Following the second round viewing, it was time for the International Congress of Showjumper Breeders, where top international breeders engaged in discussions on various thought-provoking topics.

Held in the Hertogzaal, the congress attracted a large audience. Attendees could participate through live discussions using a microphone or via an online poll. Topics included the role of studbooks, equine welfare, the importance of commercial breeding, and the choice between young or proven stallions. Internationally renowned breeders such as Joris De Brabander, Harm Thormählen, Patrice Boureau, Alexandra Lebon, Tom Brennan, and Roelof Bril shared their insights on their own breeding programs and the broader industry. The evening was expertly moderated by Dirk Willem Rosie.

Some statements from the discussion:
Walter Lelie: “Small breeders absolutely have a place in the industry—anyone can breed a top horse. Just look at King Edward.”
Valentijn De Bock: “Belgian breeders have taken the best from abroad and selected purely for jumping ability. Showjumpers must have power and scope.”
Fred van Straaten: “Using young stallions allows you to make big strides in breeding.”
Tom Brennan: “I firmly believe that a mare determines 90% of the outcome.”
Patrice Boureau: “Both stallions and mares produce their best offspring when they are still young. Just look at Almé, Jalisco B, or Laudanum xx.”
Kees van den Oetelaar: “With a young stallion, you take a bit more risk, but you can achieve ten years of progress.”
Julius-Peter Sinnack: “A good broodmare is expensive, but breeding is not just for the wealthy.”
Tom Brennan: “All great horses come from great mothers.”
Harm Thormählen: “Offspring inherit the temperament of their dam. That’s why mares are the most decisive factor.”
Joris De Brabander: “You need to start with a competitive mare. She doesn’t have to be at the highest level—one that wins consistently at a lower level can be just as valuable for breeding.”
Kees van den Oetelaar: “We must continue searching for new bloodlines; otherwise, our breeding pool will become too narrow.”
Roelof Bril: “Breeder bonuses could help attract more breeders to competitions. I have no problem with allocating part of the prize money to the breeder.”

After the panel discussions, attendees had the opportunity to continue conversations in smaller groups with the panelists and fellow breeders. You can read more about the International Congress of Showjumper Breeders in KWPN Magazine No. 2.

JS for KWPN
Photo: HippoFoto