Every year, harness horse enthusiasts look forward to seeing the youngest crop of harness horses in the stallion selection. In total, the starting list features nearly 40 harness stallions. Which sires are the top suppliers of this year’s young stallions?

Besides the first round viewing, during which stallions are presented in-hand in walk and trot, the programme includes various other shows and performances of already approved stallions. In these classes harness horse enthusiasts get to enjoy the impressive movement qualities of these proud show horses. 

Cizandro and Lanto main suppliers

The preferent stallion Cizandro (Waldemar out of Uizandra ster pref by Manno pref, bred by Gebr. Den Otter of Bruchem) and Lanto HBC out of Urby V ster pref by Patijn, bred by D. van der Boon of Noardburgum) may call themselves the top suppliers of the first round viewing as they are both represented by six direct offspring. The stallion selection committee will furthermore inspect three four-year-old harness stallions, one seven-year-old harness stallion and a seven-year-old Hackney stallion that day. 

Cheer on the stallions

Will you be present in Houten to cheer on the stallions? Spectators are more than welcome in the first round viewing. Unable to attend? The first round viewing can also be followed live via kwpn.tv. 

Ticket Sale

Tickets for the first round viewing can be obtained at the entrance. The price is 17,50 euros per adult. Parking is free of charge. 

VIP Lounge

It is possible to watch the programme from the VIP Lounge. It possible to follow the show from the VIP lounge. For €97,50 euros per person, you can obtain a seat at the six-person table that includes entrance, drinks, and bites throughout the day. You do not have to book an entire table. Read more about booking a seat at the VIP Lounge. 

Catalogue

The catalogue provides abundant information about the offered stallions and is available at the entrance on January 7 or can be browsed online. 

Ban on trimming sensory hairs and ears

Under the cloak of aesthetic appeal, the sensory hairs around the mouth and eyes of older horses and foals are often trimmed. To let appearances prevail efficacy, apart from the fact whether it is harmful or harmless, is not desirable in the context of horse welfare. Trimming the sensory hairs of a horse leads to a loss in sensory functions and can therefore hinder a horse. Hence, in order to promote horse welfare, with effect of the inspection season of 2022 a ban on trimming sensory hairs and ears was introduced. For the stallion selection this means that stallions whose sensory hair around the mouth and eyes are completely removed and/or whose hairs inside the ears have been clipped are excluded from participation in the stallion selection or other KWPN events and competition. 2022 was a transitional year, but with effect of the 1^st of January 2023, the rules are enforced and horses that are groomed in this manner are no longer granted access to the inspection ring.

Helmet compulsory

In more and more European countries, the presenters – those who present the horses in-hand in the selection process – wear head protection. For the first round viewing at the end of 2022, the KWPN advised all runners and whip assistants to wear a riding helmet for safety reasons. The Management Board of the KWPN views that wearing a riding helmet is of added value in terms of safety and therefore makes a riding helmet mandatory as of the 1^st of January 2023 for presenters during the stallion selection. 

Programme and group divisions

Photo Lanto HBC: Sandra Nieuwendijk

Photo Cizandro: Geert Bouius