Yesterday, the stallion inspection committee for the Gelder horse evaluated three stallions, all of which performed properly. Ronaldo K will participate in the end presentation next week.
The three-year-old Alexandro P son Ronaldo K is the only stallion participating in the performance test and was evaluated yesterday under the training rider in dressage and jumping. As it seems now, he will complete the performance test next week.
The end presentation will take place on May 14th. On that day, there will also be a reunion with the already approved five-year-old Gelder stallions Olaf Official (s.Henkie) and Obrian (s.Vigaro), both of the stallions were evaluated yesterday in harness performance. Next week, they will be presented again in harness work, this time on the outdoor arena, after which the stallion inspection committee will give their final assessment.
Foto Olaf Official: Sandra Nieuwendijk
7 May 2024 | 14:42
Two stallions leave the performance test
With one week remaining until the end presentation, two jumper stallions are returning home. One of them, premium stallion R (by Mattias), has been referred to the next performance test.
The stallion inspection committee briefly discussed their findings with the attending owners. Premium stallion R (Mattias out of Annelita C elite IBOP-spr pref prest PROK by Guidam) from the Tewis family in Zweeloo has been referred to the next performance test. For another premium stallion, the four-year-old Prestobantos (Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN out of Larabanta stb PROK by Carambole) bred by Egbert Kuijer and co-owned by Jan Greve, the performance test has ended. This leaves nine three-year-olds, four four-year-olds, and two seven-year-olds currently in Ermelo.
Overview page performance test
2 May 2024 | 09:13
KWPN recognizes jumper stallions Funky Fred Marienshof Z and Lord Fauntleroy
The stallion inspection committee jumping has nominated the Grand Prix stallion Funky Fred Marienshof Z and the international jumper stallion Lord Fauntleroy for recognition. The board has formalized these recognitions.
Funky Fred Marienshof Z
The 10-year-old Funky Fred Marienshof Z (Fantomas de Muze x Libero H), ridden by Lars Kersten, has demonstrated his capabilities at the Grand Prix level in recent months. The duo secured third place in the World Cup competition at Jumping Amsterdam, an impressive fifth place in the Grand Prix of Gothenburg, and another fifth place in Den Bosch during the Dutch Masters at 1.55m level. Kersten and Funky Fred also placed fifth at the Dutch National Jumping Championships in Deurne last weekend.
Pedigree
Funky Fred's sire, Fantomas de Muze, a son of the Grand Prix stallion Sandro Boy, competed at the highest level under Karline de Brabander-Vereecke and Koen Vereecke. Fantomas de Muze's dam is the well-known mare Cordula de Laubry (by For Pleasure), highly ranked on the Hippomundo mare ranking. Funky Fred's dam is the mare Marien, who jumped at 1.50m level. She is a daughter of the preferent World Cup winner Libero H. Aside from her sports career, Marien produced the 1.60m showjumper Dundee v/h Marienshof and the international showjumpers Calorie v/h Marienshof (by Clinton), Nabarien Marienshof (by Nabab de Reve), and Be Marien v/h Marenshof (by Bamako de Muze).
KWPN requirements
Funky Fred Marienshof Z comply with the radiographic requirements determined by the KWPN. The conformation evalution reveals no remarks. Funky Fred Marienshof Z has a genomic breeding value of 99 (with 42% reliability) and is also not a carrier of WFFS.
Lord Fauntleroy
The 15-year-old Lord Fauntleroy (Lord Pezi x Contendro I) was successful at 1.50m and 1.55m levels with riders Markus Brinkman, Henrik Griese, and Marco Kutscher. His offspring from his first years are now competing at the highest level, such as Let’s Go FZ (out of a Stakkato dam) and Looping Luna (out of a Calido I dam). Lord Fauntleroy has also several approved sons.
Pedigree
Lord Fauntleroy's sire, Lord Pezi (by Lacros), has consistently ranked highly in sire rankings and has produced numerous international Grand Prix showjumpers. Lord Fauntleroy's dam is a daughter of the well-known KWPN recognized stallion Contendro I (by Contender).
KWPN requirements
Lord Fauntleroy comply with the radiographic requirements determined by the KWPN. The conformation evalution reveals no remarks. Lord Fauntleroy has a genomic breeding value of 102 (with 43% reliability) and is also not a carrier of WFFS.
You can find the descriptions of the stallions in the KWPN Database.
