‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands - During the KWPN Stallion Show 2011 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands approximately 35 KWPN stallions will be for sale at the KWPN Select Sale auction on Feburary 5.

Jumping
On Wednesday, February 2, the event kicks off with the first group of jumper stallions performing in the oval viewing pen during the second round viewing. At the end of the afternoon is the third annual KWPN College, an educational session conducted in English and created especially for guests from abroad. This year's topic is the KWPN selection system, with an emphasis on the ability tests.

On Thursday, February 3, the second round viewing continues with more jumper stallions performing in the oval viewing pen, demonstrating their talent jumping freely. The evening is dedicated to show jumping, with the GMB Stallion Competition finals in the classes L, M, and Z/ZZ as well as the ever-spectacular VHO Trophy Competition for older stallions. Of course, the evening would not be complete without entertaining exhibitions and awards ceremonies. The relay competition between four former international veterans and members of the Rabobank Talent team promises to be thrilling. Which will triumph: experience or youth? In addition, a special slot in the program has been reserved for the Indoctro son Always There, who, at age five, won both the 2010 VION Cup and the World Championship for five-year-old jumpers – a rare double victory and an unparalleled achievement!

Dressage
On Friday, February 4, the KWPN continues its tradition of dedicating the day to dressage. The morning begins with the second round viewing of the young dressage stallions; and the evening, which always draws a huge crowd, kicks off with the captivating Stallion Competition. Young stallions will compete at the L-, M-, and Z-levels in the GMB Stallion Competition finals, followed by the VHO Trophy competition for Small Tour- and Grand Prix stallions.

The dressage evening always guarantees spectacular exhibitions. Undoubtedly, the highpoint of this year's evening will be the last public appearance of the KWPN-approved stallion Jazz, the world's number one dressage sire. This premier ambassador of dressage horse breeding will bid farewell to his fans, surrounded by several of his best offspring. The horses will dance to a live jazz orchestra, demonstrating again what dressage horse enthusiasts around the world already know: Jazz rocks!

All Breeding Directions
On Saturday, February 5, harness horse enthusiasts will certainly gather early in the Brabanthallen to watch the second round viewing of these stallions. The third round viewing for Gelder stallions also takes place on Saturday. In the afternoon, the riding horse stallions return to the ring, where the selection committee will announce those accepted for the Championship and subsequent performance test. Of course, the harness horses also compete in a Championship, as do the Gelder horses, provided a sufficient number is selected for the performance test. This year again, harness horse stallions will contend for the coveted Oregon Trophy, the annual highlight of harness horse sport. Naturally, the young stallions approved in 2010 will make an appearance in the ring, and the 2010 KWPN Horse of the Year will be honored. Which breeder and horse will receive the Nimmerdor Trophy this year?

Since 2001, the KWPN Select Sale (KSS) has been the final act of the KWPN Stallion Show, and this year will be no different. The elite auction provides bidders with an excellent opportunity to purchase young, talented stallions. The stallion collection for the KWPN Select Sale (KSS) is now online. As in previous years, the selection committee has assembled a group of quality potential breeding stallions and talented sport horses. Among them are 15 jumper stallions and 16 dressage stallions. Several wild cards are expected to be added to the collection at the KWPN Stallion Show in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Detailed information about the KSS stallion collection, including pedigrees and photos, is available on this website under the Select Sale tab. During the KWPN Stallion Show, videos of the KSS stallions from the second round viewing will be placed online.

The KWPN Stallion Show takes place February 2-5, 2011 in the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch and concludes with the KWPN Select Sale on Saturday, February 5. For the latest news and detailed information about the program, please visit www.kwpn.org. Tickets for this must-see event are available through the KWPN website. Go to www.kwpn.nl and click on the Stallion Show tab.

Beginning February 2, tickets will also be available for purchase at the Brabanthallen ticket counter.

ENDS