This afternoon, the first round viewing of the stallions, which were selected in Den Bosch for the performance test, took place in Ermelo. Additionally, four stallions were presented for the harness re-evaluation. Nine of the stallions selected in the spring showed themselves in harness, eight of which may present themselves for the second round viewing, as well as the two re-evaluation stallions selected this afternoon.

A large audience came to Ermelo to witness this first round viewing towards the performance test. It took place on the 100-meter track, which was used to its full length. The track was in excellent condition, the sound system was good, and the presentation followed the catalog order nicely. Everything ran on time, and food and drinks were provided for the audience.

Trainability
The stallion selection committee, consisting of Wim Versteeg (chairman), Thomas van der Weiden, and Bauke de Boer, along with inspector Viggon van Beest, assessed the stallions according to protocol, without requiring a competition performance. Trainability is an important aspect in this first round viewing. Eight of the nine selected stallions (six three-year-olds, one four-year-old, and one six-year-old) were allowed to proceed to the second round viewing; the four-year-old son of Idol was not found to be trainable, and he was eliminated. Their sires are: Idol, Innovatief, Icellie, Bocellie, Image HBC, Johnny Cash, Atleet, and Eebert. The inspector added that the drivers had done their homework well, and the stallions were generally presented neatly and properly according to protocol.

Discussion
After each presentation, the registered parties were asked to enter the arena, and the committee engaged in conversation with the driver and/or registered party. The jury provided advice on areas for improvement, but the advice could also be to "continue as is," the committee explained. During the second round viewing on September 23rd at the Pavo track in Ermelo, the committee will take into account the implementation of their advice, and decisions regarding acceptance may be made.

To the second round viewing
The second round viewing includes 710-Relatief (Idol x Unieko), bred and owned by E. Daniëls/S. Daniëls from Wageningen; 705-Realist van Altrido (Innovatief x Cizandro), bred by A. and T. Doornbos from Beilen and owned by H. Bos; 723 Romeo V (Icellie x Eebert), bred by G.E. Veenstra from Kornhorn and owned by Derkjan Mekkes/Van Olst Horses; 717-Rocellie (Bocellie x Cizandro), bred by Arie van Wijhe from 't Harde and owned by Gebr. van Manen; 731-Nicolei VB (Image HBC x Plain's Black Magic), bred and owned by Marcel van Bruggen from Varik, co-owned by Egbert Schep; 728-Rocky Cash Reg. B (Johnny Cash PROK x Eebert), bred by Gerard Lokhorst from Kamperveen and owned by Richard Hofstra/Age Okkema; 727-Ruwaldo (Atleet x Cizandro), bred by Frans Raaymakers from Nistelrode and owned by Gebr. van Manen; and 732-Pietertje (Eebert x Kowalski), bred and owned by Marcel van Bruggen from Varik, who thus has two offspring among the selected stallions. The stallions were driven by Robbie van Dijk (3), Marcel van Bruggen (2), Henk Hammers, Derkjan Mekkes, and Richard Hofstra.

Two selected
Two of the four stallions offered for re-evaluation, which were judged directly in show trot in the sand arena and then on the street, were selected to present themselves in the second round viewing. The first is 704-Ravensgoed W (Dylano x Eebert), bred by Joop van Wessel from Zwartebroek and owned by Stal van Vliet/B.C. Rijsdijk/C.C. van Wely. Wim Versteeg: "This is an appealing, long-lined stallion built uphill with a beautiful neck. The stallion has a lot of foreleg action, though he could be stronger in the hindquarters. The well-known dam line positively influenced the selection." The driver was Robbie van Dijk.

Also a good dam line
The second selected was 706-Rebel MJDB (Lanto HBC x Cizandro), bred and owned by Maarten Joris de Boer from Wanneperveen. Wim Versteeg: "A well-developed stallion with an attractive front, featuring a lot of crest and good muscling of the upper neck line. The stallion has a good wither. He showed an appealing performance. The front could be a bit more generous. The good dam line also contributed positively to this selection." The driver was Harrie van Middelaar.

DB for KWPN