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Cees Klaver, breeder of Big Star (KWPN-recognized, Quick Star out of Jolanda stb prest sport-spr s.Nimmerdor) was present in Rio to watch Big Star win individual gold with phenomenon Nick Skelton.

“Unbelievable that I can experience this here. You hope it happens, but you never count on it,” says KWPN Breeder of the Year 2013, that also saw another homebred horse Taloubet in the finals. Extra special is that both horses also participated in the Olympic Games of London. Klaver: “Christian Ahlmann is a good guy, but his time will come. I love that a seasoned rider such as Nick Skelton wins the gold here. Gold for Big Star and on Wednesday Taloubet won bronze with the German team. Simply fantastic! “This is what you dream of as a breeder.

In London there was too much pressure. In the Nations round Nick was fantastic, but he was a bit nervous in the last round. Then I thought: when will he make the mistake?! Today he treated us to a strong performance, truly incredible. And Big Star is back! He was injured so we did not see him at the competitions for a while. Now he seems brand new: fresh and ready.” As a foal Big Star received the name What a Quick Star K, a direct reference to his sire, the legendary Quick Star. Afterwards his name was changed to Big Star. The dam of Big Star is Jolanda, a stb sport-springen mare by Nimmerdor x G.Ramiro Z, that naturally also carries the predicate prestatie. Big Star won his first GP at eight years old. Highlight in his career is the golden team medal during the Olympic Games in London and his individual fifth place.

Big Star was declared KWPN Horse of the Year in 2012 for this reason. Cees Klaver followed the Olympic Games as a breeder, but of course also as a Dutchman. “I followed our boys closely and cheered them on. They showed great things, but also experienced some bad luck. It is such a difficult game. The course designer did a fantastic job. Mistakes were made throughout the entire course and yes, it was difficult. But that is why you come here, these are the Olympic Games. It also makes it extra special to win it. I think Nick was in tears, it was an endearing sight. Of course I am very proud he won gold with my Big Star. Tonight I will visit the Holland Heineken House with friends, this needs to be celebrated with a beer.” 

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