The highest distinction for KWPN-approved stallions has just been awarded to the Toulon son Etoulon VDL. This highly influential sire has now joined the select group of preferent stallions.

Etoulon VDL (Toulon x Calvados), bred by the now 84-year-old Piet Sleutels from Roggel, was declared keur two years ago, and now he has received the preferent status. This distinction is awarded to keur stallions whose offspring are at least eleven years old and who distinguish themselves in both conformation and sport inheritance in both male and female descendants.

Always outstanding
At three years old, Etoulon VDL was named reserve champion at the KWPN Stallion Show in 2012. He was then registered with 88.5 points. After impressive results in the young horse and stallion competitions, he progressed under Jur Vrieling to international 1.50m level, until an injury interrupted his career. As a sire, Etoulon VDL has made a significant impact, with more than 15 of his offspring already competing at international 1.50/1.60m level, including I Am, Ebanking, Jordan Molga M, Juwel SFN, Imbeer, Opaline de W&S, and Itoulon S. Additionally, his offspring have excelled in mare inspections, producing three champions at the National Mare Inspections: It’s A Girl GR, Mette VDL, and O’Dame VDL. A remarkable 85% of his presented daughters earned a predicate at the inspection, and 18% of his daughters aged three and older have already earned the sport predicate. Moreover, Etoulon VDL has sired four KWPN-approved sons: It’s Otto, Insider VDL, Kardesh, and Oosterbuur. Overall, his contribution to breeding is undeniable, and the VDL Stud can now proudly add another preferent sire to their roster.

JS for KWPN
Photo Etoulon VDL: HippoFoto