Oregon Trophy thrilling climax to the harness horse evening
On Saturday, February 1, the 26th Oregon Trophy will be held as the conclusion of the grand harness horse evening at the KWPN Stallion Show in 's-Hertogenbosch. Four top KWPN stallions will compete in this legendary event, including two debutants. While their drivers are seasoned professionals, competing in the Oregon Trophy is never an ordinary competition—it remains a unique event.
The special harness horse evening, held for the second time following the success of last year’s debut edition, promises to be an unforgettable event. Among the many spectacular and exciting classes, the Oregon Trophy remains the highlight—a true happening that everyone eagerly anticipates. Many still vividly recall past competitions and winners. Several stallions earned the title multiple times. The drivers, too, have impressive track records. Robbie van Dijk and Lambertus Huckriede have each claimed the trophy five times. Both will compete again this year, joined by experienced rivals Mark de Groot and Harry van Middelaar, who are also previous Oregon Trophy winners. The jury, led by chairman Joop van Wessel alongside Demi van Nispen and Johan Holties, will evaluate and rank the stallions during the competition.
The competitors
Reigning champion Latino (by Dylano) will not compete this year. Instead, Mark de Groot will present his half brother and debutant Leffe Blond (by Dylano, bred by Marcel Ritsma from Wijnjewoude), a nine-year-old stallion owned by Black Horses B.V. from Sliedrecht. Leffe Blond had an excellent season last year, and Mark de Groot will be determined to keep the Trophy in his hands with this big chestnut stallion. The grey stallion Magnifiek (by Idol, bred by Henri Kruidhof from Rouveen), owned and driven by Lambertus Huckriede from Enschede, is no stranger to victory. Having already won the Oregon Trophy twice, Magnifiek has claimed nearly every prize in the sport. The eight-year-old grey stallion is sure to perform well in this large arena, and the pair will once again aim for the coveted top prize.
The young contenders
Two six-year-old stallions will also compete in this prestigious event. First, there’s Olympus HS (by Icellie, bred by Henk Minkema from De Wilgen), owned by Handelshuis Schuttert from Ommen and driven by Oregon Trophy veteran Harry van Middelaar. Debutant Olympus HS has shown outstanding performances over the past few years and is certain to pull out all the stops for this competition. The second six-year-old is Oberon (by Icellie, bred by Harrie Tonnaer from Ysselsteyn), owned by Gebr. van Manen from Ede. Oberon has also built a strong and successful career, and this promising stallion will no doubt feel at home in front of the enthusiastic harness horse fans attending this event. The individual entrances of the stallions alone promise to be a breathtaking moment. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
KWPN Stallion Show
From January 29 to February 1 2025, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will transform into the highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show. Alongside the stallion selection, enjoy a fantastic program featuring thrilling sport and show classes showcasing the best of the Dutch sport horse world. Don’t have a ticket yet? Order yours quickly. Can’t attend in person? The KWPN Stallion Show will also be streamed live on the renewed KWPN.tv.
Overview page for KWPN Stallion Show
DB for KWPN
Photo Latino: Jacob Melissen