The event of the year is only a few weeks away: the KWPN Stallion Show 2023! For four days, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch form the center stage of sport, breeding, and show. Every day revolves around the stallion selection. Over 100 jumper stallions will make their appearance in the second round viewing. Which sires may call themselves the top suppliers of the young talents this year?

The first two days, Wednesday and Thursday, are all about the second round viewing for jumper stallions. The first group may enter the ring in Den Bosch Wednesday the 1^st of February at 08.30 hours sharp. The cage will host ten groups of stallions that day. Afterwards, all appointed jumper stallions are once again presented in hand. On Thursday, four more groups of jumper horses may showcase their qualities and the committee announces the premium stallions. 

Hardrock Z main supplier

The by VDL Stud acquired KWPN-recognized stallion Hardrock Z (Heartbreaker out of Carte Blanche Z by Carthago) may call himself the main supplier of the jumper stallions in the second round viewing. He produced 8 offspring for this edition in Den Bosch, following the 16 offspring of his that were presented in the first round viewing. That means half of his presented offspring were selected for the KWPN Stallion Show. In second place we find the Grand Prix stallion Grandorado TN N.O.P. (Eldorado vd Zeshoek out of Charmieque elite prest EPTM-spr IBOP-spr sports-spr PROK by Carolus II, breeders M. Rietberg and D.J. Verhoeven of Holten) that sires six stallions in the second round viewing. La Costa ES (Mosito vh Hellehof out of Isolde ES elite sport-spr PROK by Cumano, breeder Egbert Schep) and Chacoon Blue (s.Chacco Blue) also make a significant contribution with four offspring each. 

Second round viewing

In the second round viewing for jumper stallions the conformation, talent and pedigree c.q. dam line are part of the decision-making process. The rising three-year-old stallions return to the cage for their performance in free movement and free jumping. After the second round viewing only the very best stallions are awarded a premium. By handing out a premium the most complete stallions are put in the spotlights to indicate in which direction we would like to see our breeding develop. All characteristics, conformation, aptitude and pedigree are taking into consideration when making the final decision whether a stallion should be appointed for the last step towards potential approval: the performance test.

KWPN Stallion Show 2023

From 1 to 4 February 2023., the KWPN Stallion Show marks the culmination of Dutch sport and breeding. Besides the stallion selection of all breeding directions, an exciting show programme is in the works. This year will for example include a dazzling appearance of WC medalists Glamourdale and Hermès, plus the Horses of the Year 2022, Kjento and Grandorado TN N.O.P. are honoured. New this year are the breeder pubs (with live music) and a special afternoon for the youth and their parents during which they can meet YouTube stars such as Esra de Ruiter of PaardenpraatTV. The approved stallions enter the arena during the award ceremony of prestigious predicates and in the finals of the Blom Stallion Competition Jumping and the Anemone Stallion Competition Dressage. In between you get to enjoy a bite to eat in our renewed brasserie at the promenade.  All in all, we promise to treat you to a fantastic programme that revolves around the very best of the Dutch sport horse. 

Make sure you experience it first-hand and order your tickets online now!

Group division

Photo Hardrock Z: Dirk Caremans