KWPN Reports Drop in Foals Registered in 2024

Breeding

KWPN

The KWPN breeding society of Dutch warmblood horses has released its 2024 annual report and confirmed the drop in registered foals.

"It was known that 2024 would be another challenging year," the foreword of the report stated. "Not only financially, but in several areas, the landscape for associations remains dynamic. This is becoming increasingly palpable in these changing times. Now and in the future, it is crucial for an association to adapt quickly and adjust where necessary. Here it is important to keep the goal, vision and mission firmly in mind."

Downward Trend

KWPN reported that in 2024 a total of 10,500 foals were registered.

In 2023 this number was approximately 11,000, in 2022 there were 11,500 foals registered, in 2021 it were 11,000 foals, in 2020 there were 10,500 foals registered.

"For the coming years, we expect a further decline, as fewer coverings have taken place," the report mentioned. "The opportunities lie mainly in attracting breeders who currently register
elsewhere."

Online Auctions

KWPN has been hosting its own online foal auctions since 2023 and continued its efforts in 2024.

Eight online foal auctions were organized: 249 foals were offered, 66% of them sold for an average price of 4,348 euro. 66% of the foals sold abroad To compare with 2023: 255 foals were offered, 66% of them sold for an average price of 4,228 euro. 41% moved abroad.

The online auctions also sold 19 broodmares (63% sold for an average price of 10,589 euro), 13 three-and four year olds sold (62% sold for 12,808 euro on average) and 20 stallion prospects (65% sold for an average price of 10,125 euro).

Changes

As of 2024 KWPN x Iberian cross breeds are automatically entered in Register A after a pilot project was started in 2022.

In 2024 KWPN counted 18,413 members, compared to 18,927 members in 2023. There has been a systemic drop over the past decade. Looking back on 2016, there were still 20,216 members.

Read the KWPN Annual Report 2024 here (in Dutch)