The show block Return of the Champions features stallions that distinguished themselves at the highest international level over the past year. All stallions returning to the arena in this segment won medals at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, demonstrating that they belong to the absolute top of their respective age groups.

 

Return of the Champions is one of the absolute highlights of the evening and fits seamlessly with both the presentation of the predicate stallions and the award ceremony for the Dressage Horse of the Year 2025, powered by Hippo Verzekeringen. Together, these elements place the sporting achievements and breeding significance of leading stallions from the past year firmly in the spotlight.

World Champions
Several outstanding championship horses return to the arena in this show block. Among them is Red Viper (Romanov Blue Hors out of Zolena elite pref EPTM-dres sport-dres PROK by Sir Sinclair, breeder C. Kerbert, Enschede), who has produced remarkable results in recent years. The approved stallion claimed the world title at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in both 2024 under Bart Veeze and 2025 under Dinja van Liere.

Also making his appearance is Most Wanted Nero von Bellin (Morricone out of Cuwensie stb-ext pref by Donnerball, breeder C.J. Bruin, ’t Harde). He won the small final for seven-year-olds and subsequently finished second in the large final at the 2025 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses.

In addition, the KWPN-approved stallion Ilegro (Inclusive out of pref ster PROK Jalegrofleur by Negro, breeder J.L. Hanse and Van Olst Horses, Burgh-Haamstede) will appear. At the 2025 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, he finished second in the qualification test for seven-year-olds and went on to secure the bronze medal in the final.

Dressage Horse of the Year 2025
Three horses have been nominated for the title Dressage Horse of the Year 2025: Vivaldi (Krack C out of Renate-Utopia ster pref prest D-OC by Jazz, breeder A. Versantvoort, Sint-Oedenrode), Hexagon’s Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T. (Johnson out of Walida v/d Waalsehoeve elite IBOP-dres PROK by San Remo, breeder W. Plomp, Tull en ’t Waal) and Red Viper. During the show evening, the champion with the highest number of votes will be honoured.

Experience the KWPN Dressage Stallion Gala – Where the stars return live during 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. In addition to the stallion selection, visitors can enjoy a spectacular programme featuring thrilling 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.
Please note: the show evening is not broadcast live on KWPN.tv and will be available to watch on demand one week later, also for visitors holding a Friday day ticket.