At the upcoming Driving World Championship for Pairs, taking place from 20 to 24 August in Beekbergen, no fewer than 143 of the 257 registered horses are KWPN-registered. That’s 55.6% of the total. The strong presence of KWPN horses among the competitors reflects the immense popularity and quality of the Dutch harness horse in particular within the international driving sport.

A total of 88 competitors from 24 countries will participate. In 22 of these countries, at least one KWPN horse is registered; only the Czech Republic and Luxembourg are not on that list. Among the 257 participating horses are 123 harness horses, four Gelder horses, 14 KWPN-bred dressage horses, and two KWPN jumpers.

Harness Horses Take the Lead
Five-time world champion Martin Hölle (HUN) is the favorite with his KWPN horses Dior (Vulcano out of Thaviera by Ahoy, breeder M.N. Breugem from Bodegraven), Juventus (Delviro HBC out of Elagonda elite IBOP by Plain’s Liberator, breeders E.H. & C. de Bruijn from Langbroek), and Eppie (Victory out of Suwalda ster by Marvel, breeder W. Blokland from Vriezenveen). Dutch bronze medalist from 2023, Erik Evers, will also compete with his harness horses Nero (Idol out of Grace Landzicht keur IBOP-tuig by Aquarel, breeder Hengstenhouderij Landzicht from Giessenburg, Datzo (Waldemar out of Seedora ster by Manno, breeder J. Dijk from Nietap), and Impuls (Eebert out of Wagonda keur by Manno, breeder W. de Waal from Montfoort). These combinations contribute to the international visibility of KWPN breeding products, especially the harness horse.

Key Figures at a Glance

• 257 total horses entered; 143 KWPN horses → 55.6% KWPN share
• 123 harness horses, 4 Gelder horses, 14 dressage horses, 2 jumpers
• Participants from 24 countries; KWPN horses represented in 22 countries

Spotlight on Dutch Breeding
The Driving World Championship for Pairs in Beekbergen promises not only an international showdown but also a starring role for Dutch breeding, particularly that of the KWPN harness horse. The large number of KWPN horses among the participants highlights the strength of Dutch breeding products in the driving sport. The championship is free to attend from 20 to 24 August and offers five days of top-level sport, fun, and entertainment for all ages. Grandstand tickets and VIP packages are available for the best seats.

More info & tickets
Overview of participating KWPN horses

Source: KWPN
Photo: Gemma Janssen