest level and has also more than proven himself as a “father of,” as a trader, and as a breeder. Together with his wife Dorien and their three children, he has built a fantastic family business that demonstrates its value at the highest level in sport and now also in breeding. Feeling and horsemanship The Thijssen family has been based at their current location in Sevenum since 2015. Daughter Mel (25) and son Mans (23) both work at the stable, while eldest daughter Sanne (27) runs her own sport stable at another location. Together, they uphold the family name at the highest level, and in this collective top performance, mother Dorien also plays a major role. Although Leon himself only started riding at a relatively late age, as a self-taught rider he has managed to continuously improve both himself and his horses, steadily raising the bar. In 1996, Leon competed in a Nations Cup for the first time, and in 2005 he was part of the Dutch team that won bronze at the European Championships in San Patrignano with Nairobi (v.Larno). In 2008, he sold Nairobi and, with Olaf (v.Concorde), became the reserve combination for the Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Four years later, he fulfilled that same role with the stallion Tyson (v.Numero Uno) for the Olympic Games in London. All of these were horses he had discovered himself at a young age. When it comes to breeding, it quickly becomes clear that all his experience as a rider is of enormous value. In fact, Leon’s breeding instinct is entirely based on the feel he has developed as a rider and scout. And that nose for quality has proven itself time and again. At a young age, he not only discovered his own top horses, but also standout performers such as Voyeur (s.Tolano van ’t Riethof), Uceko (s.Celano), and of course the 18-time Grand Prix winner Con Quidam RB (s.Quinar), who will be discussed in more detail later. Instant success Back to breeding. What started with a few sport mares has grown into a serious branch of the business, with around 25 foals expected this year, the first of which have already been born. “It started on a small scale, but over the years I deliberately began keeping mares for breeding after their sport careers.” Leon’s very first breeding product immediately developed into an international 1.60m showjumper. This Wupp was the result of pairing Colino, a stallion bred by Martien Liefhebber, for whom Leon rode several horses at the time with the international sport mare DBH Granata (s.Grosso Z), who was highly successful at the top level with, among others, Peter Geerink. She won the Grand Prix of Helsinki in 1997. The combination of a stallion Leon himself has great confidence in and a mare that has first proven herself extensively in sport has continued to bring breeding success to the Thijssen family in the years that followed. After one foal in 2003, one in 2004, and one in 2005, Leon bred two Tyson offspring in 2006, including Tyson Uno ( out of Izaura G stb sport-spr by Grosso Z). “That dam had first jumped World Cups with Roelof Bril and later also with me. After her sport career, I used her for breeding; Tyson Uno was her first offspring, and she had him at the age of sixteen.” In 2007 (3), 2008 (2), and 2009 (2), several more foals were bred, but the first ‘larger’ crop followed in 2010. “That year we bred six foals, and now we’re up to 25,” Thijssen laughs. Third Grand Prix horse Among the best horses from the 2010 crop is the Je t’Aime Flamenco-son Flesh, who competed at the highest level under the name Rising Son with Irish rider Michael G Duffy. “We bred that horse out of Super Girl, a daughter of Navarone whom I sold to Kent Farrington and who jumped top-level classes in the United States. She later returned, and we bred several offspring from her. Coincidentally, her most recent offspring even won among the seven-year-olds this April at the international show in Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.” This refers to the Hello-son Of Course, ridden by Mans Thijssen. After a small crop in 2011 (1), seven foals followed in 2012. From that group, Hello and Hi There (Nabab de Rêve out of Unorette by Numero Uno) are competing at 1.60m level, while Huppeldepup (Tyson out of Close Up by Lord Z) developed into a 1.45m showjumper. Huppeldepup is a granddaughter of the previously mentioned Grand Prix mare Granata and is now fully dedicated to breeding at Leon’s stable. Attitude Using international