The KWPN in North America (KWPN-NA) is responsible for administering KWPN breeding policy in the United States and Canada. For decades, KWPN judges have evaluated mares in North America; and a few years ago, the KWPN implemented stallion selections on the continent
, followed by an abbreviated performance test. Participating stallions have competed in the sport for a number of years, such as Florianus of Iron Spring Farms. After a five-day evaluation in North America, he was granted full KWPN approval.
For the first time ever, a 21-day KWPN performance test is being held in Canada, under the authority of the KWPN-NA. The stallion undergoing testing is six-year-old Bosch Blue, bred by A. Broek of Lierop. The Cantos son is out of the ster mare Pavona, a daughter of Mr. Blue x G.Ramiro Z x Nimmerdor. As a three-year-old, Bosch Blue (then known as Bovona) was selected for the performance test in the Netherlands; however, he was not delivered to the test venue. Instead, he was transported to his new home in Canada: Bosch Farms of Red Deer, Alberta. Bosch Blue has already successfully completed a one-day ability test as part of the approval process. As an active show jumper under Femke van den Bosch, the stallion is doing well compared to other horses the same age.
During the 21-day performance test, Bosch Blue will be stabled at Rockpointe Equestrian in Dewington, located near Calgary. His trainer and rider during the test is Jim Ifko. Nikkie Verdonschot of the Netherlands will also be present at Rockpointe Equestrian during this time to care for the stallion and relay information concerning him to the KWPN. In addition, KWPN senior inspector Wim Versteeg and Toine Hoefs will be at the venue upon the stallion's arrival, after which they will begin the KWPN-NA inspection tour. Halfway through the testing process, Bart Henstra and Lana Sneddon, who will take Toine Hoefs' place during the inspection tour, will conduct an interim evaluation. At the end of the performance test, Bosch Blue will be evaluated twice more, this time by Wim Versteeg and Arie Hamoen, Chairman of the Stallion Selection Committee for Jumpers.
The evaluation criteria and standards used in North America are the same as those the KWPN uses when testing stallions in the Netherlands. Bosch Blue meets all KWPN veterinary requirements. If he is granted KWPN approval, he will have the same status as approved stallions in the Netherlands which have successfully completed the selection process and performance test.
Related Links
Eight Stallions Accepted for 2012 KWPN Autumn Stallion Performance Testing
Photo Report: 2007 U.S. Stallion Performance Testing