THE NETHERLANDS (by Claartje van Andel) A group of 49 jumping and 38 dressage stallions were selected for testing at this year’s KWPN Stallion Show in ’s-Hertogenbosch. This huge, festive event held in the Brabant Hallen, was completely sold out, and honoured both new young talents as well as well-known oldies. One name should be mentioned first: Negro. He was convincingly present with talented young offspring and, of course, Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro (Negro) in his farewell appearance at this show.
In fact, the Negro ‘festival’ was completed when dressage catalogue number 325 (Blue Hors Zack x Negro), bred by Stal 104 and owned by Center de Horse became an impressive champion. The Dutch farewell to Valegro was immediately followed by the honourary title of ‘Stallion of the Year’ for Negro. It brought tears to the eyes of owner Anne van Olst as her unfulfilled dream of competing in an Olympic Games with Negro now was rewarded through Negro’s offspring, both in-hand and under the saddle. “Negro is now is 22 years old and widely requested as a breeding stallion. He is a very happy old man, daily playing in his paddock. He will never leave our yard. My husband Gert-Jan lives for buying and selling horses, but he completely feels the same. He is a king, inheriting his powerful movements and technique from behind and his strong character. We are very proud,” she said...