Source: KWPN
Photo Lord Fauntleroy: 1clicphoto
Photo Funky Fred Marienshof Z: Digishots
1 May 2024 | 14:58
Gelder horse stallion performs well on outdoor terrain
Following the assessment of the jumper stallions yesterday, the Gelder horse stallion was evaluated in the performance test. He showed himself well on the outdoor terrain.
The Gelder horse inspection committee gathered yesterday to assess the three-year-old Alexandro P son Ronaldo K (out of Madora star by Heliotroop). He was presented by a test rider on the outdoor terrain and made a good impression, allowing him to continue the performance test. The dark chestnut stallion Ronaldo K will be reassessed next Tuesday.
Overview page perfomance test
JS for KWPN
Photo: Theo Janssen
1 May 2024 | 14:50
Four jumper stallions exit performance test
Three weeks after delivery, an intermediate assessment took place yesterday for the three-year-old jumper stallions. The performance test continues with four fewer stallions.
Yesterday's assessment began with the two seven-year-old stallions, followed by the four-year-old stallions. They all participate in the 21-day test and were delivered last week, so there has been no consultation with the owners yet. Overall, they made a good impression.
Two referred
For the three-year-old stallions, the stallion inspection committee discussed their findings with the present owners. For the Zirocco Blue VDL son Rebel Blue-N and the Donthargos son Radetzky, the performance test was finished today. Two other stallions, the United Touch S son NN and the Lambada Shake AG son Riverdance, have been referred to a subsequent performance test. The final presentation of this spring assessment will take place in two weeks.
Overview page performance test
1 May 2024 | 14:32
One dressage stallion left the performance test
Last Friday, the dressage stallions and the Gelder stallion were evaluated by the stallion inspection committees in the performance test. One dressage stallion has left Ermelo.
The dressage stallion inspection committee gathered Friday to evaluate the three-year-old stallions and, for the first time, the four-year-old and older stallions. "It was good to see that the four-year-old and older stallions, who were delivered last Monday, were ridden well by the training riders. Feedback was provided to the present owners of the stallions, resulting in the conclusion of the performance test for one stallion," says senior inspector Floor Dröge. This concerns the four-year-old son of Le Formidable, Private Dancer (s.Johnson).
The Gelder stallion was also evaluated Friday, and the committee had a consultation with the owners. He will continue the test, and the assessment next week will take place outdoors.
Overview page performance test
29 April 2024 | 14:30
Veterinary Advisory Committee provides recommendations regarding X-rays within Stallion Selection
In the summer of 2023, the PROK requirement was reintroduced within the stallion selection process. At the same time, the General Board formed a Veterinary Advisory Committee to reassess the current PROK requirement. This group of renowned veterinarians and radiologists has formulated several recommendations that the General Board has adopted.
The main objective of the KWPN is to breed horses that can perform at the highest level in sports. Ensuring the correct selection based on health characteristics is important to maintain the distinguishing feature of the studbook. For this reason, the approved stallions themselves must be sufficiently healthy, enabling breeders to make better choices and breed more sustainable horses.
Gold standard
The Veterinary Advisory Committee consists of members of the PROK committee (Gijs Jan van Selm, Bart Veldeman, Hans Peeters, and Hank van Campen), supplemented with practical experience via Arie Hoogendoorn, Don van de Winkel, and Jacques Maree. For the scientific basis and assessment, they are supported by radiologists A.J. van den Belt and Stephanie Veraa from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. As mentioned, this committee has examined the recalibration of the evaluation of the radiographic images. Veterinarian Hank van Campen explains: "The PROK examination, which stands for Project Radiographic Examination KWPN, has been in existence since 1997 and has given the KWPN a significant advantage in terms of health breeding goals. Other studbooks have largely copied this method of selection. We saw that this was slowly eroding our advantage. Additionally, breeding progresses in a certain direction, including health. Since 1997, only a few minor changes have been made to the PROK requirement. Therefore, it was time to assess PROK in light of today's horse, so that tomorrow's breeding product can also meet the high health standards of the KWPN. With this, we aim to establish a norm that will once again become the gold standard for the coming years, even internationally."
