Only 28 years old, yet already a living legend in driving. Hungarian top driver Martin Hölle is the reigning world champion in pair driving and will again be at the start in Beekbergen this year. He has been active in the sport since 2006 and, together with his grooms and trainers, has grown into one of the big names in the international driving world.

• His favorite phase? Dressage.


• His biggest challenge? The nerves before the competition.


• But once he's in the carriage seat, it’s full focus.

Strong team with harness horses

With the harness horses Dior (Vulcano out of Thaviera by Ahoy, breeder M.N. Breugem), Eppie (Victory out of Suwalda ster by Marvel, breeder W. Blokland) and Juventus (Delviro HBC out of Elagonda elite IBOP by Plain's Liberator, breeders E.H. & C. de Bruijn), and the BWP horses Kings Gambit (Diarado x Zolana by Krack C) and L’Ideaux Us (Ferdeaux x Vivaldi), he forms a strong, stylish team. Dior and Eppie were also part of his winning pair in Kronenberg in 2021. Martin is clear about the FEI World Driving Championship for Pairs 2025 in Beekbergen:

“I expect an exceptionally strong field of competitors, all with only one goal: to win. That’s why I want to go all-in from the start with a rock-solid dressage test, so I’m immediately up there with the top. After that, it's all about staying focused, driving strategically, and getting the very best out of myself and my horses at every moment.”

Strong hindquarters

One thing is certain: in the battle for the world title, many drivers – both Dutch and international – will rely on their KWPN horses. At various major championships, Dutch-bred horses are prominently present. In the orange teams, but also with drivers from Australia, America, Germany, Belgium, and many other European countries, the KWPN horse is popular. Martin Hölle previously said in the KWPN Magazine:

“I love a beautiful front leg and lots of front. With a carriage horse, that nice front leg and front are naturally there. Just like a strong hindquarter, because that’s where all the power has to come from. Conformation is important to me because some traits can also work against you. For example, I never want a horse with an underneck. Although that can just as well result from incorrect training. Mieke (Van Tergouw, ed.) buys the horses very young from the breeder. They almost always come straight from the pasture, completely untrained. Then they can still be fully shaped to our hand.”

KWPN horses in the spotlight

The FEI World Driving Championship for Pairs will take place from August 20 to 24 in Beekbergen, the Netherlands. In addition to top-level sport, there will be plenty to experience every day, from spectacular shows to a foal auction, from live music to a children’s program. The KWPN horse plays a major role in the opening program on Wednesday evening, August 20. More about that later!

Perfect view

The event is free to attend, but with a grandstand ticket, you’ll enjoy five days of comfort on a covered stand – with a perfect view of the spectacular competitions of the World Pair Driving Championship and the Country Fair. Tickets are now available via www.caibeekbergen.nl. Or inquire about the VIP package!

Come and experience the excitement, the spectacle, and Dutch pride during the World Pair Driving Championship 2025 in Beekbergen!

(Photo Kiek4Fun)