Over 100 breeders attended the second edition of the International Congress: The Future of Showjumping, where the panel engaged in in-depth discussions on current and relevant topics.

This year’s panel consisted of Cheryl Broderick, Daan Horn, Heinz Meyer, and father-and-son duo Daniel and Nicolas Boudrenghien, bringing a wealth of expertise and practical experience to the table.

Engaging debate
Moderated by Chris de Heer, the panelists discussed a series of statements and shared their views extensively. Opinions differed, for example, on whether young horse championships such as the World Championships in Lanaken fit within the long-term development of a young horse toward top-level sport, and on the importance of size in a showjumping horse. “You often see that top horses are not overly large, which allows them to leave the ground very quickly and easily. For me, the ideal broodmare is also a smaller mare, with plenty of blood, sharpness and attitude,” said Heinz Meyer. The panel was unanimous on the statement that a broodmare’s own jumping ability should be decisive. “Nowadays everyone looks at the pedigree first, but that should almost be at the bottom of the priority list. In breeding, it’s about using mares that first and foremost prove they have a lot of quality themselves,” responded Daniel Boudrenghien. Rideability and character were also highlighted as crucial selection criteria. “As a breeder, you gain the most information when you actually work with the horses. At Ballypatrick Stables we have a strong team of riders, which allows us to give our best breeding products every opportunity. For us as breeders, that is the highest priority,” explained Cheryl Broderick.

The audience also contributed with insightful questions, and the discussions continued after the official program in the best possible place: at the bar. More about the breeders’ congress will be featured in the next edition of the KWPN Magazine. Tomorrow evening, the International Congress Shaping the Future of Dressage is scheduled.

JS for KWPN / Archive photo: HippoFoto