Recalibration and incidental findings
The Veterinary Advisory Committee began by inventorying abnormalities and variations encountered in practice. Van Campen explains: "We looked at everything we encounter on X-rays that is abnormal, such as chips, flattening, and cysts. Then we looked at the degree of heritability and clinical relevance: there may be an abnormality, but how likely is it that the horse will have problems with it in the future? If, for example, an abnormality rarely or never leads to future lameness, that particular X-ray image is not clinically relevant, and there is no need to select for it as a studbook. For each abnormality, we have assessed its clinical relevance, determining whether it could hinder the KWPN's breeding goal of achieving the highest level during the sports career. By compiling all possible information from practice and science, we try to reach a consensus on whether or not we want to select based on each skeletal part."
Extra photos of fetlocks and stifles
This insight has led to several adjustments aimed at better alignment between the evaluation of the PROK radiographic images and the sports examination. One of the adjustments is the expansion of the number of required X-ray images, with four additional shots (two of the fetlocks, two of the stifles) being taken. Incidental findings with proven clinical relevance are taken into account in the assessment for awarding the PROK predicate. Van Campen explains: "Previously, the hind fetlock was only photographed laterally, and now we supplement that with photos from the front. The same applies to the stifles; we now also take extra photos from a different direction. These additional shots are mainly aimed at ruling out clarifications in bone structure, the so-called cysts."
Weighing in genomic breeding values
The Veterinary Advisory Committee advises that in the case of class B or C in the hock (sagittal tibiakam class B-C, lateral trochlear ridge talus class B) and class B in the knee (lateral trochlear ridge femur), the osteochondrosis (OC) genomic breeding value should be considered. If the OC genomic breeding value is 100 points or higher, a stallion can be accepted for performance testing. This advice is based on the addition of genetic information represented by the osteochondrosis genomic breeding value. By combining the radiographic images with the OC genomic breeding value, the two measurement tools reinforce each other.
Change in date of X-ray imaging
Until now, mares and stallions could be X-rayed for PROK from April 1st of the year they turn two. This date will be moved for stallions to September 1st, meaning two-year-old stallions will be X-rayed five months later. The Veterinary Advisory Committee indicates that genetic reparative capacity between April and September can still affect the X-ray status. However, other parts of the skeleton also undergo changes during this early developmental phase of the horse. Furthermore, it is essential to have up-to-date X-ray images during the stallion selection process. For mares, a different arrangement applies: from April 1st to September 1st, 2024, there is the possibility to request the PROK examination under the regular conditions. From September 1st, 2024, the new conditions described above also apply to mares.
X-raying of the back and neck
The Veterinary Advisory Committee proposes initiating an extensive study to accurately investigate the relationship between the presence of Kissing Spines and clinical symptoms. Data collection is considered the primary task. Don van de Winkel explains: "In addition to abnormalities that pose a high risk of lameness, there are also abnormalities that may not pose a high risk to future sporting use but may cause problems in the event of sale. An example of this is Kissing Spines, which literally means that the 'spinous processes' of the spine can kiss each other: they touch each other. It is not unusual for these processes to touch; the space between them often varies anyway. If you look at the horse's spine, it has a certain curvature. Additionally, the processes of the withers point backwards, at the last thoracic vertebra, the direction changes, and from the lumbar vertebrae, the tips point more forward. So, it is logical that at the deepest point of the back, the space between the processes is smaller, or they even touch each other. There is a large anatomical variation in this. Kissing Spines may not pose a risk in itself; problems can arise when there is a lot of bone reaction such as new bone formation or bone resorption. But even in that case, it may not necessarily lead to back pain; there are many degrees of severity possible. So, you have to be careful about drawing conclusions. What we want to find out is which degree will predictably lead to problems."
Kissing Spines are assessed according to the research of Zimmerman, Dyson, and Murray, where X-rays of the spine are classified on a scale from 1 to 7. For stallion selection, classes 6 and 7 are no longer accepted. For mares, assessment of back and neck photos can be requested, but this is still outside the norms for obtaining a PROK predicate. Currently, selection based on neck photos is not conducted, but the committee intends to inventory what is happening within the population in the coming years, to make future selection choices based on that information. Van de Winkel states: "What genetic trends do we see in the abnormalities? Especially in the area of the back, we want to inventory and gather knowledge. However, we will select for significant abnormalities—grades 6 and 7 on a scale of 7. Because we don't want breeding stallions with a deformed back in the industry. We will use the results of the inventory to look into the future regarding the heredity of the back, to determine if we may need to adjust genetic selection. Additionally, we will embark on a study to explore the relationship between various grades of back abnormalities and sports performance. Specifically, at what grade of back abnormality do we see a negative impact on sports results? Hopefully, this will provide us with a lot of useful information to keep the KWPN horse healthy: a very important quality criterion, alongside traits such as temperament and talent."
