Since 1998, the Oregon Trophy has been contested at the KWPN Stallion Show in 's-Hertogenbosch. Three top KWPN stallions went head-to-head in an epic battle, including two debutants. Magnifiek took the lead and won the Oregon Trophy for the third time.
In the arena, the judges were Joop van Wessel as chairman, Demi van Nispen, and Johan Holties. The riders already have the necessary experience, but participating in the Oregon Trophy remains a unique event. Title defender Latino (by Dylano) and his rider Mark de Groot did not participate this edition. However, Magnifiek with registered rider Lambertus Huckriede from Enschede did compete. There is practically no title left for him to win; he has already won the Oregon Trophy twice before and can now add a third victory to his name.
Oberon and Olympus HS
Two six-year-olds presented themselves at this harness horse event. First, there was Olympus HS (by Icellie, bred by Henk Minkema from De Wilgen), registered by Handelshuis Schuttert from Ommen, in the hands of Harry van Middelaar, also an Oregon Trophy winner and a participant last year. This debutant Olympus HS has performed very well and successfully for several years, and this combination also gave it their all. What a lovely horse; this promises a lot for the future. The stallion Oberon (by Icellie, bred by Harrie Tonnaer from Ysselsteyn), registered by Gebr. van Manen from Ede, is also six years old, and the same can be said about his performance. He has an impressive, successful career as well. Oberon participated with rider Robbie van Dijk and felt at home among the harness horse fans at this event. Oberon ran like clockwork—constant and powerful.
Results of the Oregon Trophy
GJ for KWPN
Photo Magnifiek: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 22:57
Samba dances with great suppleness to the title
Under great public interest, ten three-year-old harness horse stallions appeared at the KWPN Stallion Show, having recently been referred from the first round viewing in Ermelo to the second round viewing. Additionally, a four-year-old stallion was invited to complete his first round viewing in harness. The well-balanced chestnut Samba convincingly became champion. Six stallions were designated for the performance test, and two received premium awards.
For several years, no champion was chosen during the second round viewing of harness horses at the KWPN Stallion Show, but this tradition has been rightfully reinstated. The competition was intense. Six stallions were selected for the performance test, with two receiving premium awards and advancing to the championship round: the two chestnuts Sam (Cizandro x Larix) and Samba (Macho x Cizandro). The breeders of the premium stallions were awarded a special breeding premium on behalf of the Friends of KWPN Breeders. In the final, the audience’s favorite was evident. Wim Versteeg explained: "We have two incredible horses here—what do you do then? We chose suppleness and the most complete horse: Samba. So today, he becomes the champion of the harness horse stallions."
Rayan EVL
The four-year-old Rayan EVL (Icellie x Lizzy ster by Eebert, breeder E.J. van Loenen) was presented in hand in Ermelo. He was then referred for the harness presentation in Den Bosch, where, after an impressive performance, it was announced that he was advancing to the second round viewing. Due to his age, he was not eligible for the championship title.
Designated Stallions
Sam (Cizandro x Fijantha ster by Larix), breeder J.P.C. Ermens, registered with Stal Aris van Manen.
Samba (Macho x Mareda ster by Cizandro), breeder S. Daniëls, registered with R. Hofstra and T. van Doorn.
Seizandro (Macho x Heidelien elite by Cizandro), breeder Gebr. den Otter, registered with Gebr. van Manen.
Showtime (Magnifiek x Marvel), breeder Dinie Markhorst-van der Velden, registered with Lambertus Huckriede.
Sorrento (Roy M x Julia-Rose ster by Cizandro), breeder A.H. Geerdink, registered with HBC Stal.
Rayan EVL (Icellie x Lizzy ster by Eebert), breeder E.J. van Loenen, registered with Stal Aris van Manen.
More information on the stallion selection will be available in the February edition of KWPN Magazine.
Results of the second round viewing for harness horses
GJ for KWPN
Photo Samba: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 22:41
Odeer and Odin take the lead in the stallion competition
The versatile Gelderland horses had already completed the KWPN Stallion Competition for Gelder Horses earlier. Tonight, only a beautiful final presentation took place.
Throughout the entire competition, only the Atze son Odeer (out of Zeronica elite sport by Talos, bred by Anouk Noordman) competed with driver Henk Hammers. Both his sire and dam compete in Grand Prix dressage under saddle.
Three stallions in class M dressage
In class M dressage, three Gelder stallions participated. The most points were collected by Odin (Edmundo out of Buonaternel elite preferent sport by Vitens, bred by P.E.M. Herweijer and M.H. Zwaneveld) under Dirk-Jan van de Water. Ojee-B (Ibsen B out of Jorien Tilde elite by Rubus B, bred by Gerrit te Bokkel) competed with Anouk Slabbers, as did Olaf Official (Henkie out of Diamant provisionally keur by Sirius, bred by G.J.W. Roerdinkholder) with Zoë Kuintjes.
