Van Olst Horses: powerhouses at work

Van Olst Horses brought four amazing stallions to ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The four KWPN-approved stallions showed themselves impressively under Charlotte Fry and Lara Butler. Nacho (Negro x Krack C, Breeder: Sandra Maakenschijn, Chaam) showed himself with a lot of front and a great canter under Lara Butler. Nalegro (Painted Black out of Jalegrofleur ster pref PROK by Negro, breeders J.L. Hanse and Van Olst Horses) and Charlotte Fry already showed a great example of piaffe and passage. Both riders returned later with two other powerhouses from the Van Olst stables: the KWPN-approved Grand Prix stallion Nespresso (Negro out of Zwyrintha IBOP-dres keur pref prest by Tenerife VDL, breeder: R. van Erp)  under Lara Butler and two-time world champion Kjento (Negro out of Zoriana elite pref prest IBOP-dres PROK by Jazz, breeder A.J. van Os) went through the course with a nice contact and a lot of power under Charlotte Fry.

 

Pjethro and Zandra 2nd place during the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition class L

Pjethro 2nd during the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition class L. He was presented on Friday evening in Den Bosch.
All stallions from the 2020 year that participated in the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition class L presented themselves to the public on Friday in Den Bosch. They were explained by Alex van Silfhout. The result of the class L had already been determined in the pre-selections. As a result, the young stallions did not run a test in the impressive Brabanthallen, but a presentation.
Under Zandra Birkeland, Kjento son Pjethro (ds. Desperado, breeder A.J. Beerens from De Moer) was allowed to receive the reserve title with 256.2 points. “This horse has a lot of ease in his movement, he has it all and on top a great work attitude.”

Young Stallions at the Stallion Show in Den Bosch

On the Friday afternoon of the KWPN Stallion show, the approved dressage stallions of the R-year, which were approved in 2024, showed themselves well. Floor Dröge and Bart Bax supervised the presentation. Especially Real Dream (Dynamic Dream x Negro x Ulster) from Van Olst Horses stole the show under Charlotte Fry.
The stallions always entered the ring two at a time, with a change so that they were not left alone in the impressive ring. First up was the grey Ridgedale (Glamourdale out of Zakiyah KEUR, PREF, PREST by Jazz, breeder D.M.L. Stoop-Collombon) under Zandra Birkeland. The stallion was a bit tense in the entourage, but always kept moving with good leg technique.
Real Dream was the biggest surprise of the group. Especially because of his concentration, relaxation and also very good walk. Charlotte Fry presented the dark brown stallion (Dynamic Dream out of Fivanny ster PROK voorl.keur by Negro, breeder Maatschap Pleyter and VanTriest). According to Bart Bax, Real Dream is better under saddle than in free movement. “Especially his canter already has a great deal of closedness.”
Rayano (Glamourdale out of Kalista elite IBOP-dres by Cum Laude, breeder H. Verthriest), was presented by Kim van der Muren-Hirdes. This long-lined stallion showed a lot of quality especially in canter, as well as easy changes of tempo.
Kjento son Renzo (out of Aronia elite PROK IBOP-dres prest pref by Rousseau, breeder C.M.E. Reijerink) has a lot of breed and charisma. Under Zandra Birkeland, the stallion moved easily in rhythm and nicely forward. “This stallion is easy to work with and comes back easily on the hind leg,” according to Bax.
The last to enter the ring was the large chestnut Roderico (Ibiza out of J’Adore elite sport-dres IBOP-dres PROK by Apache, breeder/owner M. van Grinsven, co-registered P.J.F. Wetzelaer, P. Kuypers, L. Bos). This generously developed stallion was also ridden by Zandra and has grown in strength since the performance, according to Bax. “He is easy to work from back to front and has a nice uphill tendency.”

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale fully lived up to their role as favourites at Jumping Amsterdam

Amsterdam is traditionally the opening of the top sports year 2025 and has certainly started fantastic for dressage with perhaps the best freestyle by Glamourdale and Charlotte Fry ever.

At the World Cup competition in London it was already clear that the fourteen-year-old Glamourdale (by Lord Leatherdale, breeder: J.W. Rodenburg) has improved again since the Olympic Games in Paris under Charlotte Fry.

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale fully lived up to their role as favourites at Jumping Amsterdam on Friday. With 79.500%, the world champions of Herning won the Grand Prix that serves as preparation for the World Cup round on Saturday, the freestyle. The jury members were unanimous in their choice for the winning combination.

“Glamourdale was amazing in the test,” smiled Charlotte Fry. “He’s getting better and better. We had a small mistake in the changes, but I forgive him. There are always things that can be improved, because I always strive for perfection. He loves to ride in these kinds of arenas. It’s his first time here in Amsterdam. He really enjoys it and it’s a pleasure to ride him. I’m looking forward to the freestyle tomorrow. It’s great to ride here in Amsterdam. Whether we win or not, he’s in super shape and we’re going to do our best. Hopefully it’s enough.”

