The fourth day of the first round viewing, powered by AJ Bedrijfsdiensten, may not have been the most convincing in terms of overall quality, but it still resulted in eleven stallions being selected for ’s-Hertogenbosch. Today, the stallion selection committee evaluated 44 stallions, of which exactly 25 percent received an invitation to the second round viewing. Le Formidable and My Blue Hors Santiano each had two stallions selected. Point of attention Several stallions were able to impress both in conformation and movement, but overall the level could have been more convincing. “Use of the back was a point of attention several times today. We also saw that on earlier days, but more so today. You then see stallions with a very attractive front end and good hind leg articulation, but that still lack connection over the back and therefore overall linkage. It may well be that this improves under saddle later on, but at this moment we assess the stallions in free movement, and we have to select accordingly,” explains committee chairman Bart Bax. “Fortunately, there are sufficient opportunities for owners to present those stallions again later if they perform better under saddle. At this point, we have a total of 59 stallions for ’s-Hertogenbosch, with a full day still to come tomorrow. In addition, we have had approximately 20 withdrawals so far, which theoretically could all still be presented again at the re-inspection.” Overview page first round viewing

Following the dressage stallions at the first round viewing, powered by AJ Bedrijfsdiensten, it was time for the Gelder stallions. The stallion selection committee was able to invite four stallions to ’s-Hertogenbosch. A varied group of seven stallions appeared at the first round viewing. The stallion selection committee, consisting of chairman Jan Pen, Jan Vonk and Wouter Plaizier, evaluated the stallions both on the hard surface and in the arena. The enthusiastic audience responded with applause on several occasions following the stallions’ presentations. Of the seven stallions, four were selected to proceed to the second round viewing. These included sons of Barton VDL, Jupiler S, Ojee-B, and a brown skewbald son of Glock’s Energy. Overview page first round viewing

On the third day of the first round viewing, powered by AJ Bedrijfsdiensten, 18 dressage stallions were selected, including several sons of Olympic stallions. Today, the stallion selection committee evaluated 48 stallions. The Olympic stallions Glock’s Toto Jr. (5), Hermès (1) and Indian Rock (1) each had sons selected for the second round viewing. Las Vegas had two sons advance to the next round. “From Glock’s Toto Jr., we selected a number of sharply modelled stallions that move in a functional manner,” says committee chairman Bart Bax. Good walk With two full days and the re-inspection still to come, the total currently stands at 48. “This morning we were able to select seven stallions, and this afternoon eleven. It was a bit of a search in the first part of the day, but we certainly managed to select a number of interesting stallions. What stood out throughout the day was that we saw several stallions that showed a very good and correct walk in hand. That is not equally easy for every horse, so this is certainly a positive point. We still have tomorrow and Saturday to go, when we will see, among others, the first crops of the young stallions. Due to the withdrawals, we also expect to see a number of stallions at the re-inspection, so although quality is of course the guiding factor, I think the quantity will also be satisfactory this year. So far it has already been an interesting collection, which allows us to look ahead to ’s-Hertogenbosch with confidence.” Overview page first round viewing

After two days of the first round viewing, the total number of selected dressage stallions stands at 30. Among today’s selected horses were sons of Jovian, Dream Boy and Easy Game. At the first round viewing powered by AJ Bedrijfsdiensten, 46 stallions were assessed today by the stallion inspection committee. Seven were selected in the morning, and eleven in the afternoon. Complete stallions The bloodlines were very diverse today. “It is always interesting to also look at stallions descending from foreign sires. Today we were able to select several stallions for the second round viewing that are also interesting in terms of blood diversification,” says committee chairman Bart Bax. “On the hard surface we had to make a few more remarks today than yesterday, but we also saw a number of well-conformed stallions. In terms of development, the selected stallions made a good impression; we didn’t have any small ones and we are certainly not looking for very large horses either. At this age, a height around 1.65/1.67m is ideal, they can still grow nicely.” Today, the stallions Jovian, Dream Boy, Dutch Dream, Easy Game and Desperado each had two sons selected. “In total we now have 30 stallions for ’s-Hertogenbosch, including the older stallion who must still participate in the stallion competition first. With three more days to go and the re-inspection, we have certainly made a good start and we look forward to the continuation of this selection round.” Overview page first round viewing