Text: Charlotte Dekker
Image: Anniek de Wit
26 April 2024 | 14:47
Longread: Reinie Tewis is achieving success through expertise and goodwill
No stallion inspection passes without Reinie Tewis. He turned his childhood dream of becoming a stallion holder, into his profession and is a master at discovering talent among young stallions. As a trainer, he has built up an impressive track record and has been behind top-level standouts such as Cosun, Heathrow, F-One USA, Tornesch, Vingino, and recently sold top talent Mattias. Optimizing a horse's performance remains Reinie's greatest driving force.
After being based in Westdorp for twenty years, Reinie, along with Sonja Vlaar and their daughters Lynn and Rose, settled in Zweeloo, also located in Drenthe, three years ago. On a slightly smaller scale than before but with undiminished enthusiasm, the stallion owner prepares the stallions for the stallion inspection every year. This year, this resulted in among other things the premium stallion Raven (s.Mattias) and four other selected stallions.
Preparing themselves
Although Reinie does not come from a 'horse family,' it quickly became clear to him what profession he wanted to pursue. "Breeding has always fascinated me, and I started following the inspections at a young age. I attended agricultural school, and when I was sixteen, I did an internship at Matty Marissink. That's how I ended up at the stallion inspection, where the stallion Wolfgang came into my path. That was the first stallion I could lease, so that's how it started," Reinie reflects. The later keur-declared stallion Cavalier, who performed at the highest level under the name San Patrignano Mister with Franke Sloothaak, was subsequently his first stallion. Even during that time, Reinie already prepared stallions for the inspection, and the enjoyment he derives from it has only increased.
Quality keeps improving
"At that time, I prepared one or two stallions every year and was already very happy if they made it to the second viewing. By now, the bar is set a bit higher because I have trained many good stallions, and the quality keeps improving," Reinie says. Only a few people will miss the enthusiasm with which Reinie presents his stallions. He beams from ear to ear when his stallions provide a remarkable performance. "Discovering talent is the most beautiful thing for me. And the connection with the breeders, with whom I often collaborate on the stallions. The stallion inspection is something I am busy with all year round. We start the actual training of the horses in mid-September, and then the winter months are always focused on the stallion inspections. If that then yields success, I can really enjoy it."
Five selected
Last season, Reinie prepared ten stallions for the inspection, nine of which were selected for the second round viewing. In 's-Hertogenbosch, five stallions were selected for the performance test, including the premium stallion Raven (Mattias out of Annelita C elite pref prest IBOP-spr PROK by Guidam), who comes from their own breeding. For other breeders, Reinie prepared the genetically very interesting Aganix du Seigneur son Aranix Rising Z (out of Lady D sport-spr by 't Roosakker by Echo van 't Spieveld) from Carin Schotanus and Hendrik Blink, and the Mumbai son Rich and Royal (out of Cantate 47 by Crunch) from breeder Roelof Bril. Reinie is co-owner of Vital van HD (by Kasanova de la Pomme out of Otina van HD sport-spr by El Torreo de Muze). "We co-own him with Henk van der Sluis. I got in touch with him because he wanted to buy a harness horse from me, but in the end, nothing came of it, but that's how this jumping stallion came into our path. I could get involved as a yearling. Sometimes you need some luck."
KWPN Select Sale
Vital van HD comes from a strong Belgian performance line and goes directly back to Pieter Devos' former top horse Candy. From his first crop, Mattias also sired Roven (out of Heathrow, breeder J. Braams-Hoving), who was subsequently sold at the KWPN Select Sale and prepared by Reinie. "We had two Mattias sons in the auction in 's-Hertogenbosch, including the auction topper Mad Max Z, who was not selected. I can't and don't want to keep all the stallions myself, so the auction is a good option. In principle, all our horses are for sale if the price is right. You have to be critical yourself; not every stallion is commercially viable for the auction, and the whim of the moment rules: if they jump well, you get money. And if the performance fails, you just have to wait a bit longer to sell."
