He had the most fans in the audience, as was clearly expressed by the loud cheering and also the committee’s preference inclined towards Indiana (by Colonist). The exported Colonist had two sons in the championship round. A great success for his breeder Wim Cazemier, who is also co-owner and –breeder of the champion.

“Superb,” smiles Wim Cazemier after the championships finale. “I knew I had some talented young horses, but it all has to fall into place. In Ermelo the halfbrother of Atleet was still a bit timid, but today he went all out and claimed the third place. Of course I was really happy about this! Before I sold him to America, Colonist stood at stud for only two years in the Netherlands. It is incredible for the buyers that they invested in a stallion whose offspring is performing so well here; three of which were invited to the performance test today.” Wim Cazemier likes to travel to America, also evidenced by the name-giving of his stallions: both the champion and his half brother in place three, are named after an American state. Johan Hamminga says the following about the well modelled Indiana (Colonist out of Wieke V keur by Manno, bred and owned by Wim Cazemier from Nuis and A. Veenstra from Opende): “This stallion has abundant presence, with a beautiful forehand and convincing movements. A stallion that moves with a pure two-beat, elevated forehand and proud carriage.”

Bocellie-son Icellie (out of Petrose ster pref by Jonker, breeder/owner: J.R. Bosch from Hellendoorn) was declared vice-champion. “He stands out in his explosive hind leg, good body use and elasticity. An attractive stallion with abundant reflexes in his body,” explains Hamminga. There was more success for Wim, now with number three, Iowa (Colonist out of Sintia ster by Waterman, breeder/owner R. Aalders from Nieuw-Roden, co-owned by Wim Cazemier). “This Colonist-son has a strong body, an uphill build and uses the hind leg very well.” No less than nineteen Harness horses were presented to the stallion committee today, more than half was invited to prove themselves in the performance test. A total of ten stallions will be given the chance to be tested in harness for 50 days at the KWPN-centre in Ermelo.

Appointed for the performance test:

626 (Atleet x Fabricius)

629 (Bocellie x Jonker)

639 (Colonist x Manno)

641 (Colonist x Waterman)

646 (Ditisem x Victory)

653 (Manno x Plain's Liberator)

660 (Zepplin x Heiring Out)

663 (Colonist x Reflex M)

668 (Crescendo HBC x Marvel)

672 (Shanie Strikeler x Jupiter)