After the presentation of the stallions approved in 2025, a special moment took place at the KWPN: Johan Hamminga bid farewell to the KWPN Stallion Selection Committee after more than 50 years of dedication and was honoured with the Golden KWPN Pin.

Earlier that evening, Hamminga had still passionately presented the newly approved stallions of 2025. Immediately afterwards, KWPN Chairman Andries van Daalen entered the arena and referred to Hamminga as the “Johan Cruijff of equestrian sport.”

Knowledge and dedication
Hamminga is widely known as someone with in-depth knowledge of breeding from every angle. As a rider, he was already involved in the KWPN performance test, later becoming head trainer, where he worked with, among others, the famous stallion Jazz. Since 2019, Hamminga has been a member of the KWPN Stallion Selection Committee. “Everyone knows you as someone with a deep interest in both sport and breeding. You visit almost all international stallion shows, always take notes and bring those insights into the selection process. You are always the first to arrive at stallion inspections. Colleagues describe you as enthusiastic, driven, committed and someone who always focuses on the positive development a horse can make,” praised Van Daalen.

Well-deserved recognition
With his expertise as a trainer and educator of horses, Hamminga made a substantial contribution to, among other things, the KWPN performance test. Van Daalen continued: “That era now comes to an end. For that reason, and because of everything you have done for KWPN and our KWPN breeders, we would like to reward you with the Golden KWPN Pin.” Van Daalen then personally presented Hamminga with the pin. Hamminga also addressed the audience himself: “I see this as nothing more than my duty, and I am grateful that I was able to fulfil this role. It has been wonderful to work with my colleagues in both dressage and harness horses and to make decisions together. We always worked very well as a team. Hopefully we will meet again. I wish you, as breeders, the wisdom to make the right choices and many more years of enjoyment in both sport and breeding.”

BvH for KWPN
Photo: HippoFoto