After fourteen stallions managed to jump double clear in the L class of the Blom Stallion Competition in Kronenberg, eight stallions achieved the same result today in IJsselmuiden. The final section of the Blom Stallion Competition saw several withdrawals, but still featured many high-quality stallions in the arena. After the second round, the stallions were evaluated and commented on by stallion selection committee members Eric van der Vleuten and chairman Wout-Jan van der Schans. Clear Potential Eight combinations remained double clear. Among them were the KWPN-approved stallions R.Elfhaban van Beek (v.Elfra van Beek Z out of Habanda van Beek PROK by Hos d’O, bred/owned by ’t Eirbissenhof) ridden by Conan Wright, Rocket Man TN (v.Kasanova de la Pomme out of Otina van HD sport-spr by El Torreo de Muze, breeder Danny Van Hooydonk) ridden by Koen Westendorp, Ringo Starr (v.O’Neill van ’t Eigenlo out of Elijanta stb prest PROK by Numero Uno, breeder Frans van Boxtel) ridden by Gerd Jan Horsmans, Rising Blue (v.Chacco-Blue out of Zarina III ster pref prest by Heartbreaker, breeder Willy Wijnen) ridden by Conan Wright, and Cognac vh Gebergte Z (v.Chacco-Blue out of Olympia JW van ’t Meulenhof by Diamant de Semilly, breeder Bob Janssens) ridden by Cristel Kalf. “R.Elfhaban van Beek was a bit fresh in the first round but allowed himself to be ridden much better in the second round, which helped him show his qualities. He jumps with good body use and has a nice attitude. Rocket Man TN is developing very positively; he becomes easier to ride and therefore increasingly consistent. Certainly a horse for the future. Ringo Starr is a big horse with plenty of blood, sometimes still a bit over-eager. He jumps with tremendous scope and has a good mindset, which will allow him to jump substantial courses later on,” explained Eric van der Vleuten. “Cognac vh Gebergte Z is a wonderfully pleasant jumper with excellent body use and lightness. He is rideable, very athletic, and we definitely expect to see him again in the future,” he continued. Wout-Jan added: “Rising Blue stands out for his great carefulness. He sometimes jumps a little too upward, which means he cannot finish behind quite yet. Once he relaxes, you immediately see his potential for the future.” Rising Blue, Cognac vh Gebergte Z, Ringo Starr, and R.Elfhaban van Beek also belonged to the double clear jumpers in Kronenberg. Results Blom Stallion Competition JS for KWPN / Photo: Aston VDL – Wilma Frentz

Just as in Kronenberg, Willem Greve and the KWPN-approved stallion Drummer 2000 TN (v.Diamant de Semilly) claimed victory in the M class of the Blom Stallion Competition in IJsselmuiden. The M class in IJsselmuiden featured thirteen participants, with three stallions competing HC as part of the stallion selection. Eight stallions returned for the jump-off. Impressive Performance The highly competitive, easily adjustable, and very willing KWPN-approved stallion Pharao (Vigo d’Arsouilles out of Donnalina ster pref prest PROK by Indoctro, bred and owned by Gebroeders Lohuis) delivered a fast, faultless jump-off round under Justin Zwartjens. That put them in contention for the win—until Willem Greve entered the ring for the second time with the KWPN-approved stallion Drummer 2000 TN (Diamant de Semilly out of China Touch Hero by Chin Chin, bred by Stud 2000) of Team Nijhof. Last year Drummer 2000 TN won the L class of the stallion competition, and he recently formed a new combination with Willem Greve, who is currently in outstanding form. The pair already won in Kronenberg, and they repeated that success today in IJsselmuiden. The big stallion jumps with tremendous power without losing precious time. Immediately upon landing, he turns toward the next fence again, with his blood adding to his efficiency. Their performance was not only good enough for the win—it will undoubtedly place Drummer 2000 TN high on many breeders’ lists. Athleticism and Ease The athletic KWPN-approved stallion Porsche SB (Kitt SB out of Legend Power SIH ster EPTM-spr by Vagabond de la Pomme, bred by Jaco and Linda Hiemstra) also produced two excellent clear rounds. Under Suzanne Tepper, he impressed with his ease, carefulness, and light-footed way of going. Cristel Kalf followed with two clear-jumping greys to finish fourth and fifth: the powerful and appointed Zirocco Blue VDL son Pardino VDL (out of Sixtine de Vains by Calvaro Z, bred by VDL Stud) and the effortless jumper Power Pool JR (Liverpool out of Zerna ster IBOP-spr sport-spr pref prest by Jacomar), bred by Johan Regterschot. Results Blom Stallion Competition  JS for KWPN / Photo: Drummer 2000 TN – Wilma Frentz

With stand-in rider Kars Bonhof in the saddle, the KWPN-approved stallion Tattoo H&DB TN claimed victory in the Z class of the Blom Stallion Competition in IJsselmuiden. The Z class of the Blom Stallion Competition featured six participants, four of whom qualified for the jump-off. In that jump-off, Kars Bonhof had two irons in the fire. In addition to the consistently performing KWPN-approved stallion Onassis TN (Grandorado TN out of Hella stb D-OC by Quasimodo van de Molendreef, bred by Stefan Wijnveen from Winterswijk Woold), he also brought Tattoo H&DB TN (Parfait van het Schaeck out of O’Mega H&DB by Kannan, bred by Valentijn De Bock and Carl Heyrman) to the start — a stallion normally ridden by Fabiënne Lichtenvoort Cats. And with success: with Tattoo H&DB TN, the Team Nijhof rider secured the win. Last year, Tattoo H&DB TN and his regular rider already won the stallion competition class in Kronenberg. With his consistent jumping technique and commitment, the powerful Tattoo H&DB TN delivered the fastest clear round with great ease. Consistent Performances With Onassis TN, Kars Bonhof took a more measured approach, yet he still produced another effortless clear round — good for third place, finishing just behind the KWPN-approved stallion Oslo (Cote de Zélande Delta Mossel Z out of Kelvira elite IBOP-spr D-OC by Chaman), bred by Mark van Heel and co-registered by Joop van Uytert. Under Jarno van Erp, this strong-galloping stallion once again impressed with a beautiful clear round, earning second place. Oslo stands out with his push from the floor, body use, and athletic ability. The winner of the previous competition in Kronenberg had to settle for fourth place this time. On and On MB (Baltic VDL out of Koosje de Roblesse ster sport-spr by Harley VDL), bred by Mirjam Bierings, touched an unfortunate rail in the jump-off under Rob Heijligers. Results Blom Stallion Competition JS for KWPN / Photo: Tattoo H&DB TN – Wilma Frentz