An exceptional field gathered for the eighth World Cup™ qualifier in Amsterdam, where the audience offered standing ovations even before the first break.  There was one combination in Amsterdam that left no doubt about its supremacy: Charlotte Fry and. Gasps of admiration echoed through the crowd during their “Best of Britain” Freestyle.

Fry left nothing to chance and with just shy of 90%, the victory was hers. A total of 89.840% secured the win.

This marked Fry’s second consecutive win in Amsterdam, following last year’s triumph with Glamourdale’s stablemate, Everdale. It was Fry’s second victory in a row with a thriving Glamourdale, who secured the World Cup™ qualifier in London (GBR) on 19 December 2024. With her second victory this season, Fry has moved up to 12th in the Western European League World Cup  standings, though she remains undecided about pursuing the final, whereas Isabell Werth is currently in the lead and has definitely marked the Finals in Basel on her calendar.

“We’re taking it step by step,” said Lottie Fry. “Our main focus this year is the European Championships, and we’re building toward that.”

“Glamourdale was amazing today. We’ve been working hard at home on some exercises and that paid off today. I’m thrilled the scores reflect that. He was already incredible, but he keeps getting better. Glammie thrives in arenas like this,” said Fry.

Glamourdale is EU available for this breeding season.

Secret Lover dances to 87.60% and the Subli title for five-year-olds at Jumping Amsterdam

Last night, during the first evening of Jumping Amsterdam, the final of the Subli Cup took place. Lottie and Secret Lover (by Secret, bred by B. Zumbruch from Wangerfeld) received master score of 87.600%, which ensured them the title.

“Secret Lover was fantastic tonight”, said Lottie after her victory. “Of course, it is an impressive atmosphere for a five-year-old. But he was very focused and had fun. I am very proud of him. He has great gaits and an amazing character. He is good at everything!”

“Next week I will go to the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch with Secret Lover. We will start in the M class. He has so much potential, he really is a great stallion.”

Today, Lottie will start in the Grand Prix with Glamourdale. “I have been riding at Jumping Amsterdam for many years and the atmosphere is always great. I love riding in this arena.”

Victory for Lottie and Kjento in the Intermediate II

The popular KWPN stallion Kjento (Negro x Jazz), who has been raising high expectations in dressage for many years, has once again proven his exceptional qualities. After an impressive debut in the Small Tour and his titles as two-time World Champion Young Horses, the ten-year-old stallion made the switch to the Big Tour yesterday. In his very first appearance at this highest level, he immediately achieved a victory, under the saddle of Charlotte Fry.

During the Subtop competition in Deurne, Kjento delivered a great performance in the Intermédiaire II, where the combination recorded a score of 69.779%. This score was enough for a convincing victory. Lottie, who has been training the stallion for a long time, indicated that she was very satisfied with the performance, despite the fact that Kjento still has to develop further in this new class. However, Lottie emphasized that the stallion has enormous talents and that his potential is obvious.

Kjento, bred by A.J. van Os from Sprang-Capelle, has confirmed his status as world champion in the young dressage horses several times. His exceptional movements, powerful hind leg and expressive trot earned him four tens in 2021 and thus the world title for six-year-old horses. In 2022, he managed to prolong his world title with again excellent points. These achievements have not only made Kjento a popular stallion for breeding, but also a serious candidate for the highest levels of international dressage.

After his successful performances in the Small Tour, including a dominant victory in the Prix St. Georges at CDI Aachen with a score of 75.294%, Kjento made his debut in the Big Tour yesterday. Lottie emphasized that this is a big step, but that it is important to gain experience at this level. The talent and potential is there, according to Lottie. “We even got a 10 for the passage!”

Next month the stallion will be presented at the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch.

Horses/KWPN

 

Paddington Geuzenhof dances to second place at the KWPN Young Dressage Talents

Last Sunday, Paddington Geuzenhof (Lanatas X Krack C), breeded by Sandra Maakenschein, appeared at the start during the Young Dressage Talents at the Wolfshoeve.

In the section for the five-year-olds, Zandra Birkeland and Paddington finished at a beautiful second place with a percentage of 88%. With a 9.5 for the canter, a 9 for the Harmony and an 8.8 for Perspective and Potential as a Young Dressage Horse, Paddington showed himself super. Praising comments from the jury as “natural uphill“, “excellent presented” and “very talented“.

Zandra about Paddington: “Paddington did give such an amazing feeling! It was his first competition but it felt like he had done it a million times before with the way he danced through the test. What an incredible horse he is, with such an amazing character.”

Paddington Geuzenhof is KWPN selected  and AES approved

Big scores for Charlotte Fry with Inclusive and Especial: ‘Very cool that I ride two Everdales in the Grand Prix’

Charlotte Fry stood out today in the Grand Prix at the Subtop competition in Hoek van Holland. With Inclusive (by Everdale) she won the class with a score of 72.717% and with Especial, also a son of Everdale, she came second with a total of 71.413%. “Both horses went very well and showed their talents,” says Fry, who not only had the highest score in the class, but also the highest score of the day. “This is a really nice start to the summer season with these two.”

