2000 Zwolle International Stallion Show
Zwolle, The Netherlands

Young Stallions predict future breeding successes

Every year breeders, professional riders, trainers, dealers and dressage enthusiasts gather in the Ijsellhallen of Zwolle, the Netherlands, for the annual International Stallion Show. From 9th to 13th January 2000 almost fifty stallions were entered in five classes arranged according to age and level. The Zwolle organizers, who inserted some dressage classes as backdrop for their show the years before, now highlighted the discipline by inviting the best European combinations. While Holland and Germany were best represented, England, France and Belgium also sent in a few pairs. 

In the 5 year old division, or the "Future Stallion" class, victory went to Roman Nature, a lovely Hessen stallion by Rohdiamant x Ehrentusch who is owned by rider Marlies van Baalen's joint trainer Johan Hinnemann. The winning six year old was Anky van Grunsven's Trakehner Gestion Ictenos by Sir Chamberlaine x Marlon. Although the bay remains to give a weak impression, he dominated on the 1999 Pavo Cup winner Broere Montecristo. The undisputed champion among the seven year olds was Sandro Hit, an Oldenburger black by Sandro Song x Ramino. Dr Ulf Moeller easily steered the gorgeously moving prospect through the ring dazzling judges and crowd.

In the Prix St. Georges test the Dutch Ellen Bontje pushed her Oldenburger mount Rubioso N to a 70%+ score. Rubioso, a Rubinstein x Almeo son, was crowned with the laurel by winning both the preliminary and final test. Rubioso N is up for stud at his owner's breeding farm Gestut Im Niedern in Gedern, Germany. The outspoken winner of the Grand Prix class was Holland's diva rider Coby van Baalen with Olympic Ferro. The pair rode an 80.65% freestyle, based on the Yellow Submarine score. Second placed in the Grand Prix was the American Lisa M. Wilcox, Jan Ebling's former wife. Wilcox rode Rohdiamant,  the most used breeding stallion in Germany, With a 72.58% in the kur they placed second. Rohdiamant, by Rubinstein x Inschallah AA, is up for stud at Gestut Vorwerk in Cappeln, where Nicole Uphoff trains Rohdiamant's sire Rubinstein.