sport mares in breeding brings several advantages. Mares with a successful sport career have proven both their quality and their soundness, and another benefit is that Leon knows the mares well. This allows him to make very targeted stallion choices. “The most important decision is that I truly only want to breed from mares that I consider good enough as sport horses myself. From the very beginning, I have used mares that possess attitude, quality, and soundness. That way, you’re not just multiplying.” For example, Leon also bred for several years with the Nabab de Rêve daughter Subliem van ’t Paradijs, from whom he bred, among others, his current 1.60m stallion Hello (s.Ambler Gambler) and the internationally classified 1.50m jumper Lot Off Fun (s.Grandorado TN), ridden by stable rider Finn Boerekamp. “Subliem was jumping at 1.45m level here as a seven- or eight-year-old and later competed for several years in major classes in the United States with Kent Farrington. She returned to us at the age of sixteen, after which we started breeding with her. Her son Hello is also used for our own breeding program. I’m always willing to do that if I know the horse well myself and in this case, his dam as well. Subliem has clearly passed on her attitude and toughness, and Hello does the same.” Since then, Leon has more deliberately kept mares for breeding after their sport careers, even when they could still have generated good money as sport horses. “I truly believe that a mare can make the difference in breeding. That’s why it pays to breed with those top sport mares. Mares like Ulena, Haertthago, and Clarima are ones I have kept for breeding.” Top mares With this, Leon lists a number of outstanding performers. The Baloubet du Rouet daughter Ulena ster sport-spr PROK (out of Olena by Indoctro, breeder J. Veltmans) won more than 30 international classes with Sanne. The Heartbreaker daughter Haertthago Z (out of Cassandra by Carthago) jumped 5* Grand Prix and Nations Cup competitions with Leon, and the 1.50m-classified Clarimo daughter Clarima (out of Viviana CS by Quintero) won four international 1.45m classes with Sanne in 2023, before she was unfortunately injured. “Ulena and Haertthago performed exceptionally well, and Clarima had everything it takes to develop into a top horse for Sanne. She truly had a 10/10 attitude. Unfortunately, she flipped over at a show in Valkenswaard, after which we deliberately rehabilitated her as a broodmare, because I really wanted to use her for breeding. From Ulena, we have already bred several good horses, and although she is no longer with us, we are still expecting a foal from On the Spot out of her this year. We are using Haertthago for breeding via ICSI, and her oldest offspring is now six a son by All Star who is showing promising qualities.” After her sport career, Ulena produced three offspring in 2018, all of which are competing at a good level. “Her Chilli Willi daughter Now What performed well with Mans and has just been sold. Hello son Nondeju is competing at 1.40m level and is also being used in our breeding program, and her daughter No Guts No Glory is a Grandorado mare currently in training with Niels Kersten. In addition, we have a few younger horses out of Ulena.” Prior to her sport career, Ulena had already produced the Emilion daughter Batistuta, an international 1.50m horse bred by Rogier Linssen. Unorette One of the homebred stallions Leon used for breeding is the Colander son Ambler Gambler (out of Unorette by Numero Uno, breeder H.W. van Ravestein). “That horse was truly a phenomenon. I bought him as a two-year-old and was already so fond of him that I immediately bought his dam, Unorette, as well. I rode Ambler Gambler myself until he was eight years old and then sold him to Kent Farrington, with whom he quickly progressed to the highest level and competed in Global Tour classes. Unfortunately, he then sustained an injury and we had him rehabilitated here for a year. Later, Mel also competed with him at 1.45m level. He was a stallion with exceptional quality and attitude and he passes that on.” At Stal Thijssen, he produced not only the 1.60m horse Hello, but also, for example, Mans’ 1.55m-classified mare Looking For You (out of Charisma by Oklund). “I used him for breeding several times myself, and some friends also bred their mares to him. I’m not a commercial stallion owner, so it’s not about large numbers. I think he could have become an