At the Harness horses keuring of the KWPN-NA in Howe, Indiana last week, two seven-year-old stallions obtained their stud license (under reservation of all the veterinary requirements): First Class and Fred.

First Class is owned by David Fisher and was bred by Lester and Janetta Graber. First Class is sired by Whiskei (Patijn x Manno). The bey comes out of the thoroughbred Hackney, Canadian Godess (s.Canadance). Fred (Plain’s Liberator out of Zikita H ster of Ranno) of David Burkholder was bred by H.H. and W.H. Voogd and took part in the performance test in the Netherlands as a three-year-old. Out of the eight three-year-old mares, six were registered in the studbook and four were declared ster. Isilane (Colonist out of Wisilane ster by Reflex M) was crowned champion. This mare is bred by H. van de Water, also breeder of the mare in third place, Itolane (Bakboord HBC out of Citolane ster by Vaandrager HBC). Vice-champion Ivoria (Cizandro out of Victoria elite by Manno) was bred by family Van Lith. Ivoria was overall champion at the Centrale Keuring Zuid last year. The complete top three is owned by Cumberland Mountain Equine. Isabella J.W. was declared ster-worthy, she is a register B mare sired by the not-approved stallion Vanando A out of Safiera ster by Fabricius. The mare is bred by Jesse Witimer and owned by Miller Brothers.

The jury was comprised of Johan Hamminga (chairman), Lammert Tel and René van der Kuil. For those interested, the latter gave a presentation about the theory of Linear Scoring and Johan Hamminga explained on which aspects the KWPN Harness Horses are assessed. These presentations drew lots of interest and were perceived as an educational experience. In addition, there was the carriage harness class for approved and licensed stallions, which was won by Globetrotter (s.Cizandro). Colonist (s.Vulcano) was placed second, followed by Governort (s.Cizandro) and Waldemar (s.Patijn). In a stallion presentation the following stallions were also shown: Graaf Kelly (s.Manno), Hermanus (s.Patijn) and Hiro T (s.Cizandro). On Friday night a stallion covering auction took place, with coverings of over 185 stallions of various breeds and on Saturday there was an auction of primarily cross-breeds.