BY JENNEKE SMIT / KWPN
PHOTOGRAPHY: DIRK CAREMANS

The positive feeling the stallion selection committee had after the first viewing was fully confirmed during the KWPN Stallion Show. In both the showjumping and dressage directions, the new generation proved to offer ample quality in depth.

No fewer than 49 three-year-old and two older showjumping stallions were invited to the performance test, and 47 three-year-old dressage stallions received an invitation to participate. The high standard also resulted in a generous group of premium stallions: in the jumping direction, six complete stallions returned for the presentation of the premium stallions and the championship inspection, while in the dressage direction a generous group of nine stallions could be awarded a premium. In the championship inspections, crowd favourite Crescendo van de Boxem Z (jumping) and the highly talented, performance-bred Tony Gold (Glock’s Toto Jr.) (dressage) emerged as the shining champions.
On the first two days of the KWPN Stallion Show, 83 showjumping stallions entered the arena. The two older stallions were shown in hand only, after they had already taken part twice in the stallion competition this season. Overall, the young stallions could be assessed well in free jumping. Partly because the stallions now entered the main arena through a different entrance, there was more calm in the ring.
Champion and reserve jumping stallions
Six complete showjumping stallions returned for the presentation of the premium stallions and the championship inspection powered by Knegt. Six stallions that were able to impress in both Ermelo and ’s-Hertogenbosch with their conformation, movement, jumping talent and pedigree. Four premium stallions were explained one by one, after which it became clear which two stallions would contend for the championship title.
Under loud applause, the very athletic Chacoon Blue son Crescendo van de Boxem Z (out of Jorriena elite IBOP-spr D-OC x Elvis ter Putte, breeders Evelien Brandt and Han van Dijk from Broekland), owned by Thomas Schouten, Stefan van Veldhuizen and Joep Hoogveldt, entered the arena. The stallion selection committee shared their enthusiasm and crowned Crescendo champion, Ti Amo B (Carrera VDL -Madonna elite IBOP-spr sport-spr PROK D-OC x Apardi, bred by Ben Booijink) of VDL Stud was named reserve champion.
“Crescendo van de Boxem Z has jumped very convincingly twice, with very good foreleg technique, a lot of athletic ability and a lot of body use”, explained committee chairman Wout-Jan van der Schans. In terms of dam line information, it is interesting that dam Jorriena was well tested with an 8.5 for both attitude and rideability. “The reserve champion Ti Amo B is also a real eye-catcher, combining a youthful model with a light-footed canter and very good technique over the jump.”...

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