For several years, no champion was designated during the second round viewing of harness horses at the KWPN Stallion Show in 's-Hertogenbosch. The last championship inspection took place in 2020, involving the M-group. Afterward, the focus shifted to the selection of stallions for priming. However, the championship inspection is making its long-awaited return, adding an extra element of excitement and prestige to the inspection.

Recently, eleven three-year-old harness stallions were referred from the first viewing in Ermelo to the second viewing, along with an invitation for a four-year-old stallion to complete his first viewing in harness on February 1 during the KWPN Stallion Show. This stallion will present himself in harness at the beginning of the evening, after which it will be announced whether he will proceed to the second viewing. One of the eleven three-year-old stallions has been withdrawn.

Two groups
The second-viewing stallions will present themselves in two groups to a jury consisting of Chairman Wim Versteeg, Bauke de Boer, Thomas van der Weiden, and Inspector Viggon van Beest. After each group presents, the results will be announced immediately, with Wim Versteeg providing commentary on any stallions not selected.

Championship inspection
The selected harness stallions will return as a group, and the jury will announce which stallions are eligible for priming. These stallions will not receive a detailed explanation yet but will be expected to return for the grand finale of the evening: the championship inspection, followed by a full evaluation. This is yet another fantastic and historic moment at the KWPN Stallion Show that you certainly won't want to miss.

A special moment for breeders
At this prestigious moment, the breeders of the stallions will also join the horses in the arena. With expertise, care, and dedication, they have bred and possibly even raised their stallion. This moment of recognition will be unforgettable for them. Standing alongside their breeding product in the large arena is the dream of every breeder. A breeder's premium will also be awarded, but, of course, it’s already a success to be proud of when a breeder has produced a stallion for the second viewing. This achievement will forever be recorded alongside the stallion.

The expected stallions:

• Sam (Cizandro x Fijantha ster van Larix), bred by J.P.C. Ermens, owned by Stal Aris van Manen
• Sun King Apple (Icellie x Iristeusi ster pref van Eebert), bred by N. van Maaswaal
• Samba (Macho x Mareda ster van Cizandro), bred by S. Daniëls, owned by R. Hofstra and T. van Doorn
• Seizandro (Macho x Heidelien elite van Cizandro), bred by Gebr. den Otter, owned by Gebr. van Manen
• Surprise T (Macho x Helga ster pref van Cizandro), bred by H.H.J. Tonnaer, owned by Gebr. van Manen
• Sjimmie (Macho x Lirzela stb van Dylano), bred by P. Leeuwis-De Wit, owned by HBC-Stal
• Stuurman W (Magnifiek x Hulinda W keur van Cizandro), bred by A. van Wijhe, owned by L. Huckriede
• Showtime (Magnifiek x Viva Jerina elite pref van Marvel), bred by G.J.H. Markhorst - v.d. Velde, owned by L. Huckriede
• Storm S (Neon GSM x Doesburga ster van Stuurboord), bred by Sylvain Standaert, owned by J.T. Seinen/G.A. Lueks
• Sorrento (Roy M x Julia-Rose ster van Cizandro), bred by A.H. Geerdink, owned by HBC-Stal

Four-year-old expected stallion:
Ryan EVL (Icellie x Lizzy ster van Eebert), bred by E.J. van Loenen, owned by Stal Aris van Manen

The start of this grand harness stallion promotion evening is at 18:30 and can also be followed via KWPN TV.

KWPN Stallion Show
From January 29 to February 1 2025, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will transform into the highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show. Alongside the stallion selection, enjoy a fantastic program featuring thrilling sport and show classes showcasing the best of the Dutch sport horse world. Don’t have a ticket yet? Order yours quickly. Can’t attend in person? The KWPN Stallion Show will also be streamed live on the renewed KWPN.tv.

Overview page for KWPN Stallion Show

Order your tickets

DB for KWPN
Photo: Robert de Groot*