The highlight of Dutch sport and breeding is gearing up for action. In exactly one week, on Wednesday, January 29, the KWPN Stallion Show kicks off at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. Let’s look ahead to four exciting days filled with thrilling sport and show classes.

The event begins Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with the second round viewing of the jumper stallions. During these days, 82 three-year-old jumper stallions and three four-year-old or older jumper stallions will be evaluated by the stallion selection committee, consisting of Wout-Jan van der Schans, Eric van der Vleuten, and Bart Henstra. Wednesday evening features the International Congress of Showjumper Breeders in the Hertogzaal. During this congress, renowned breeders will share their expertise and engage in discussions – including with the audience – based on propositions.

Continuation of the jumping day
On Thursday, the KWPN Stallion Show continues with the jumper stallion selection, the finals of the Blom Stallion Competition Jumping, the presentation of the premium jumper stallions, including the championship inspection, and the KWPN Select Sale Jumping. The evening features the second round viewing under saddle and the presentation of the jumper stallions approved in 2024. Additionally, there will be an award ceremony for the new predicate jumper stallions and Imagine’s recognition as Jumping Horse of the Year 2024. The evening concludes with the thrilling competition for the VHO Trophy.

Dressage on Friday
Friday is all about dressage. The day begins with the second round viewing of 87 three-year-old dressage stallions and one older stallion by the stallion selection committee, consisting of Bart Bax, Johan Hamminga, and Wouter Plaizier. In the afternoon, the selected dressage stallions and the dressage stallions approved in 2024 will be presented, followed by the finals of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage. Predicate stallions will be honored, along with Glamourdale, named Dressage Horse of the Year 2024.

Spectacular shows
The dressage evening concludes with several spectacular performances, including an appearance by the Dutch team of seven-year-olds from the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. Led by bronze medalist Massimo, the audience in the Brabanthallen will see horses aiming for future medal success. Additionally, Reesink Stallions, Van Olst Horses, and Van Uytert will create magical moments, showcasing the invaluable role of stallion owners in Dutch breeding. The evening concludes with a tribute to WBFSH world leader Johnson.

Dressage and Gelder horses
Saturday, February 1, starts with the continuation of the second round viewing of dressage stallions, followed by the evaluation of two Gelder stallions by the Gelder horse stallion selection committee, consisting of Arie Hamoen, Wouter Plaizier, and Jan Pen. The afternoon includes the second round viewing under saddle, the presentation and priming of selected Gelder stallions, including the championship inspection.

Special clinics
Saturday afternoon also features two clinics. Emmelie Scholtens and Dinja van Liere will showcase their promising young stars Kyton and Imposantos. Additionally, the Dutch Dressage Future Plan presents a clinic led by FEI 5* dressage judge Maarten van der Heijden, who will guide seven combinations and explain how to develop a horse’s natural talent with full respect for the animal. Selected dressage stallions, premium stallions, and the championship inspection will also take place, followed by the KWPN Select Sale Dressage.

Harness horse evening with Gelder highlights
At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, the harness horse evening begins with the second round viewing of 11 three-year-olds and one older harness stallion, assessed by the stallion selection committee members Wim Versteeg, Bauke de Boer, and Thomas van der Weiden. This will be followed by the final presentation of the KWPN Gelders Horse Stallion Competition. The harness and Gelder stallions approved in 2024 will be presented to the public, followed by the presentation and priming of the selected harness stallions, including the championship inspection. The final evening of the KWPN Stallion Show concludes with the exciting battle for the Oregon Trophy.

KWPN Stallion Show
From January 29 to February 1 2025, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will transform into the highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show. Alongside the stallion selection, enjoy a fantastic program featuring thrilling sport and show classes showcasing the best of the Dutch sport horse world. Don’t have a ticket yet? Order yours quickly. Can’t attend in person? The KWPN Stallion Show will also be streamed live on the renewed KWPN.tv.

Overview page for KWPN Stallion Show

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Text: KWPN
Photo: Dirk Caremans