KWPN showjumpers have been achieving success at international competitions for many years and rank highly in the WBFSH rankings. The KWPN showjumper is known for its clear jumping ability, combined with a willing and fearless character and strong physical and mental soundness. They are intelligent horses that perform their tasks with ease and enjoyment. This applies both at the highest professional level and in situations where the level is lower and enthusiasm for work is central.

Strong presence

The showjumper has great presence and a long-lined, correct conformation with good proportions. The movement mechanism is also characteristic: thanks to years of selection on the canter, the horse shows scope, impulsion, and balance in this gait.

Inspection standard

In the inspection standard, the functional aspect for sport is central. It evaluates whether a conformation trait helps or hinders a showjumper in performing the required tasks. For example, if the height of the withers influences the ability to jump smoothly and efficiently, the standard describes what the ideal withers should look like. The position of the shoulder, the length of stride, and the degree of impulsion are also assessed for their influence on jumping and training.

Developments

The inspection standard is not a fixed document. New scientific insights, developments in showjumping, and changes in the market may lead to revisions. Developments within the FEI are closely monitored: if courses become more technical rather than higher, this affects the type of horse breeders aim for. In such cases, agility, athletic ability, and intelligence become more important than height or raw jumping power alone.

Objective and uniform assessment

The inspection standard contributes to an objective and uniform evaluation of showjumpers. It provides clear guidelines for judges, reduces personal bias, and increases the reliability and repeatability of assessments.

The desired KWPN showjumper

Conformation:

  • built in a rectangular frame;
  • long-lined and well-proportioned;
  • with a more horizontally oriented body;
  • with a long, slightly uphill, well-shaped neck with good topline muscling;
  • with a strongly built and well-muscled back and loin;
  • with a correctly positioned and solid foundation (legs and feet);
  • with presence.

Movement:

  • walks in a correct four-beat rhythm, active with suppleness and impulsion;
  • trots in a correct two-beat rhythm, light-footed, active with suppleness, impulsion, balance, and self-carriage;
  • canters in a correct three-beat rhythm, active and light-footed with suppleness, impulsion, balance, and self-carriage;
  • can easily lengthen and shorten the canter while maintaining rhythm, balance, and self-carriage;
  • canters light-footed and in balance without excessive front action;
  • maintains a somewhat more horizontal body posture.

Jumping:

  • can collect strongly in the final stride before the fence and place the hind leg well under the body for a powerful take-off;
  • leaves the ground quickly and with power;
  • jumps with the withers up, with the highest point over the middle of the jump;
  • lifts the forearm above the horizontal and folds the cannon bone under the forearm;
  • shows bascule: lowers the neck over the jump so the body follows the line of the neck and opens the hindquarters;
  • has athletic ability (suppleness, ability to develop forward over the jump, lands lightly, and continues easily in canter);
  • is careful, efficient, and possesses plenty of scope.

Character:

  • courageous;
  • willing, diligent, and honest;
  • intelligent, able to assess the jump;
  • has the desire to perform;
  • easy to handle;
  • responds quickly to aids.