Different stallions
Arie Hamoen provided commentary on the stallions: “Odin was a bit tense in the first competition. This stallion has an expressive front leg and can shift gears smoothly. Anouk Slabbers made a very good start in Peelbergen with Ojee-B, who has a lot of suppleness and eagerness to work. The third horse in the arena is the well-built Olaf Official, who walks with a wide and active stride, has a good posture, and uses his hind legs well. There are three completely different horses in the arena, which is a strong point because your mares are also diverse. All of them, including Odeer, have their own unique qualities.”
Atze shows enthusiasm
Earlier in the evening, the Gelder stallion Atze performed a freestyle to music. Atze (by Astor) was named Horse of the Year 2024 and was beautifully presented by Anouk Noordman in a freestyle performance. The chestnut stallion, who competes in Grand Prix dressage, showed himself exceptionally well. His piaffe and passage are well-developed. He comes from the well-known Anton Haarman lineage, a special mare line from Overijssel. Atze abundantly displayed his enthusiasm.
GJ for KWPN
Photo Odeer: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 22:29
Young harness horse stallions impress in presentation of the new generation
There was great anticipation for the harnessed presentation of the stallions approved in 2024. Four of these five stallions had already impressed on the lead in Ermelo. That was a good rehearsal, as they are now showcased in harness before a large audience in Den Bosch.
This presentation is not a competition but an individual performance, with each horse expertly introduced by Wim Versteeg, chairman of the stallion selection committee. He was particularly enthusiastic about the collection.
Intensive process
After an intensive process, five harness horse stallions were registered in the studbook on October 26, 2024, and now make their appearance in the impressive setting of the KWPN Stallion Show. Four four-year-old stallions took turns entering the ring. The first to enter was Rebel MJDB (Lanto HBC out of Keldine keur IBOP-harness by Cizandro), bred and owned by Maarten Joris de Boer, with driver Harry van Middelaar. He was approved with high scores, which he proved once again tonight.
Beautiful in the front
The second in the ring was Ravensgoed W (Dylano out of Indinita elite IBOP Prok by Eebert), bred by Joop van Wessel, owned by Stal van Vliet, B.C. van Rijsdijk, and C.C. van Wely, with driver Robbie van Dijk. He presented himself impressively, with a distinguished appearance, completing every stride beautifully with fine rhythm and balance, always maintaining an elegant front. Next was Nicolei VB (Image HBC x Plain’s Black Magic), bred and owned by Marcel van Bruggen, co-owned by Egbert Schep, and driven by Marcel van Bruggen. Wim Versteeg expressed his delight at his registration, highlighting his low relatedness percentage as a great advantage. He moves with ease, showing remarkable consistency and suppleness. Then came Ricardo (Bocellie out of Hulinda P keur preferent IBOP-harness by Cizandro), bred by Arie van Wijhe, owned by Gebr. van Manen, and driven by Robbie van Dijk. Coming from the maternal line of Renovo, he is a horse with exceptional action and an appealing front. His low relatedness percentage makes him particularly interesting.
A busy evening
The final stallion to enter was Relatief (Idol out of Kureda elite IBOP-harness by Unieko), bred and owned by Erik and Sander Daniëls, co-owned by Gebr. van Manen, and presented in the spotlight. His driver, Robbie van Dijk, had a busy evening but presented each horse in his own excellent way. Relatief has a distinctive front leg movement and received high scores in the performance test. Two older stallions were presented in long reins in between. One of them was Norking Apple (Icellie x Eebert), making his final appearance in the Netherlands before being sold to Serbia. He put in an extra effort for his farewell. Following him was Martin Morero (Atleet x Larix), who also won over the crowd with a particularly convincing performance. What an exceptional group of stallions—pure action from start to finish.
GJ for KWPN
Photo Relatief: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 22:23
Edmundo awarded the 'Keur' predicate
Every admirer of a Gelder horse knows his name: the ‘golden’ stallion Edmundo. The son of Upperville was born in 2009 at H.J. Schieven Jr.'s stable. His striking color made him stand out from the very beginning. As of today, he will be known as a keur stallion.
Edmundo was born from the ster mare Satricia (by Modern). Marcel van Bruggen from Varik discovered the stallion at Mascha Kriesch’s stable in Burgh-Haamstede. He successfully had him approved by the KWPN in the Gelder Horse direction. Over the years, Edmundo has sired a significant number of offspring, all of whom stand out for their excellent work ethic and powerful movement. His foals often rank at the top in inspections. Edmundo has competed in dressage at ZZ Zwaar level and in driving at M level.
