In a dog-eat-dog equestrian world, it is the best rider who gets the most business. This is a logical way of thinking and needs no explanation. One month ago stallion owner René Vets decided to hand over his two top stallions
Weltmeyer II van de Zuuthoeve and Karsten van de Zuuthoeve to Prix St. Georges rider Philippe Jorissen.
Many doubts arose due to this hand-over as Wim Verwimp had been the steady trainer of the Zuuthoeve horses for several years and was no left in the cold with only a few youngsters of his owns and a handful of horses of his students. However, can Jorissen be blamed for this?
Philippe's father Hugo Jorissen, the famous breeder of the "Pia van de Bergerhoeve" horses, thinks not. "When you are a large breeder and you invest your money into your stallions and farm, than it's only logical that you want the best rider for your stallions, so that they can be promoted in a most efficient way," Hugo explained Junior Riders. "René Vets could have picked any rider he wanted, but Philippe was a regular visitor at the Zuuthoeve and is good friends with Wim Verwimp and Mr Vets, even now after the transaction. It's up to Mr Vets to decide which rider he wants for Weltmeyer and Karsten. He chose Philippe," Hugo clarified. Junior Riders can only agree that the decision lies in the hands of the owner of the horses, but this affaire has once again proven that the dressage world is a dog-eat-dog business.
Hugo Jorissen, by the way, is doing excellently with his horses. Although his foundation brood mare Wiske Pia died a year ago, he still has a nice crop of youngsters at his disposal. Especially Pikante Pia (by Donnerhall) is starting to excel at Prix St. Georges level. Furthermore Wiske Pia produced the 5 year old Roulette Pia (by Rubinstein I), the four year old Trophee Pia (by Weltmeyer) and a two year old Larome get who seems to possess and excellent moving mechanism. The Pia horses are famous world wide, as Goldika Pia, a former Z2 level horse, was recently imported by an America couple who plans on breeding here and continue the Pia line of Belgian warmbloods.
Article as a reponse to Wim Verwimp loses Zuuthoeve stallions
Image copyrighted Dirk Caremans