exceptionally good sire, but unfortunately, two years ago he collapsed after covering a mare. Otherwise, I’m certain he would now be serving many more mares.” Besides Ambler Gambler, his dam Unorette also proved to be a real asset. From this Numero Uno mare, Leon bred, among others, the international 1.60m horse Hi There (s.Nabab de Rêve), the 1.50m-classified I’m Here (s.Carambole), and the international 1.45m horse Look Alike (s.Cornet du Lys). “Unorette was truly an outstanding broodmare; she passed on an incredible amount of attitude to her offspring. From Look Alike, we have bred several foals, and we have just sold her to Japan. This year, we are expecting one final foal directly out of Unorette, sired by On the Spot.” In-house management It takes a well-organized system to train all the horses, whether homebred or not. “At this stable, we have space for 44 sport horses, and 500 meters further down the road we have a second stable with room for 24 horses. In total, we employ seven riders. In addition, I have quite a number of horses placed with other riders, as far away as Groningen. I think it’s very important that young horses can gain experience calmly and correctly. Most of them are broken in under saddle in Poland, and they return as five-year-olds, ready to jump a small course. Recently, we had half the stable empty because a number of horses were at the Sunshine Tour, so we brought fifteen horses back home from Poland first. And the nice thing is that almost all of them seemed good enough to continue with.” The first selection takes place in the winter when the horses turn three. “That’s when I have them all X-rayed. After Poland, the selection continues. For the horses that are not based here, I regularly receive videos, and their riders keep me updated. If they are good enough, I often bring them home as six-year-olds for further training. They don’t need to be jumping 1.30m at that stage I’d much rather they have 25 good rounds at 1.10m level then progress steadily from there.” Young mares Although international sport mares still form the foundation of Stal Thijssen’s breeding program, Leon is increasingly using younger mares as well. “If I have a good five- or six-year-old mare in the stable, I more often choose to use an embryo first. At that age, it hardly affects their sport career, and this way I secure offspring from mares that have the potential to develop to the highest level. Occasionally, I still do this with a seven-year-old mare for example, if I don’t yet have offspring from her but as they get older, the focus shifts entirely to sport. Last year, we made an exception with the I’m Special de Muze daughter Miconia Special, with whom Mel is performing at 1.45m level. That is an incredibly good mare, and when she got injured in the stable, she also turned out to be in heat so I decided to flush an embryo by Drummer. That’s a mare I expect to compete in top classes, so it’s interesting to have offspring from her. And coincidentally, I recently bought a fantastic eight-year-old Don Diarado mare in Germany. I’m already getting excited about flushing her as well, before continuing her sport training. It may also be a matter of age, but I find breeding more and more fascinating. Sometimes we spend entire days at competitions and half of the horses are homebred,that really makes it extra special.” Con Quidam Although Leon says he is not a commercial stallion owner, he does have a true mare magnet in his stable. The stallion Con Quidam RB (s.Quinar), approved by the KWPN in early 2025, already covered around 70 mares last year using frozen semen and is available fresh from this year onward. Many breeders and international riders have made use of him. Under Sanne Thijssen, Con Quidam RB won no fewer than eighteen Grand Prix classes and earned over €1.3 million in prize money. He competed at the international level for twelve years and is therefore one of the flagship horses of Stal Thijssen. “We already bred one foal by Con Quidam last year, and this year we are expecting nine. I like to keep my breeding program broad and don’t like to rely on just one horse, but for Con Quidam I’m happy to make an exception. If he passes on even half of his character and soundness, you’re already breeding a good horse. It’s incredible what he has achieved and how exceptionally sound he still is. Moreover, he has extraordinarily good semen. For Sanne, it was difficult to retire him from