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.”

Secret Lover wins the Anemone Horsetruck Stallioncompetition M

The overall victory of the Anemone Horsetruck Stallioncompetition went to Charlotte Fry and Secret Lover,  (Secret x Furstenball bred by B. Zumbruch and owned by Van Olst Horses. ) The black Furstenball  stallion had already won the preliminary rounds in Kronenberg and Groningen, giving them an advantage heading into the final. In Den Bosch they received a total score of 90.2, with a highlight of 9.3 for the canter. Although the pair just missed out on the day victory, they still took home the overall title in this final.

“This is a horse with a very beautiful silhouette and a lot of talent for collection,” said judge Maarten van der Heijden. “He showed great willingness to work and executed smooth transitions. The canter stood out with its energy and activity while always remaining uphill. The walk had good rhythm and improved throughout the test. In the trot, we saw a lot of swing, rhythm, and shoulder freedom.”

Everest wins the Anemone Horse Trucks Hengstencompetitie

Three combinations competed for the overall victory in the Z-level division for stallions born in 2018. Lottie Fry, who had a very busy day riding no less than 7 stallions in various classes that day, won the title with Everest (by Especial x Negro) . The pair had led in the qualifiers (82,4 – 82,2 – 88,6) and also topped the board in the final with 86,6 points, scoring 8.5 for walk, 9.2 for trot, 8.2 for canter, 8.6 for harmony and 8.8 for general impression. The grey stallion is bred and owned by Van Olst Horses.

Fry on Everest”This horse moves beautifully in the lateral work and always gives a diligent impression. He has tremendous talent for both collection and transitions,” said Van der Heijden.

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.”

Team van Olst well represented at the stallion show in Den Bosch

While we are still enjoying the successful weekend in Amsterdam, we are already very busy preparing for the next shows. From January 29 to February 1, 2025, the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch will be transformed into the absolute highlight of Dutch sport and breeding during the KWPN Stallion Show. In addition to the stallion selection, it promises to be a fantastic program with exciting sports and show sections, in which the best of the world of the Dutch sport horse will be shown. Friday, like every year, is dedicated to dressage where Team van Olst will be present in the evening program with no less than 14 stallions. Ridgedale (Glamourdale X Jazz, bred by D.M.L. Stoop-Collombon, Grathem) and Zandra Birkeland will kick off the first group of the presentation of the dressage stallions that will be approved in 2024, followed by Real Dream (Dynamic Dream X Negro, bred by Maatschap Pleyter, Zalk) and Lottie Fry. Furthermore, we will see Rayano (Glamourdale X Cum Laude, bred by H. Verthriest, Nevele) with Kim van der Muren-Hirdes and Renzo (Kjento X Rousseau, bred by C.M.E. Reijrink, Diessen) with Zandra in the ring before the break. And last but not least of this year, Roderico (Ibiza X Apache bred by: M. van Grinsven, Vinkel) will make his entrance with Zandra. After the saddle presentation, it is time for the finals of the Anemone Horse Truck Stallion Competition Dressage. With a battle that is still quite open in some categories, the denouement promises to be an exciting battle. In the M class, Secret Lover (by Secret X Fürstenbal, breeder: B. Zumbruch, Wangerland) under Charlotte Fry and are contenders for the final victory. O’Frederic (For Romance I X Fidertanz, breeder: H. Schulte) is presented in the first group in the M class by Lottie.
In the Z/ZZ class, Everest (by Especial X Negro, breeder: Van Olst Horses) under Charlotte Fry is in the lead. In the L class of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage the battle has already been fought. A total of twelve stallions will present themselves in the L class. In the impressive surroundings of the Brabanthallen, Concalo Carapau will present Powerdale (Glamourdale x Johnson, breeder: Freek and Corine Hoogenboom), while the great Pjethro (Kjento x Desperado, breeder: A.J. Beerens) will be presented by Zandra Birkeland. During the show, Nacho by Lara Butler (Negro X Krack C, bred by S. Maakenschijn, Chaam), Nalegro (Painted Black X Negro, bred by Van Olst Horses and J.L. Hanse) and Kjento (Negro X Jazz, bred by A.J. van Os) will be presented by Lottie. The brand new Jumping Amsterdam Kür winner Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale X Negro, breeder: J.W. Rodenburg from Oudenkerk aan den IJssel) was recently named KWPN Horse of the Year. He will also make an appearance on Friday evening during the KWPN Stallion Show in ‘s Hertogenbosch.

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