51 of 82 jumping stallions licensed at KWPN licensing 2026, six premiums

The winner of the show jumping stallions at the 2026 KWPN licensing was a Chacoon Blue son, who was not only the favorite of the licensing committee, but also of the audience. Crescendo van de Boxem Z is the name of the colorful chestnut, still youthful, but athletically built and just as jumping. When Crescendo began to jump, it was clear why he is called what he is called. He left nothing to be desired in terms of overview, technique, reflexes and agility. And this despite the fact that it is customary at the Dutch licensing for the helpers to push as little as possible in the arena. You can see how motivated the horses are to jump and how clever they are.

Wout-Jan van der Schans is not only head trainer of the Dutch show jumpers, but also chairman of the licensing committee for show jumping stallions. He said of the winning stallion: “Crescendo van de Boxem Z jumped very convincingly twice, with very good front leg technique, lots of athleticism and physical effort.”

The proud breeders are Evelien Brandt and Han van Dijk. They had selected the Chacco Blue son Chacoon Blue for the Elvis ter Putte-Indoctro daughter Jorriena, who herself is successful up to 1.30 meters. However, they had already sold him as a foal for 11,000 euros to the owners Thomas Schouten, Stefan van Veldhuizen and Joop Hoogveldt, who were not willing to part with him now Crescendo van de Boxem was no more for sale than his five colleagues in the premium ring.

Reserve champion from VDL Stud

Ben Booilink gave birth to the reserve champion, a son of Carrera VDL out of a highly decorated dam by Apardi. He belongs to the VDL Stud and will therefore be a stablemate of his sire. Wout-Jan van der Schans had this to say about him: “The reserve champion is also a real eye-catcher who combines a youthful model with a light-footed canter and very good technique at the jump.”

The other premiums

The VDL Stud presented two more premium stallions. The first was Elroy Field Z, one of two Emerald sons in the final ring, here bred to an Uricas van de Kattevennen dam (breeder: Koerhuis family).

The second prize-winning Emerald son goes by the name of Excelsior Key SR Z and has a Toulon dam. The breeders are Josie and Erik Sleutels. The youngster was exhibited by Stoeterij Turfhorst. The dam line of this stallion has produced a large number of international show jumpers, including Popeye van de Bisschop, who carried Christopher Kläsener to one of the greatest successes of his career a few days ago when they beat Scott Brash in Doha. Ben Maher’s European Champion Cella also comes from this line.

The second award-winning VDL stallion, for whom the stud is also the breeder, is from the first crop of Hunter’s Scendro son Sambucci de Muze. He goes by the name of Street Sense VDL and represents the Holsteiner line 474A. The direct dam line also produced Gisborne VDL, who was successful at the highest level with Jeroen Dubbeldam and Daniel Coyle, as well as the five-star event horse Friendship VDL.

Touch Especiale by Don’t Touch Tipi Hero out of a Chacco-Blue dam, who represents a line that has already produced several international show jumpers and licensed stallions, was also awarded a prize. The breeder is Jack Verstappen and he was exhibited by Stall Hendrix.

Here you will find an overview of the list of licensed stallions.

Auction

Only twelve of the 51 stallions admitted to the performance test (the sires are only fully licensed in the Netherlands once they have passed the test) were available for purchase at the auction. This is also different from Germany.

One of two “instructed” sons of New Pleasure VDL, Trotsy Zottie, took the top price of 75,000 euros. The Zottie line is one of the most widely branched in Dutch breeding with various successful sport horses in show jumping and eventing.

You can find the entire collection with prices here.