During the KWPN Stallion Show, two jumper horse breeders were honored with a breeders' premium. At a cozy gathering in the KWPN stand, accompanied by Bossche bollen and coffee, Roelof and Erica Klinkhamer and Jan Ooms were pleasantly surprised with a €750 premium. KWPN chairman Andries van Daalen kicked off the event on behalf of the Friends of KWPN Breeders Foundation.

Roelof and Erica Klinkhamer were called forward for their elite mare Ricci LK (by Carrera VDL). This mare achieved the highest score in the IBOP Jumping Test 2024, scoring 90 points, including a 9 for all jumping aspects. The Klinkhamers enthusiastically breed a number of dressage and show jumping foals each year. Roelof shared: "My father and grandfather also bred foals annually. We do it with just as much passion, though in a slightly more structured way. Eighteen years ago, we started with two dressage mares from a renowned dam line and a jumper mare from an exceptional lineage. Health is extremely important to us, and we select very strictly for that.”

Successful year
Erica added: "Last year was very successful for us. Our homebred Merlot VDL won the Z-Class of the Stallion Competition, for which we were honored. Also, our young stallion Raikkonen LK (by Landino VDL) was approved, and this recognition today is a great continuation of that success.”

Sympathetic
Jan Ooms, along with his long-time equestrian partner of 25 years, Karin Haarkamp, also traveled to Den Bosch to receive a breeders’ premium for their elite mare Rayfa-Pinacolada (by Aganix du Seigneur). She achieved the best result in the EPTM Jumping Test 2024, scoring 86 points, with 8.5s across all categories and even a 9 for power and potential. Jan reflected on his passion for breeding: "The year before, we also had a mare with the same score, which was already a great achievement. We are quite dedicated to breeding and welcome a few jumper foals each year. I select the stallions myself but always consult with Karin and Team Nijhof. If none of their stallions are a good match for my mare, they always give me honest advice, which I really appreciate.” Looking ahead, he shared: "This year, I have two pregnant mares again—Rayfa-Pina Colada is in foal to Tattoo TN, and her dam is in foal to Drummer TN.”

Breeders' premiums
Tomorrow, it will be the dressage horse breeders’ turn to receive their breeders’ premiums, along with the breeder of an eventing horse, who will also be recognized.

GJ for KWPN