sport, because he is still so fit. But at some point, it’s enough he is 20 years old and always gives 100 percent. He stays here at the stable and is still being ridden; that’s when he’s happiest. Because of the quality of his semen, he doesn’t need to cover excessively either.” The semen of Con Quidam RB is distributed via Huub Dirckx in Weert. The foal by Con Quidam RB born at Stal Thijssen in 2025 also comes from an exceptional mare: Just Penelope JW van de Moerhoeve (s.Jenson van ’t Meulenhof), who herself competes at 1.60m level under Finn Boerekamp. “Con Quidam naturally covered mares as a young horse in Hungary, where several offspring were produced. Two years ago, we inseminated Just Penelope using semen from a small batch we had frozen when Con Quidam was seven years old. Even with that older frozen semen, he managed to get everything in foal here.” Broad mare base This year, nine foals by Con Quidam RB are expected, including out of the international 1.60m mare Caretini Z (s.Caretano Z), with whom Javier Salvador Torreguitart competed in Grand Prix and Nations Cup classes, and the six-year-old mare Picanto (Carambole out of Ulena). “With nine foals by one stallion, we’re really going all-in, but that way we’ll also quickly learn more about his breeding qualities. Normally, I don’t even use the same stallion for the same mare a year later, I try to keep things broad.” Foals are also expected, among others, from the 1.60m mare Cartolana 2 (s.Cartogran), the 1.60m mare Faithless MVDL (s.Ukato), the 1.60m mare Savita 2 (s.Stakkato Gold), with whom Henrik von Eckermann competed, the 1.50m mares Wishkarla sport-spr (s.Cavalier) and Soulsister/Waranda elite IBOP-spr sport-spr (s.Gentleman), the 1.45m mare Huppeldepup (v.Tyson), and Ambler Gambler’s full sister Kon-Tiki (s.Colander). “Cartolana performed well with Mel, and we deliberately kept her for breeding. Faithless is a mare I rode myself, and we already have some young horses out of her, we’re now expecting an Ipsthar foal from her. Wishkarla was also a top mare with a lot of blood, and she seems to pass that on. Soulsister has already produced several international horses, including the 1.60m horse Be Gentle, and she also passes on a lot of blood and quality.” Another mare that has delivered many sporting successes and is now used for breeding is Florida Balia NL (s.Bustique), bred by Maartje Lanooij, with whom Mel won more than 25 international classes. “She is a true competition horse, just like Con Quidam, for example. Florida wouldn’t be happy living in a group of mares, so she is still competing locally with a young rider, and we have flushed an embryo from her. I evaluate what works best for each individual mare.” Not multiplying The broodmares and young horses are raised at various locations. “Fortunately, Dorien knows exactly which horse is where. The mares are kept, among others, with the Ebbers family, with Dirk van Santvoort, and with a good friend of ours, Luc Willemsen. I often consult with him and Dorien when making stallion choices. Dorien manages everything and ensures the mares are moved to the right place in time for foaling. We outsource that completely, because it cannot be combined with our sport stable and because I want to minimize risk as much as possible. I don’t see our breeding as ‘multiplying’; I am careful with my mares and foals. When it comes to stallions, I prefer to use horses I know well, and of course I speak with many riders at competitions. That’s why I also feel confident using stallions like Drummer TN or Cero Blue TN, because Willem Greve is very enthusiastic about them. I also definitely take the dam line into account.” Leon makes no compromises when it comes to the quality of his mares. “I really try to breed only with the very best mares. The only thing they don’t necessarily need to have themselves is the very last bit of scope, because that can be added through the stallions. My experience is that mares with top attitude, quality, blood, and soundness pass this on to their offspring. On top of that, we are able to truly give our homebred horses the opportunities they deserve. We breed them for sport and don’t sell them as foals. In this way, we are becoming increasingly self-sufficient for our sport stable,” Leon concludes. Source: Jenneke Smit Photo: Dirk Caremans*

