This year, the title ‘Breeder of the Year’ in the jumping discipline has been awarded to Egbert Schep, who has achieved success on virtually every front for decades and has more than earned this lifetime achievement award.

For this breeder, the question was never if, but rather when he would receive the Breeder of the Year title. Egbert Schep was rightfully recognized for his immense contribution to breeding in the broadest sense, consistently excelling in all areas.

Sport as the Ultimate Goal
The breeding program of former KWPN Board Member Egbert Schep has already produced many international showjumpers, approved stallions, and top-performing mares. This year, as the crowning achievement, he also bred a nine-year-old jumping talent who made headlines with standout performances at the Aachen show.

His breeding philosophy is clear: producing horses for top-level sport is the main goal. The selection process begins early—both for homebred horses and those purchased as foals—and has consistently proven its value.
In 2025, Lorenzo ES, a Comme Il Faut offspring, shined under Tom Schewe at the prestigious Aachen show after making his debut at the highest level earlier this year.

At the international 1.50m–1.60m level, Egbert’s breeding has produced numerous standout horses including: Caesar, Calou, Damokles, Darius, Diabeau, Rubio Monocoat Electric, Estoril de Vardag, Extase, Gazelle ES, Glamour ES, Haya, Hyacinth ES, Jay Jay ES, Joviaal ES, Kensington ES, and Lolita ES. Egbert also had numerous stallions approved by the KWPN, including homebred stallions such as: Bernini, Extase, Jubel ES, Kensington ES, La Costa ES, Mindset ES, Nostradamus ES, Obama ES, Optimist ES, and Pachino ES.

VDL Mindset ES in the Spotlight
One of those approved stallions was present at the tribute: VDL Mindset ES, who competes at 1.45m level, was presented in hand. This Schep-bred stallion previously won bronze at the World Championships for 5-year-olds in Lanaken under Jarno van Erp. Other notable successes include Labelle ES, a daughter of Mosito van het Hellehof, who won the KWPN Championship for 7-year-olds two years ago and placed in the 1.55m Grand Prix of Wellington last year at the age of eight with Thaisa Erwin. In 2023, Egbert’s breeding program was also in the spotlight thanks to Pretty Women ES, a daughter of Chacfly PS, who was crowned National Champion.

A Top Breeder, Year After Year
Year after year, Egbert is a front-runner at both stallion and mare inspections—but more importantly, in international sport. Today, he received well-deserved recognition as a top breeder whose influence continues to grow.

More Information: KWPN Championships

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Photo: Paardenkrant-Horses.nl