Stallion Competition

The Paardenkliniek Wolvega Stallion Competition Jumping, the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage, and the KWPN Stallion Competition Gelder horse offer breeders and interested parties the opportunity to see young, approved KWPN stallions in practice. The competitions are designed to provide insight into the athletic ability, rideability, and development of stallions in the first years after their approval.

The competition season for Gelder horse, dressage, and jumping stallions consists of three selection shows, with the final during the KWPN Stallion Show as the highlight. The stallion competitions therefore form an important instrument in the evaluation of young stallions and provide valuable information for breeders.

Approval as a KWPN stallion includes an obligation to participate in the stallion competition. Stallions approved as three-year-olds must participate as four- and five-year-olds. For older stallions, this obligation applies to the current year and the following year after approval.

The final of the stallion competition is, in principle, open to KWPN-approved stallions that have participated in all selection shows during the season. In specific cases, exceptions may apply, where stallions compete only for daily prizes and are not included in the overall standings. The exact conditions are laid down in the implementing regulations.

The Paardenkliniek Wolvega Stallion Competition Jumping is divided into three classes, based on the age and stage of development of the stallion:

• Class 1.10m
• Class 1.20m
• Class 1.30/1.35m

The preliminary rounds in the 1.10m class are held over two rounds. These are not run against the clock, but with a maximum allowed time and without a jump-off. Combinations that complete both rounds clear receive prize money and a rosette. No additional prizes are awarded during the preliminary rounds.

The final is held over a jumping course according to Table A with a jump-off. The jump-off does not, in principle, affect the overall standings and is only held in the case of a tie. In that case, the result of the daily prize in the final is decisive. The final ranking is determined by the total of penalty points from the preliminary rounds and the penalty points from the final, excluding any jump-off.

In the 1.20m and 1.30/1.35m classes, stallions are placed both during the competitions and in the final based on penalty points and time. Based on the ranking, placing points are awarded:

• 1st place: 20 points
• 2nd place: 18 points
• 3rd place: 16 points
• 4th place: 14 points
• Other clear rounds: 12 points

The number of penalty points incurred in the first round is deducted from the awarded placing points. In the final, the placing points from the final are added to the three best results from the preliminary rounds. The winner of the Paardenkliniek Wolvega Stallion Competition Jumping is determined based on this total score.

Within the Gelder horse breeding direction, the stallion competition is also held in classes L, M, and Z or higher. The competition reflects the versatile purpose of the Gelder horse and is held across the disciplines of dressage, jumping, and driving.

Participation in one or more competition shows is allowed for:

• Stallions approved by the KWPN within the Gelder horse breeding direction
• Stallions that are required to participate by the KWPN stallion selection committee as part of an ongoing selection procedure

KWPN-approved stallions that are required to participate in the stallion competition as part of their approval must take part in all competitions of the season.

Participation in the final is only permitted for KWPN-approved stallions that have taken part in all competition shows. The results of the individual competitions are added together and, combined with the result of the final, determine the overall standings of the stallion competition.

For KWPN-approved harness horse stallions, it is also important to evaluate their aptitude and performance in competition. For this reason, a sport obligation applies after approval. KWPN-approved harness horse stallions must be competed for at least two years within three years after their approval. The format of the competition is determined annually, with the aim of achieving multiple starts at national level. In this way, breeders are given sufficient opportunity to see the stallions in action and form a clear picture of their aptitude, attitude, and usability.

The results of previous editions provide a clear picture of the development of stallions within the competition. The top three per year of the dressage and jumping stallion competitions have been compiled.

All competitions and the final of the stallion competitions can be followed live via KWPN.tv. For KWPN members and KWPN.tv subscribers, broadcasts are also available on demand, allowing performances to be viewed at any time.