On Tuesday 21 April and Thursday 23 April, the first selection trial for the 2026 World Championships Young Dressage Horses took place in Ermelo. The selection committee, consisting of Johan Hamminga, Alex van Silfhout and Janine van Twist, assessed more than 80 five-, six- and seven-year-old dressage horses. “We had two very good days,” Johan Hamminga said enthusiastically. “The weather was great and there was a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. In all three age categories we saw horses with a lot of potential, which were also well ridden and performed solid tests. Especially for the seven-year-olds, the test is quite demanding, but we saw some very nice horses in the arena.” Improved tests The bar is set high at the World Championships in Verden, not only in terms of quality but also regarding training and harmony. “Riders increasingly understand what is required, and overall the standard of riding was good. The technical execution of the tests continues to improve; there is definitely an upward trend compared to previous years. At a first selection, we primarily look at the quality of both rider and horse, but we also pay close attention to the technical execution of the test.” Selected horses In total, the selection committee referred 22 five-year-olds, 17 six-year-olds and 13 seven-year-old dressage horses to the second selection round. Five-year-olds: Dante’s Empire (s.Dante Weltino) with Moisés Jover Azuar Lord Charmeur (s.Lord Europe) with Janina Tietze Pepijn van het Brabantshof (s.Boet 516) with Shannon van Manen Radetsky H (s.Lennox U.S.) with Cynthia Eggenkamp Ratina-Ray (s.Fürst Dior) with Demy Kurstjens Ready to Rumble (s.Le Formidable) with Saskia Poel Real Dream (s.Dynamic Dream) with Charlotte Fry Red Rock (s.Mowgli V.O.D.) with Geertje Hoogendoorn Rendez-Vous (s.Kjento) with Moisés Jover Azuar Renzo (s.Kjento) with Charlotte Fry Rituals De La Fazenda (s.Magnum De La Fazenda) with Thalia Rockx Rivivi Litchy US (s.Liamant W) with Moisés Jover Azuar Robijn Vda (s.Vitalis) with Cynthia Eggenkamp Rockstar (s.Le Formidable) with Saskia Poel Rockstar Millionaire (s.D’Avie) with Cynthia Eggenkamp Roebel (s.Romanov) with Kim Noordijk Roller-Coaster DH (s.Johnny Depp) with Rosa Vlaar Rose-Bel Taonga (s.Kjento) with Franka Loos Roseville (s.Blue Hors Monte Carlo TC) with Jesslin Vinkesteijn Royal Esther Svn (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) with Danielle Heijkoop Rubinella Dh (s.Jameson RS2) with Isabel Lienesch Rufus Van ’T Houtsche (s.Jameson RS2) with Lotje Schoots Six-year-olds: Fiji (s.For Romance) with Kim Alting Franzmann (s.Fürstenball) with Beatrice Arturi Mattie P Fan Dulve (s.Pier 448) with Danielle Heijkoop Oege van Cayenne Stables (s.Yme 507) with Zoë Kuintjes Panamera (s.Vivaldi) with Astrid Langeberg Paulo WM (s.Kjento) with Marieke Cobben Perfect Ritme (s.Lord Europe) with Kim Noordijk Pina Colada (s.Governor) with Kirsten Brouwer Pitch Perfect (s.Le Formidable) with Vai Bruntink Pjethro (s.Kjento) with Charlotte Fry Plenza (s.Kensington) with Daria Sushchinskaya Prada ND (s.Kjento) with Lieke Knook Prosecco TC (s.Joop TC) with Lennart Bos Puy du Fou (s.Donier) with Sophie Welmers Pythagoras Wk (s.All at Once) with Franka Loos Roman Empire (s.Romanov) with Bart Veeze Tie Break (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) with Leonie Richter Seven-year-olds: Hexagon’s Oprahmanda (s.Diamond Hit) with Tessa Kole Jedokus Hof (s.Nane 492) with Bennie van Es O Curro (s.Havanna II) with Marijke van Schaik Oberon (s.Kensington) with Daria Sushchinskaya Obredho (s.Johnson) with Brecht D’Hoore Obsession Taonga (s.Vitalis) with Lara van Nek Ocarl (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) with Thalia Rockx Odi Murona (s.Blue Hors Farrell) with Tessa Kole Oliviera 3 (s.Sezuan’s Donnerhall) with Marina Welbers Olympia W (s.Ebony) with Vai Bruntink Ortisei (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) with Julia Groenhart O’Toto van de Wimphof (s.Glock’s Toto Jr.) with Diederik van Silfhout Ozstralis Cottinglee (s.Sir Donnerhall) with Kirsten Brouwer Follow-up selection process The second selection will take place in Delft on 26 and 27 May. These dates have been adjusted due to overlap with the Dutch Dressage Championships. In addition to the selected horses, several combinations that were absent during the first selection with a valid veterinary certificate will also compete. They will have the opportunity to present themselves to the selection committee, provided they submit a video presentation in advance. The second selection also serves as the entry point for wildcard combinations. On 22 June, the best twelve horses per age group will return to Ermelo for the final selection. Schematic overview of the selection process Selection criteria Source: MvE for KWPN Photo: Wilma Frentz

