Presented by Anouk Slabbers, Ojee - B won the first competition of the KWPN Gelder Horse Stallion Competition in the M class tonight. This diligent, light-footed son of Ibsen B impressed with an excellent canter and earned 80.6 points.

The KWPN Gelder Horse Stallion Competition featured only entries in the M class tonight. Judges Floor Dröge and Jan Pen awarded high marks to the stallions, which were closely matched. Ojee B (Ibsen B out of Jorien Tilde elite IBOP-dressage PROK by Rubus B, bred by G.S.W. te Bokkel from Eerbeek) was the only stallion to score above 80 points. "This was a pleasant, diligent test to watch, with a light-footed image," explained Floor Dröge. "The walk is functional and active, although the stallion could cover more ground. The trot is well-balanced, and at times we already saw a lovely steadiness in the movement. In the extensions, he showed excellent foreleg use with plenty of shoulder freedom; however, he could remain more consistent over his back and provide more support from the hindquarters. The canter is light-footed, with active hindleg engagement and good balance. He also demonstrated smooth transitions. Today, the stallion could have been slightly steadier in the contact, but he responds well to the aids."

Relaxed Olaf Official
Under Zoë Kuintjes, the Henkie son Olaf Official (out of Diamant ster by Sirius, bred by G.J.W. Roerdinkholder from Winterswijk Kotten) claimed second place. The stallion earned 79.6 points, including an 8.5 for walk. "A pleasant test to watch, with a beautifully relaxed image," noted the judges. "The walk, after every transition, immediately returned to a calm rhythm, with excellent activity through the body and good overtrack. The trot showed a diligent image, with the hindleg stepping well under the body, although he could develop more carrying capacity. The canter displayed good balance and impulsion. In the extensions, he could maintain a more uphill frame, but he executed the transitions back well."

Palomino Odin
Dirk Jan van de Water presented last year’s winner, Odin (Edmundo out of Buonaternel elite pref sport-dressage IBOP-dressage PROK by Vitens, bred by M.H. Zwaneveld and P.E.M. Herweijer from Assen) and finished third with 78.8 points. "A horse with plenty of presence and the right attitude. The walk has excellent rhythm, but the activity could be more consistently transferred over the back into forward reach. In trot, we see plenty of shoulder freedom and expressive foreleg use. The hindleg pushes off well but could develop more carrying capacity, especially in the extensions. The canter shows great expression with excellent use of the forehand."

Stallion Competition 2024/2025

MvE for KWPN
Photo: Melanie Brevink / Horsesnl