It was the first time outside for both horses and although that was still a bit exciting, they both let themselves be ridden well. “I always find it a little easier for the horses at an international competition because they are there for a few days and have a little more chance to get used to it, but I really couldn’t be more satisfied today,” continues Fry. “Inclusive thought it was a bit exciting for the first time outside, but he showed himself very well in the test. He has a huge talent for the piaffe and passage and we had nines for that on the protocol today. There were some small things that I can do better myself, but overall it was a really nice test.”

Getting stronger

In addition to the good points for the piaffe and the passage, the duo also received good points for the canter part. “I notice in the test that I can ask more of Inclusive every time and that it is becoming easier and easier for him,” continues the stable rider of Van Olst Horses. “He surprises me every time with that, he is of course also getting stronger. You can see this, for example, in the tempi changes, which scored  8.5s today and were really among the highlights of the test.”

Especial

For Especial it was the second time at the highest level and with him Fry was also about six percent separate from the rest of the competition. “Especial is still green at this level, but he really showed his talents today,” said Fry. “He gives a very nice feeling and, just as Inclusive, he has a lot of talent for piaffe and passage. If he gets a little more experience and stays a bit more relaxed in the test, those scores can go up a lot.”

Just like Everdale

“Of course I have several horses at the highest level and I am really very happy with that, but I also think it is really special that with these two I now also have two sons of Everdale in the Grand Prix”, says Fry proudly . “It is really nice to feel that they are very flexible and elastic just like their father and also have just as much energy. They always feel like they want to do the job and you can tell they enjoy being in the center of attention. It is very nice to work with them.”

Plan

Fry does not yet have a fixed schedule for Inclusive and Especial, but if possible she would like to take them internationally. “For me, the focus is currently mainly on Glamourdale, Everdale and Lars for the international competitions, but if I succeed I will also try to include Inclusive and Especial”, Fry looks ahead. “If those two get a little more confidence and experience, they will also be two very special ones.”

 

Source: Horses

Photo: Inclusive

Horses and Dreams meets Canada

For the first time since the outbreak of the Corona Pandemic, Horses and Dreams is back in its completely original version. About 600 horses are on the showgrounds of the Kasselmann family in Hagen, Germany. The set-up of the competition is as usual: Spacious stands, shops, restaurants… Really everything has been thought of!

Charlotte Fry will start with three horses: Dark Legend in the 4* Grand Prix for the freestyle, Everdale in the 4* Grand Prix for the special and his son Inclusive in the 3* Grand Prix for the special.
The youngest of the three is Inclusive and he was the first to enter the arena. The 9-year-old son of Everdale, bred by the Enting family from Grolloo out of an Uptown mare, competed for the second time in the international Grand Prix. With highlights such as the piaffe, passage and the extended trot and canter, but also some points for improvement, he scored 71.065%. Again a new PB for this combination!

The day after, Inclusive was again the first to participate, but this time for the Grand Prix Special. Awake and fresh as always, he marched through his first Special at international level. Again a score of more than 71%, a more than successful debut in this competition!

In the afternoon it is Everdale’s turn. After the European Championship, which also took place in these arenas, it’s the first time that Everdale is competed. The test seemed more relaxed, in a good frame, shows a piaffe out of the book and no mistakes. Everdale is on his way to a super form. The total score is exactly 74%, which might have been 2% more…

On Friday the dressage will continue with the Grand Prix for the Freestyle in which Dark Legend will appear at the start. The 4* Special will be held on Saturday afternoon and the 4* Freestyle to music is on the program for Saturday evening.

 

Team GB pushes KWPN into the lead in WBFSH rankings

The KWPN finished at the top of the WBFSH studbook ranking in the dressage discipline. The WBFSH rankings are calculated over the period October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021, horses can earn points at all international FEI competitions. They are placed on their successes and the results of the best six horses are included in the WBFSH studbook ranking.

The six best KWPN dressage horses of the past year are all in the top 20, with the horses of the English team being the best 3 KWPN horses.

Gio takes third place in the ranking. After a bronze medal in the freestyle in Tokyo, Gio (Apache out of Zenzi elite perst IBOP-dres D-OC by Tango, breeders H.J. de Jong of Gorichem and Ad Valk of Gorichem) also won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Hagen.

The KWPN stallion Everdale (Lord Leatherdale out of Aliska K elite EPTM-dress PROK by Negro, breeder P. Kluijtmans of Tilburg) is in sixth place. Everdale and 25-year-old Charlotte Fry earned their listing thanks to their great performances at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (bronze team medal GB) and the European Championships in Hagen.

En Vogue (Jazz out of Nicarla elite sport-dres PROK by Contango, breeder A. van de Goor) is in tenth place.

The Son De Niro daughter Zaire-E (out of Tara elite pref perst PROK by Jazz), bred by Empelaer Stoeterij of Lage Mierde, is joint eleventh together with Steffen Peters’ Suppenkasper (Spielberg out of Upanoeska keur perst by Krack C, breeder: F. van de Poel). Buriel K.H. (Osmium out of Ronja K.H. ster pref perst by Krack C, breeder P. Bakker of Oterleek) contributed to the leading position of the KWPN breeders.

Source: KWPN