Registration for the selection process for the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses has opened. The first observation rounds will take place on April 21 and 23 in Ermelo, and in the months that follow, it will be determined which combinations will represent the Netherlands in Verden from August 4 up to and including August 9. The FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses is the ultimate event where sport and breeding come together. The best five-, six-, and seven-year-old dressage horses compete in Verden for the world titles. Participation Combinations can register via Equicompetition until April 14 for the first selection moments on April 21 and 23 in Ermelo, with the possibility of late entry up to and including April 17. During this selection, the FEI Preliminary Dressage Test will be ridden for each respective age group. This will be assessed by the selection committee for the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, consisting of Johan Hamminga, Janine van Twist and Alex van Silfhout. Horses participating in the selection process must have been registered as a foal with a studbook that is recognized and based in the Netherlands and is also affiliated with the WBFSH. As of April 1, 2026, combinations must be eligible to compete at the following levels: Five-year-olds: L2+10 / eligible at M level Six-year-olds: M2+10 / eligible at Z level Seven-year-olds: eligible at ZZ-Zwaar level Further selection process After the first selection, approximately twenty horses per age group will be invited for the second observation in Delft on May 27 and 28. The combinations selected in Ermelo will again present the Preliminary Test. This observation will also be the entry moment for the wildcards, who will present the Final Test. On June 22, the best twelve horses per age group will return to Ermelo. There, the Final Test will serve as the final selection moment. After this, the Dutch delegation for the World Championships will be announced. Schematic overview Selections Selection criteria Source: MvE for KWPN Photo: KWPN

Have you bought or sold a horse abroad? Then you will be faced with various matters, ranging from veterinary requirements and export documents to the practical organisation of transport. Horses2fly, a loyal partner of the KWPN, guides owners and breeders through this process from start to finish. Thanks to years of experience and a worldwide network, they ensure that your horse arrives safely, healthy, and in full compliance with all regulations at its destination. Specialist in export outside Europe Horses2fly specialises in the professional transport of horses to destinations outside Europe. Whether it concerns a foal, sport horse, or broodmare: the entire process is taken care of. Safety, comfort, and optimal care for the horse are always top priority. Full support throughout the export process For exports to, among others, the United States, Canada, South America, and Asia, Horses2fly supports all steps in the process. This includes quarantine, blood testing and health certificates, transport to the airport, and supervision during the flight by professional grooms. Handling at the final destination and transport insurance can also be arranged. Thanks to an international network of reliable partners, your horse is assured of excellent care. Tips for a successful export Good preparation is essential for a smooth export process. Below are some points of attention for different categories: Foals Foals must be at least five months old before they can be transported. It is important that they are accustomed to wearing a halter and being handled. Transport together with the mare or a ‘buddy’ is preferred. In addition, timely vaccinations and blood tests are required. Three-year-old horses Allow young horses to get used to transport and new environments. Ensure they are in good condition and at an appropriate weight. Consider additional supervision during the flight and take out suitable transport insurance. Sport horses Clearly indicate in advance whether the horse requires special care or feeding. Horses2fly ensures that the horse meets all veterinary export requirements. Certified grooms supervise the transport, where extra rest, space, or a stopover (in case of road transport) is possible. Pregnant broodmares Transport of pregnant mares is possible under certain conditions. In consultation with the veterinarian, a safe schedule is determined, with the welfare of both mare and unborn foal as the priority. Worldwide destinations Horses2fly provides transport to various destinations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, South America, and Asia. Are you planning to export a horse? Please contact Horses2fly for non-binding advice or a tailored quotation. They are happy to assist you. www.horses2fly.com info@horses2fly.com

