By Claartje van Andel
Photography: Peter Llewellyn
This particular KWPN stallion performance test brought the curtain down on Bert Rutten’s role as chairman, and was also the last one rewarding stallions with specific notes for components. Greys and dam lines shone all the way.
Twelve dressagestallions reached the highest standard for approval, the best being the grey Proud James (Jameson RS2 x Johnson x Variant; breeder Y. van Maasacker), who was awarded no fewer than 91 points. It was nines across the boasrd, plus one 10 for his balance and proud posture. This score was even higher than the record score of his sire: “Especially his self-carriage and balance are extraordinary for a three-year-old,” chair Bert Rutten said of the stallion.
Proud James is a very modern stallion, convincing with his fantastic conformation and large frame. His movements can be described as 'almost perfect', with maximum shoulder freedom and a constant uphill tendency. Proud James is out of the first crop of foals by the stallion Jameson RS2 and has inherited all his components,
Paired with Everdale, his dam Cyraniek prok elite (Johnson) has already delivered the KWPN-approved Invernessm, successfully shown by Brecht D'Hoore (NED) to intermediate level.
Her half-sister keur, pref, prest Niniek STV (Jazz) was Grand Prix-placed and produced the approved stallion Beukenvallei's Iconic B (Bon Bravour), as well as the two Inter I horses Up Seven and Chopard B (both by OO Seven). Cyraniek’s half-brother Omar STV (Gregor) was successfully shown in 1m30 jumping, while his damsire Johnson currently leads the WBFSH ranking of the best dressage sires in the world.
Proud James fits completely into the Dressage Breeding Council’s list of focal points, including space of stride, calmness in movement, uphill tendency in movements, rideability, power. A good walk is necessary nowadays and the stallions Proud James, Pina Colada, and Powerbank all excelled in that aspect... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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