By Steef Roest / KWPN
Photography: Hippofoto/Dirk Caremans

Marian Dorresteijn has been part of the KWPN stallion committee since 2012, but after nine years her term comes to an end. In the canteen of her dressage stable, the resident of Werkhoven looks back on this period of time.

What changes has Marian Dorresteijn perceived in her time as an inspector? “The construction of the damlines have improved in a positive manner. An increasing number of stallions have a pedigree that is drenched with dressage blood, unlike in the past, more and more stallions now also feature lots of sport on the maternal side. In 2012, the Breeding Council strongly advised to keep in mind the powerful hindleg, breeders have quickly responded to it. We frequently stressed the importance of the walk, and in the last years we have been able to approve multiple stallions that possess the desired walk. Another important point is that the horses, in general, are becoming easier to handle and rideable with light aids. This is partially thanks to the performance test, in which we consistently select for those characteristics.”

Neutralizing environmental factors

Across the borders, people view our performance test with deep respect, according to Marian: “By gathering the stallions for a longer period of time, collective training, and making an assessment of the natural abilities of the stallion, environmental factors are neutralized as much as possible. The shorter we make this performance test, the bigger the role of the environmental factors. We once shortened the performance test from 100 to 70 days, and later it became 50 days. I understand that the owners of the stallions with regard to the costs prefer to see a short performance test. As a studbook we obviously wish that interesting stallions keep being offered to us in the future. It is a process of give and take. Nevertheless, I believe that the breeders must remain critical themselves. Where has a stallion been approved, and which requirements did it have to meet in order to receive that license? You may critically reflect on why a stallion did not pass the KWPN Performance Test.”.. To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber

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