Success and development form the common thread throughout the Road to the Top show block. This part of the KWPN Dressage Stallion Gala features stallions that have previously proven themselves successfully in ’s-Hertogenbosch, alongside horses that are currently making their way up through the sport. Together, they demonstrate how talent translates into sporting progress.

 

Among the stallions appearing in this show block is Merlot VDL (Bordeaux out of Hyacinth-Vrouwe ster PROK D-OC by Florencio, breeder Family Klinkhamer, Sleen), ridden by Dinja van Liere. With Femke de Laat, Merlot VDL won all competition classes in 2024 with high scores and finished as the overall winner of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition at Z level. He is now competing at Light Tour level.

Also featured is the KWPN-approved stallion Le Formidable (Bordeaux out of Vienna elite pref prest PROK by Ferro, breeder Saskia Poel, Heusden). The stallion was crowned champion of the KWPN Stallion Show in 2019 and is currently competing at ZZ-Light level.

Road to the Top
O’Frederic (For Romance out of Riana by Fidertanz, breeder H. Schulte, Eggermühlen) will also enter the arena. The KWPN stallion won the KWPN Perfect Pair Prize during the 2024 KWPN Stallion Show and is now active at ZZ-Heavy level.

In addition, New Dreams (Jerveaux out of Jillz ster by Dream Boy, breeders Tim Coomans, Oud-Beijerland, and Irene Verheul, Apeldoorn) will be shown under saddle by Adelinde Cornelissen. This combination impressed last year with a second place in the Z class at the KWPN Stallion Show and also secured victories in the stallion competition in Kronenberg. New Dreams is now likewise competing at ZZ-Heavy level.

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 once again be transformed into the absolute highlight of Dutch sport and breeding. In addition to the stallion selection, visitors can enjoy 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.
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.