A large audience, quality horses, excellent results and temperatures rising to 30 degrees. The Spanish inspection day in Chinchón can rightly be described as a great success. From the Netherlands, Simon Hoeksma and Gorrit Kuipers travelled to Spain, accompanied by Hilde Schillings and Jitske van de Weij, for a long but highly successful inspection day.
From Madrid to the charming town of Chinchón
The journey began on Friday morning. After the flight to Madrid, there was still a drive of approximately one hour to Chinchón. This characteristic Spanish town is only fifteen minutes from the inspection venue and is particularly well known for its tourist appeal and traditional bull festivals. On Friday evening, we were able to experience a little of this tradition ourselves. Young bulls could be seen in the village, while brave Spanish men took on the challenge of facing the animals. It was quite a spectacular sight, with man and animal sometimes coming remarkably close to one another. Fortunately, everything ended well for both people and animals. After an enjoyable evening, it was time to get up early on Saturday morning for the inspection day.
Calm stallions get the day off to a flying start
After breakfast, we were picked up by our regular driver, David. Upon arrival at the inspection venue, six stallions were already standing neatly side by side waiting for us. The stallions were first measured and their microchips were checked. What immediately stood out was how incredibly calm the animals were. The stallions were between three and six years old and stood quietly and correctly. Even when standing close together, there was not a hint of unrest. Their excellent behaviour continued throughout the entire day.
As temperatures were expected to rise considerably during the day, it was decided to start with the IBOP. A sensible decision, as the thermometer eventually reached no less than 30 degrees in the afternoon.
Four out of four successful in the IBOP
Four horses were presented for the IBOP, and all four passed. An excellent result.
The highest score of the day went to the six-year-old Kiss Darley Angel. The stallion, measuring 1.65 metres at the withers, achieved an impressive 68 points. Kiss Darley Angel is a son of Ewout BP31 x Ceasar ter Linden XX05.
With 67 points, Mats XXster 107 followed closely behind. This stallion is now four years old, measures 1.70 metres and was already granted his breeding licence last year. Mats XXster 107 is a young son of Armin fan de Stûken.
A wonderful start to the inspection day.
Foals in excellent condition
After the IBOP, it was time for the foals. A total of eleven foals and one yearling were presented. The group made an excellent impression. Every foal was in good condition, and several animals stood out for their type, movement and presence.
The highest-scoring XX foal was Romulo D Colcer TC, with a score of 45.5 points. This eye-catching foal is a young son of Kevin Darley Angel.
Among the BP foals, the highest score went to Ripeel D Colcer TC, also a young son of Kevin Darley Angel. This foal achieved 46.5 points.
Both foals clearly demonstrated the desired Baroque type. They had plenty of breed character and presence, and also showed very good movement.
The yearling was impressive as well. This well-developed young mare returned home with 44.5 points. For her age, she already made a particularly strong and mature impression.
Mare awarded Preliminary Elite status
One mare was presented for registration. The seven-year-old mare, a daughter of Dries BP118, achieved 44 points. With this score, she was awarded Preliminary Elite status. A wonderful result that was, of course, received with great pride.
Time for some music
After the mare, it was time for a short break. The organisers had arranged a fun surprise: a singer had been invited to entertain the audience. The musical performance took place while riding the stallion Kilian BP108, who was approved last year. It made for a remarkable sight and was a lovely way to entertain the audience during the break.
The large number of spectators was remarkable in itself. Attendance was high for an inspection day, and the Spanish organisation can rightly be proud of this.
Stallion inspection: four horses through to the third viewing
After the break, attention once again turned to the stallions. Earlier that morning, the stallions had already presented themselves during the in-hand presentation. Now it was time to assess them loose in the arena.
Six stallions had been entered to potentially qualify for a breeding licence. Following the various assessment stages, four stallions were selected for the third viewing.
After the final walk around, the exciting moment arrived when the results were announced.
Two stallions were awarded Approved status, while two were awarded Ster status with a breeding licence.
The results:
- James Darley Angel – Approved, 49 points
- Kiss Darley Angel – Approved, 44 points
- Kevin Darley Angel – Ster with breeding licence, 42 points
- Orlando van de Puttenberg – Ster with breeding licence, 42.5 points
For James Darley Angel and Kiss Darley Angel, it was an especially successful day. Both stallions had already performed well in the IBOP that morning and once again confirmed their quality during the stallion inspection.
Congratulations to the breeders and owners on these wonderful results!
Horses with size, presence and sporting potential
The overall impression of the inspection day was one of high quality. The horses were in good condition and had plenty of size and presence. At the same time, we saw horses that were sufficiently modern to develop further within the sport of dressage.
It was precisely this combination of the recognisable Baroque type with a modern, athletic appearance that made such an impression.
Radio, photographs and then a well-deserved dinner
After a long day in the Spanish sun, the work was not quite over yet. Spanish radio had been present throughout the day and had provided extensive coverage of the inspection. After the event, the radio reporter was still there for an interview, and of course there were plenty of photographs to be taken.
Only when everything had been completed could we finally sit down for dinner. Over a drink, the day was reviewed and there was an opportunity to catch up with breeders, owners and other people involved.
And so, a long, warm, but above all successful day came to an end.
Looking forward to the next time
Early on Sunday morning, the Dutch delegation set off for the airport for the journey back to the Netherlands.
Spain can look back on a highly successful inspection day. The organisation was excellent, the horses were well cared for, there was a large audience, and there was also considerable interest from the media.
With four successful IBOP participants, excellent results among the foals, a Preliminary Elite mare and four stallions who can look forward to a promising future with their new status, it was a trip that left many positive impressions.
Spain, thank you for your hospitality and excellent organisation. We look back with great pleasure on a wonderful inspection day in Chinchón! Click here for the results.
Simon Hoeksma and Gorrit Kuipers
