Normally, the Stallion Inspection is a celebration for and about stallions, but these wouldn't exist without a mare. Therefore, for the first time in all four breeding directions of the KWPN, we are honoring the Broodmare of the Year.

The chosen mare has distinguished herself by producing offspring that excel in the sport. The premiere of this title for 2024 goes to the showjumping mare Benthe (For Pleasure x Voltaire). KWPN inspector Stan Creemers explained, "An important criterion for this title is, of course, the results of the offspring in the sport. This mare meets that criterion well, with eight internationally performing offspring, including two 1.60m horses, namely Naomi van het Keizershof and Bonita van de Keizershof." Mother Benthe carries the valuable performance genes of the influential sire For Pleasure. Benthe herself is a half-sister to the Grand Prix horse Sjoeke (sired by Calvados), who performed with Olivier Philippaerts, as well as the successful international 1.50m horse Firkov du Rouet (sired by Baloubet du Rouet) under Eric Lamaze. Benthe was bred by Wim Kuypers and is now owned by Leon Otten in Belgium. The successful breeder not only received the award but also a Birth-Watch.

GJ for KWPN
Photo: Dirk Caremans