Knockando VH, High Scorer of the 2023 Swedish Warmblood Stallion Performance Test

Breeding

Swedish warmblood

The Swedish warmblood bred Knockando VH became the high scoring stallion of the 2023 Swedish warmblood stallion performance test in Stromsholm. The testing concluded on 1 April 2023.

The number of registered stallions for the test was the highest in many years with over 70 horses in the starting order. Of the stallions that completed the test, 26 received the breeding classification "premium", which means that the stallion met the high requirements regarding performance as well as conformation and health. Another 28 stallions were approved for breeding with the classification "accepted".

In the 4-year old age group, the dark bay Knockando VH (by Franklin x De Niro) was the high scoring dressage stallion. Bred by Vastra Hoby and owned by the breeder in partnership with Helgstrand, he scored a total of 21.375 points with 9 for walk, 8.5 for trot, 9.5 for canter, 5.5 for jumping in freedom, and 9.25 for rideability. Test rider Philipp Hess rewarded him 9.5 while Theo Hanzon scored him 9.0.

"He gives a super nice, uphill feeling, Hanzon commented. "He could have been a little bit softer in the contact but he gives his rider a very good feeling. He has three very big gaits but he can also collect, especially in trott in canter he still has some difficulty to collect."

The second best scoring 4-year old was Sudooro, a Swedish warmblood by Suarez x Deodoro. He got a total of 19.375 points with 8.5 for walk, 8 for trot, 8.5 for canter, 8.75 for rideability and 6.5 for free jumping.

"In the beginning he was not accepting my leg - behind my aids," test rider Hess commented. "There was a small escalation when cantering, but in the end a super feeling. Straight, balanced, uphill and super comfortable to sit. A swinging and moving trot, good in the contact although not really on the left rein. Amazing walk, big, good rythm, out of the shoulder."

Complete results here