International riders
In recent years, Reinie has already sold a couple of promising stallions in this way. "I find it very rewarding to watch Jumping Amsterdam on Sunday afternoons on TV and see riders pass by who bought horses from me at the KWPN Select Sale. And the best part is that those riders are very happy with them." Top rider Denis Lynch bought a stallion prepared and offered by Reinie in the auction for two consecutive years. In 2022, it was the Manchester van 't Paradijs son Outlaw, and last year the premium stallion Prophet (formerly Popino-Larus s.Gaspahr), both of which were approved by KWPN. Another good example is the stallion Power Man, a son of Jukebox, sold to Suus Kuyten, who is also making a name for himself as a KWPN-approved stallion. "We often maintain good contact with such riders when they are satisfied with the stallions that come from here. That's the best advertising. If everything goes well, I might come to the inspection next year with a stallion from Piet Raijmakers; it's nice when such people appreciate your good stallions."
Six stallions per year
The young stallions are in raising in Emden, Germany, six stallions per year. "We have them together with owners or alone. In principle, I prepare all those stallions for the inspection because they are already selected based on type, canter, and pedigree. If they are healthy and jump well enough, I'm happy to take them to the inspection. This year, before the inspection, we sold one of our stallions to Germany, the others were all presented."
Predictive value
Although Reinie finds the inspections even more beautiful than the sport, he knows exactly what makes a good jumper. An important part of the current stallion selection system is free jumping, which Reinie strongly promotes. "When I receive a horse from raising, the breeder or owner usually calls the next day to ask if I've already had it jump. The same applies to international riders, so they also attach great importance to it. They say that you can select closer to the breeding goal under saddle, but free jumping tells me a lot. In my experience, the horses that perform well in freedom almost without exception also do so under saddle. The other way around is a different story, but fortunately, there are many options to present a stallion under saddle to the stallion inspection committee. I also think it's a good thing that, as an owner, you have multiple ways and chances to present your stallion.
Retaining free jumping
A major advantage of the current system with free jumping is that it also makes it feasible for the ordinary breeder to get their own stallion to the inspection. A period of four months of training is affordable for most breeders. As soon as the saddle comes into play, the bills start coming in, and it's a very long road. There were about 260 stallions at the first inspection, who is going to ride and handle all these horses? You need at least five months for that if they can't do anything yet. I know a few people who first have a horse ridden for five months and then assess how their horse jumps. There is also a good chance that we will miss many stallions because people do not want to go through that longer process and those stallions then go abroad. So, I am definitely in favour of retaining free jumping."
Mattias
Breeders and riders all know how to find Reinie when it comes to preparing for the inspection. "Because we have a stud station, we have contact with many breeders, and it's also a matter of goodwill. I can't afford those expensive auction foals, so we enter into collaborations with breeders or owners." A good example of this is the Comme Il Faut son Mattias, who made a big impression last winter with his first year of stallions at the inspection and was sold to top rider Jur Vrieling. "Mattias was already very special as a foal. I had given the breeder breeding advice about the stallion Comme Il Faut, and it resulted in a beautiful, large foal from a good line. I never expected to have the chance from his breeder to buy Mattias together with Jan van Kooten because the auction committees were also chasing Mattias. Fortunately, I have that goodwill. When Mattias was two years old, we let him jump for the first time, and it was so special that I didn't put him back in the group. He did come into the pasture at our home every day, and at the end of the summer, we started training. It was immediately clear that he was a special horse," Reinie says.
Athletic grey
As a three-year-old, the athletic grey was registered with 83 points at the KWPN and was mostly trained by Sonja. "I find the stallion inspections very beautiful, and Sonja likes to ride, which is a good combination. But we consciously focus only on the first years of training. I also noticed that I have less connection with a horse once it is in training elsewhere. That is different from when you are busy with it yourself every day. When they are about six years old, it is time to sell them. That's how it went with Mattias last year too. Jur Vrieling had seriously asked about him when he was four, but at that time, we didn't plan to sell him. At the beginning of last year, he jumped very well for three days in a row in Zuidwolde, and then more and more people started asking about him. Because I had promised Jur that I would let him know when we wanted to sell, I gave him the first chance to try Mattias. It immediately clicked well, but it took some time before he went to Jur. Of course, I think it's great that Mattias is now going to get all the opportunities he deserves, but deep down, I would have preferred to keep him myself. I don't like losing him, but you have to be realistic: keeping him is not an option for us."