In the past period, a request was submitted for the approval of the showjumping stallion Missouri van ’t Ruytershof. The stallion selection committee has evaluated this stallion and has issued a positive recommendation regarding the approval. The Board has formally ratified this approval. The fourteen-year-old Missouri van ’t Ruytershof showed a great deal of talent as a young horse according to the stallion selection committee, However, he did not receive every opportunity in sport thereafter. Nevertheless, this son of Bamako de Muze has competed up to Grand Prix 1.55m level. Positive contribution With his strong dam line, the stallion is very interestingly bred: his dam has produced no less than fifteen international showjumping horses, including two winners of a Global Champions Tour Grand Prix. This dam line is known for its good attitude and rideability, two characteristics that are of great importance in international showjumping. The stallion selection committee expects that Missouri van ’t Ruytershof can make a positive contribution to showjumping horse breeding, particularly with regard to attitude and rideability. Pedigree Sire Bamako de Muze descends from the influential showjumping sire Darco. This 1.60m stallion comes from one of the best producing mares in the world: his dam Fragance de Chalus produced 26 international showjumping horses, eight of which compete at 1.60m level. This daughter of Jalisco B is also the dam of the stallion Mylord Carthago. Strong dam line Missouri van ’t Ruytershof is out of the well-known mare Inathina van ’t Ruytershof, who competed at 1.40m level with Jos Verlooy. This daughter of two-time Olympic champion For Pleasure has produced fifteen international showjumping horses, including Luna van ’t Ruytershof (s.Levisto), ridden by Nicola Philippaerts, and Messi van ’t Ruytershof (s.Plot Blue), ridden by Janne Friederike Meyer. Granddam Diamanthina van ’t Ruytershof (s.Diamant de Semilly) was successful at Grand Prix level, produced three Grand Prix horses, and is the full sister of the Olympic stallion Emerald van ’t Ruytershof. The dam line continues with a daughter of Carthago who produced seven 1.50/1.60m horses. Requirements Missouri van ’t Ruytershof meets the veterinary requirements regarding the hock and navicular X-rays. The conformation assessment shows no remarks. The genomic breeding value OC is 97 (reliability 46%) and Missouri van ’t Ruytershof is not a carrier of the WFFS gene. Source: KWPN Photo: 1ClicPhoto*

The KWPN merchandise has been restocked in the webshop of Official Partner Emmers Equestrian. The webshop offers a wide range of stylish and functional products for both horse and rider. The popular KWPN polos and jackets have recently been replenished and are once again available. For horses, items such as the KWPN saddle pad and the thermal sponsor blanket are available. The anatomically shaped saddle pad provides an optimal fit and a high level of comfort, while the breathable lining helps keep the horse dry during riding. The thermal sponsor blanket, on the other hand, provides warmth and comfort after training or during transport, thanks to its insulating and breathable material. Official KWPN merchandise There is also plenty of choice when it comes to clothing. The KWPN polo, available in blue and white, combines a timeless look with wearing comfort. The KWPN jacket is practical and comfortable, making it ideal for everyday use at the stable or on the go. For colder days, there are quilted KWPN jackets for both men and women, complemented by a warm KWPN beanie. Finally, the KWPN Lucky Charm adds a subtle and personal detail to your horse’s equipment. Browse the full collection in the webshop and choose your favorite KWPN items. Go directly to the webshop Source: KWPN Photo: Sandra Karman