Traditionally, the VHO Trophy is the highlight of the jumping evening at the KWPN Stallion Show. On Thursday 29 January 2026, the best jumper stallions of the moment will compete in a classic 1.40m course with a jump-off. With a strong international start list in prospect, the evening promises top-level sport.

The VHO Trophy was first held in 1992, and this year once again looks set to feature a field as strong as that inaugural edition, which took place during the UTV. Top riders such as Willem Greve – who will compete, among others, with the very recently recognized Party in the Hus (by Kannan) – Maikel van der Vleuten and Jur Vrieling will enter the arena. The stallions include eight- and nine-year-olds from whom much can be expected internationally in the future, making the VHO Trophy a class to truly look forward to.

Stargos VDL Goes for It Again
“A golden horse, with the heart of a lion.” Those were the words that sealed Stargos VDL’s victory last year. Expectations are therefore high for defending champion Hessel Hoekstra, who once again relies on his successful partner Stargos VDL (Stakkato Gold out of Estella by Conthargos, breeder W. Winkeler, Herzlake). After four consecutive victories at the KWPN Stallion Show, the pair return with one clear goal: to claim the VHO Trophy once more.

Strong Line-Up
Competition will be fierce. Maikel van der Vleuten brings two experienced contenders to the start with Kentucky TMS Z (Kannan out of Elite van Prinseveld by Toulon) and Horizontal (Casall out of Mel D’Argences, breeder Tops Horse Trading BV, Valkenswaard). Jur Vrieling will compete with the Comme il Faut son Mattias (out of Ietrichta by Catoki, breeder H. Nijborg, Gieten), while Willem Greve places his trust in Cero Blue TN (Chacoon Blue out of Die Cera by Balou du Rouet Z, breeder H. Thormaehlen, Kollmar Langenhals).

Who Will Claim the VHO Trophy?
The starting field also includes several more stallions with proven quality. Among them are Dominator Z son Don Tarpania Z (out of Iralinde Tarpania ster pref sport-spr PROK by Glasgow-W van het Merelsnest, breeder A.P.G. de Lange, Swifterbant) and Mr Cornet de Regor (Cornet Obolensky out of Ohaj de Regor by Kannan, breeder W. van de Plasse, Kruiningen). A Moonlight Speciale Z (Aganix du Seigneur out of Double-Speciale ster PROK by Chacco Blue, bred and owned by Jack Verstappen) and Newmarket VM, bred by Paul van Montfort (Chacoon Blue out of Nouvelle Star Z by Numero Uno), will also join the battle.

VDL Stallions Well Represented
VDL Stud is notably well represented this year. Alongside Stargos VDL, Hessel Hoekstra will also compete with New Pleasure VDL (For Pleasure out of Lady-A ter Putte by Diamant de Semilly, breeder Familie De Maertelaere). VDL Stud is further represented by stallions such as Sambucci de Muze (Hunters Scendro out of Malissa de Muze by Vigo d’Arsouilles, breeder Joris De Brabander), Neymar VDL (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve out of Darco’s Rose by Darco, bred and owned by VDL Stud) and Night Life VDL (Erco van ’t Roosakker out of Ialba VDL elite IBOP-spr PROK by Arezzo VDL).

Top Sport
With sixteen stallions at the start and a defending champion in top form, all the ingredients are in place for a spectacular conclusion to the jumping day. The VHO Trophy 2026 promises once again to be an evening full of excitement for breeders and sport enthusiasts alike. Tickets are still available via the KWPN Ticketshop.

View the start list

Experience the KWPN Stallion Show 2026 from 28 to 31 January. The Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch will be transformed into the absolute highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show. In addition to the stallion selection, visitors will be treated to a fantastic programme featuring exciting sport and show classes, showcasing the very best of the Dutch sport horse. Don’t have your ticket yet? Order it now. Unable to attend in person? The KWPN Stallion Show can also be followed via the KWPN.tv platform.