PrintThe KWPN Stallion Show, the world’s biggest event of its kind, will take place February 3-6, 2010 in the Brabanthallen of ’s-Hertogenbosch. Approximately 25,000 visitors from around the globe are expected to attend this celebration of performance horse breeding, sport, and entertainment. A varied and inspiring program is planned for all four days. In 2009, the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses ranked the KWPN as the number one studbook for both jumpers and dressage horses. The 2010 KWPN Stallion Show features a showcase of future international sport horses. Below is an overview of the scheduled program.
February 3rd and 4th, Wednesday and Thursday, are dedicated entirely to jumper breeding. The day program includes the 2nd and 3rd round viewings of three-year-old jumper stallions that have successfully completed the 1st round viewing. The Stallion Selection Committee will judge the stallions on conformation, movement, and jumping talent.
Wednesday evening is the second annual KWPN College. The English language session, designed especially for visitors from abroad, is both educational and entertaining. Topics discussed range from breeding to selection methods. The KWPN College was launched in response to demand for more information about KWPN horses. With the KWPN as the number one studbook in the WBFSH rankings for 2009, even more foreign visitors are expected to attend the 2010 KWPN College.
On Thursday evening, jumper stallions will participate in four different final competitions. Three of the competitions are open to stallions of specific ages and are part of the GMB KNHS/KWPN Stallion Competition. The fourth is open to older stallions that regularly compete in national and international show jumping. These stallions will contend for the VHO Trophy, a prestigious award sponsored by the Association of Dutch Stallion Owners.
Friday, February 5, is dedicated to dressage. The day program includes the 2nd and 3rd round viewings of three-year-old dressage stallions. The evening program is packed with many exciting events. Several spectacular exhibitions are scheduled in addition to regular competitions, such as the GMB KNHS/KWPN Stallion Competition finals and the Freestyle for the VHO Trophy. Among the competitions are those for designated age groups, in which stallions perform tests appropriate for their age. As such, the test for five-year-old stallions is less demanding than the tests for six-year-olds and seven-year-olds. In addition, the older national and international level stallions will perform freestyles in the competition for the VHO Trophy.
Saturday, February 6, promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2010 KWPN Stallion Show. Only the best horses will return to the ring. All selected three-year-old jumper and dressage stallions will vie for a place in the Champion Selection. The champion jumpers, dressage horses, harness horses, and Gelder horses will be presented on Saturday. The best of these will compete for the Championship titles.
In addition, the 2009 KWPN Horse of the Year will be announced. Also scheduled is the Oregon Trophy competition for the best harness horse stallions.