Long-term vision
For the breeders who have had confidence in Mattias from the beginning and have used him for breeding, such a sale to a top rider is an ideal scenario. "As a stallion holder, I also think you have a certain obligation to the breeders. It is also in the interest of the breeders who have used your young stallion that he ends up in the right place so that he can further develop as a sport horse. Mattias has always been a very special horse, and Sonja has spent a lot of time with him. I hope he will do very well in the sport, and I'm glad we still have offspring from him." There are currently two stallions left at the stud farm in Zweeloo, the full brothers Next In Line and Outsider DK (s. Jukebox), both from the breeding of Arjan Roosjen. Next In Line won the De Wolden competition for five-year-olds last year and then had a rest, so he didn't start in the KWPN Championship for Young Show Jumping Horses.
Schedule
"That didn't quite fit into our schedule; we like to take our time with young horses and we can't handle well with the pressure that, for example, a stallion competition brings. Next In Line only participated in one competition last winter; it all came a bit too early. For us, it would be better if the competition were spread over more different competitions, and the final result is determined by the average of, say, five competitions. That way, you have more time to take a break in between or skip a competition when it doesn't fit into the schedule. Now, the stallion competition consists of three competitions, and they have to ride all three; otherwise, you're not allowed to go to Den Bosch. And with the four-year-olds, the pressure to ride clear rounds is now very high; I would have liked to see that differently."
Different blood
The sire of Next In Line and Outsider DK, the stallion Jukebox (s.Padock du Plessis), was co-owned by Reinie with Jan van Kooten and Jos Lansink, for whom he also prepared several stallions for the inspection. This internationally 1.45m-classified stallion has been with Monique van den Broek since November. "It's nice that such a stallion has immediately covered a few good mares here in the region, such as the mother of Next In Line and Outsider, and that his offspring are developing positively in the sport. I don't want all breeders to breed with my young stallions; on the contrary, it's also very interesting if the good mares are bred with different blood. That's why I always try to have interesting stallions from other stallion owners available, such as Ermitage Kalone last year, for example. It will be nice if I can present the sons of such a stallion at the inspection later on because I am always looking for different blood. This year, I had three Mattiases, but I think it's also good to offer 'new' blood. The most important thing is that as a stallion holder, you have a lot of faith in your stallion, and if a stallion lives up to your expectations, you will also get breeders to use him."
Smaller scale
Reinie trains the stallions together with Sonja and employee Maron Mensinga. "Maron works three days a week with us and also helps prepare the young horses. Sonja rides the two stallions, does the administration, and helps with all other activities in the stable. We have been in Zweeloo for the third year now and take the time to make everything on and around our farm to our liking." Reinie does free jumping in an oval arena. "We deliberately chose this because young horses always stop in the corner. Now they stay in rhythm, and as soon as they know the way a bit, I can manage them on my own. In the future, I want to change the covering stable; the phantom is still on the old part, but we want to move it to another location. And we want to cover the horse walker." In the summer season, Reinie is not only busy with insemination but also prepares some mares for breeders in Drenthe. Like Asca Z daughter Nirmosa MB from Henk Mulder and Trieneke Brink, who was declared national champion in Ermelo in 2021. "Preparing mares is a service to the breeders, but I also think it's important that clients' mares achieve predicates. That's also beneficial in the long term. For example, if sons of those mares come to the inspection again."
Small breeders
Reinie's regular clients include many small breeders. "I think that's great; you can discuss breeding with them and give advice. Most small breeders have earned their living outside of horses, and for them, it's a hobby: then it doesn't matter if it costs a few cents. They want to experience everything, and if they have their stallion prepared by me, and the quality is there, it also brings in some money. If they keep their breeding products longer, the involvement and breeding experience are also greater." In today's breeding, there is increasing attention to sport performances in the dam line, especially in stallion selection. "That's a good thing, but you always have to evaluate the horse itself. Just because the dam performed well doesn't mean the horse will too. And there are still many mares from small breeders who haven't had the chance to prove themselves in sport. They may have taken a few laps with the granddaughter, but they don't necessarily have to be bad broodmares. I've also had mares for inspection who have never worn a saddle but can jump very well. You can confidently use them for breeding."
Succession
More beautiful than all the achieved successes, Reinie finds the enthusiasm with which his four daughters Jessy, Amy, Lynn, and Rose are involved in equestrian sports and breeding. "Their enjoyment motivates me enormously. Lynn and Rose are already riding and involved in everything; it's great to share our passion. That passion has kept me going day in and day out for years."
Text: Jenneke Smit
Image: Jacob Melissen