Successful in sport
Daughters and National Champion mares Miss Montreal and Ogdrene make their appearance tonight, showcasing their sire in a stunning show segment. Edmundo has 195 registered offspring, including 76 male and 61 female descendants aged three years and older. His offspring are seen in various disciplines, with several performing successfully in basic dressage. His daughter Melotti Texel competed in the Dutch Championships in Ermelo in Z1 dressage and also won the bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship for Young Driving Horses in France.
Outstanding inspection horses
Sixteen of Edmundo’s mares, aged three years and older, have been presented for inspection (33%), with 75% earning the ster predicate. Among these mares, 25% achieved keur status and 13% elite. Additionally, 5% of his three-year-old and older mares have obtained the sport predicate. Eleven of Edmundo’s sons have been presented at the stallion inspection, with 45% advancing to the second round viewing, and two sons being selected. One son, Odin, was approved.
A remarkable ambassador
Odin has won the Stallion Competition for two consecutive years and has distinguished himself in the Gelder horse population through his progeny report. Edmundo has long been a remarkable ambassador for the Gelder horse. In addition to producing a high percentage of ster mares and an approved son excelling in both sport and breeding, Edmundo is of great value to the Gelder population due to his versatility. Moreover, his excellent mindset, workability, and honest character are qualities he consistently passes on to his offspring. Based on this information, the KWPN Stallion Selection Committee for the Gelder horse has recommended awarding him the keur predicate.
GJ for KWPN
Photo Edmundo: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 21:17
Raffael K and Royal King present themselves as the new generation of Gelder stallions
Two Gelder stallions approved in 2024 were showcased during the presentation of the new generation, an important part of the Gelder breeding program. Raffael K and Royal King both made a strong impression.
The Gelder stallion Raffael K (Alexandro P out of Madora ster by Heliotroop, bred by G. Kamphorst) kicked off the presentation. Raffael K passed the spring performance test with a 9 for his walk and was also praised for his movement and willingness to work. Marloes van der Velden explained: “Raffael K did the performance test under saddle. This is also the first time I see him driven. He is a rideable stallion with a lot of presence, a beautiful front leg, and good technique in the hindquarters. He has developed very well since the performance test.” Raffael K was presented by Henk Hammers.
Royal King
Next in the ring was Royal King (King Karim out of elite sport Zeronica by Talos, bred by Anouk Noordman). Marloes: “Royal King is a very youthful stallion and consistently shows a lot of suppleness. He has a very easy way of moving and is incredibly diligent and willing to work. It’s also special to see that he is being ridden by his breeder, Anouk Noordman. I believe both stallions can truly make a difference for Gelder breeding.”
GJ for KWPN
Photo Raffael K: Jacob Melissen
1 February 2025 | 21:17
Dries Degrieck and Boyd Exell are fan of the Dutch harness horses
During the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch, our Dutch harness horses, as popular as they are spectacular, took center stage. Two world-class drivers entered the arena. Dries Degrieck won the competition with seconds to spare.
Among them was seven-time and reigning world champion Boyd Exell, who has claimed the FEI World Cup Driving Championships ten times. In December 2024, he won the World Cup event in Geneva. He was joined in Den Bosch by the rising young Belgian talent Dries Degrieck, who secured victory at the 2024 World Cup event in Leipzig.
Their common ground? Harness horses!
The connection between Boyd and Dries is that their four-in-hand teams consist of harness horses, making them absolute fans of this type of horse. Both drivers briefly shared which characteristics, temperament, conformation, and movement of harness horses are crucial to their success. The breeders of these four-in-hand horses were also honored. Boyd and Dries then put words into action with their horses.
Into the obstacle course
An obstacle with multiple gates was set up, along with a small cone course. Boyd started first, followed by Dries, who went all in. With loud cheers from the crowd, he set a time in the first round that was eleven seconds faster than Boyd’s. In the second round, Dries again stayed ahead of the reigning world champion with his four speed demons. What a spectacular sport!
GJ for KWPN
Photo: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl
1 February 2025 | 21:10
Golden KWPN pin for Marloes van der Velden
Marloes van der Velden was honored by Andries van Daalen with a gold KWPN pin. Van der Velden served for many years as the chair of the Gelder horse stallion selection committee.
The love for the Gelder horse runs in Marloes van der Velden’s blood. She grew up among her father’s Gelder horses and was introduced to inspections at a young age, starting in catering before developing into a judge. Her own experiences in the saddle gave her a deep understanding of the importance of a rideable, willing, and trainable horse in Gelder breeding. At the same time, she strongly believed in preserving the characteristic Gelder type and its distinct appearance.
Clear and understandable
In the inspection arena, her explanations were always clear and easy to understand, and she was open and approachable to breeders. As a colleague, she is honest, dedicated, and brings an enthusiastic personality. KWPN looks back with great appreciation on the years that Marloes van der Velden served on the stallion selection committee.
GJ for KWPN
Photo: Jacob Melissen