Last Saturday, the annual stallion inspection took place in Assen at Sunrise Stables. No fewer than 24 young stallions were listed in the catalogue, and eight older stallions were present for their mandatory presentation. This year, all stallions had already been DNA tested prior to the event to prevent any possible disappointment at a later stage. The event was organized by Marije van Ettekoven on behalf of the sports committee, in collaboration with the board and volunteers. There was strong public interest from both the Netherlands and abroad, and the atmosphere was excellent. Sweden, Norway, the Czech Republic, Spain, Scotland and the USA were represented — wonderful to bring all these enthusiasts together to share their common passion.
First, the stallions were checked by chip number and their height at the withers was measured. They were then presented on the hard surface, giving a good first impression of conformation, walk and trot. After the street presentation, the stallions were shown loose in the arena. Seven Type XX stallions were presented first. The jury for the young stallions consisted of Geertje van de Veen, Barend Damste, Nina Tuinman and trainee judge Arie van Heeswijk.
The stallion Jack (Erick BP36 x Zefir), owned by the Vermanen family, was awarded the Ster predicate with breeding license and received 42 points. Although previously approved, he had been unable to meet his obligations and therefore had to be reinspected. Now seven years old, he still has a very strong foundation but could use more muscle development. At this time, he lacked the power needed for a higher score.
Napoleon van de Voorsprong (Zuperhero XX37 x Bontfire XX06), owned by L. Wemmenhove, was approved with 44 points. A substantial stallion measuring 1.67 m, he appeared slightly uncertain in presentation but showed excellent shoulder freedom in trot with sufficient suppleness. His walk was more than adequate. He is strongly built with long, solid legs.
The XX stallion Nakao Nyx (Zuperhero XX37 x Bontfire XX06), owned by G. Heinrich, also received 44 points and was named Best of XX. A stallion with elegant lines and balanced conformation, he particularly impressed with a very regular, active and ground-covering walk and an appealing trot. In canter, he could show more uphill balance.
In the FB type, two stallions were awarded Ster with breeding license and two were approved. The impressive Igor van het Kreterenhof (Alwin 469 x Tsjalke 397), owned by E. Spliethof, was named Best of FB with 45.5 points, mainly due to his powerful trot with plenty of action and tremendous breed expression. In canter, he demonstrated great adjustability, and this eight-year-old stallion showed strong legs.
Nashville van de Koekoekshoeve (Ferdinand FB27 x Colorance BP03), owned by C. Beker-Post, was also approved with 44.5 points. This beautiful baroque stallion with an impressive forehand could perhaps be slightly stronger through the middle section, but he showed a trot with self-carriage and impulsion. He has excellent hooves and clean, dry legs.
The elegantly lined and well-developed stallion Gjosse (Reinder 452 x Beintse 418), owned by J. de Bree, received 43 points. In canter, he showed a nicely stepping-under hind leg, although in trot he could display more shoulder freedom. Gjosse has abundant feathering and strong legs.
The easy-moving Winston van het Middengras (Hilbrand 525 x Gerben 479), owned by E. Ammerlaan, was also awarded Ster with breeding license and received 42 points. A stallion with plenty of length in the body and a refined bone structure.
The BP class was well represented with 11 horses. Nobel fan Dijkmaniastate (Drewes fan Dijkmaniastate Ster x Zotirco), owned by D. Dijkman, was awarded Ster with breeding license, scoring 42 points with balanced marks across the board. A still youthful stallion who may develop more body mass, he improved notably in movement.
The beautifully breed-typical Diamond Sport (Bonte Martin x Willem van Nassau), owned by L. Kompier, also achieved 44 points. A stallion excelling in trot and canter, where he shows easy transitions and talent. The purity and rhythm of his walk are somewhat variable, and his leg conformation could be more correct. Partly due to his already proven and highly successful offspring (including three approved sons, seven first-premium Ster mares and two Elite mares), he was approved.
The large-framed and well-conditioned Orlando van de Hogenkamp (Olivier x Brend 413), owned by T. Hogenkamp, also received 44 points for his correct gaits and strong legs. This stallion with harness-horse blood may have been slightly long in the middle section but showed ample breed expression and three correct basic gaits.
Kevin BP Ster 89 (Gregor van Emden x Bontfire XX06), owned by C. Martinus-Feld, entered the ring for an upgrade in status. Having been awarded Ster with breeding license last year, he was now fully approved with 44 points. Kevin had particularly improved in canter, showing much greater use of his body. Overall, he has matured beautifully.
With 45 points and later named reserve champion of the day, Nero Bianco (Ceasar ter Linden XX05 x Alwin 469), owned by M. Wingens, topped the rankings. A refined and youthful stallion with excellent technique in the basic gaits. He received no less than an 8.5 for his rhythmic, ground-covering walk. He consistently showed himself well, and expectations are that he will develop into a highly correct stallion in both conformation and movement, according to Geertje van de Veen.
After the break, a special moment was dedicated to the stallion Bart BP07. Now 26 years old and still in excellent health, he is not only thriving but also still active in breeding — proven durability indeed. He was honored in the spotlight, and his owners, the Vrieswijk/Wijma family, received a stable plaque and certificate.
Several older stallions also gave presentations under saddle and in harness. Jan FB42 was presented in harness by the team of Dijkmaniastate Stables — or so it seemed, until he was swiftly taken out of the carriage, saddled, ridden by a lady rider, then unsaddled again and shown in hand. What a kind and willing stallion!
The Dijkmaniastate stallions Jesaja BP96 and Joker BP95 performed a pas de deux, with Joker’s rider mounting him for the very first time. Once again, an excellent example of cooperative temperament — everything went smoothly.
Luwke BP99 also gave a ridden test, and it was wonderful to see how this stallion continues to develop under saddle and proves very pleasant to ride. Later that day, Luwke was named reserve champion among the older stallions.
Regarding the older stallions, eight were present for their mandatory presentation, judged by Simon Hoeksma, Nina Tuinman and trainee judge Arie van Heeswijk: Joker BP95, Jesaja BP96, Ivan BP86, Ieme BP60 Sport, Luwke BP99, Kees BP82, Lomme BP101 and Lancelot BP105. A magnificent group of stallions, each of whom has developed tremendously. It is clear that the “youngsters” are growing into strong sires.
Ieme BP60 Sport was named champion of the older stallions, although the differences were small, according to judge Simon Hoeksma. Shortly afterward, he was also declared overall day champion — a moment the De Ruiter family will remember for a long time, as the smiles never left their faces. In addition to his strong performance, the stallion was named champion because of his “baroque appearance that defines our studbook,” as stated by Geertje van de Veen.
For all results have a look at this place.
All in all, another wonderful day, for which we are especially grateful to our main sponsors: Florian Horse Food, Hypostore and Fryso. Visitors could also shop in the straw village at Gre@tt leather bags, SR Equishop, and the stands of Marthahoeve and Florian Horse Food.
The organization thanks everyone who contributed to this successful day.
Office: Ettje and Wietske
Secretariat: Saskia and daughter
Ring stewards: Arie and Tommy
Measurer: Mr. Draaijer
Organic waste control: Kelly
Handlers: Sale, Trudy and Linda
Speaker: Maarten
Veterinarian: Hilde
Farrier: Tijs
Film: Nando
Photographer: Annie
First aid: Roelof and Rikus
Sound: Koopmans
Venue and catering: Sunrise Stables
General assistance: various family members, Collin, the Vermanen family, Hilde and friends
Sports committee
Judges
Board
