Twenty stallions were approved after the final, third phase of the 2010 Belgian Warmblood Stallion Licensing. The third phase was hosted at Equestrian Centre De Warre in Neeroeteren, Belgium, and included besides an in-hand presentation and free-jumping an additional under saddle presentation of the young colts. They were first ridden by their own riders and afterwards tested by guest riders.
Sixteen-show jumpers were accepted for the BWP studbook, including Hermes de Mariposo, who was proclaimed champion of the licensing at the second phase in January 2010.
Four dressage stallions were licensed, but none of them were Belgian warmblood branded. Former Belgian Grand Prix rider Brigitte de Biolley presented her Oldenburg approved Bailamos de Biolley (by Sir Donnerhall x Florestan) and Dutch stallion mega-owner Ad Valk received a go for the KWPNbred Colonel (by Tuschinski x Goodtimes) and the Hanoverian Connaisseur (by Con Amore x Donnerhall). The BWP stallion committee also accepted the Hanoverian Sir Donovan (by Sir Donnerhall x Weltmeyer), which is owned by the syndicate Team Carrero (including Hans Meganck, Veronique and Sebastiaan Swagemaekers). The stallion was presented under saddle by Emmelie Scholtens.
The BWP stallion licensing committee and advisory panel included Philippe Jorissen, Boudewijn Schepers, Frank Jespers, Stephan Kelchtermans, Laurent Floren and Jean Vilain and Mr. De Smet.
Dutch dressage trainer and BWP selection committee advisor Frank Jespers praised the four approved dressage stallions for their fine quality. Connaisseur stood out with his "very good conformation. He has much potential in trot and a fantastic canter. The walk is good but could be more ground covering and swinging," said Jespers. Sir Donovan had a "beautiful front with a good walk, trot and canter" but this 168 cm standing stallion "had to become stronger, especially in the loins." Bailamos de Biolley is only 164 cm but the walk "is very ground covering and the trot has much spring and rhythmn. He could have been more electric from behind but the canter is beautiful and uphill." Finally Jespers praised Colonel for his rideability. "The walk is good and he has good hind leg usage and knee action in trot. The front leg could be a bit less 'messy'. Colonel has a fantastic canter."
Photos © Dirk Caremans - check out Caremans' complete photo collection of the 2010 BWP Licensing
Related Links
Hermes de Mariposa, Champion of the 2010 BWP Stallion Licensing
Record Number of Candidates for 2010 BWP Stallion Licensing
Gigolo van de Padenborre, Champion of the 2009 BWP Stallion Licensing