The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses proudly honoured the leading breeders in dressage, jumping and eventing of 2925 for their exceptional contribution to international horse sport. A ceremony was held on Saturday 24 January 2026, at the prestigious WBFSH Breeder Awards in Amsterdam.
The 2025 awards went to Stephan Kurz for breeding the sensational mare Mount St John Freestyle (HANN) (Dressage category), to Susana Epaillard Garcia Cereceda as leading jumping breeder for her gelding Donatello d'Auge (SF), and to the eventing breeder Ocke Riewerts and London 52 (HOLST).
Each breeder was awarded with an exquisite Longines timepiece by Longines brand manager Judith Mennen. WBFSH President Jan Pedersen presented the breeders with an inscribed, unique bronze Brigitte Boss trophy.
Kurz WBFSH Dressage Breeder of the Year 2025
From Zöbingen Germany, breeder Stephan Kurz has been honoured as the 2025 Longines WBFSH Dressage Breeder of the Year, recognising his outstanding contribution to international dressage horse breeding and his creation of the exceptional mare Mount St John Freestyle.
Based in southern Germany, Stephan has spent 27 years developing a breeding programme renowned for producing horses with talent, temperament, and rideability, particularly within the Hanoverian lineage. His foundation damline, tracing back to Donnerhall, reflects his philosophy of prioritising performance over appearance. “I always say it is much more important what performance there is in the motherline. There I can judge much better if the horse will function later as a dressage horse,” he explained.
Freestyle, the 2009 mare by Fidermark out of Donna Gracia (Donnerhall – Atatürk – Freiherr), exemplifies Stephan’s breeding principles. Purchased as a foal by Emma Blundell for Mount St John Stud in the UK, she first rose to prominence under Charlotte Dujardin at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. In 2023, Freestyle began a new chapter with Danish rider Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, achieving top international scores—often above 90 percent in freestyle—and major victories in Herning, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. “Following what Freestyle does, her career achievements—it’s great!” Stephan said.
Stephan credits both riders and a measure of fortune for his success: “There are so many coincidences that happened to come full circle, where everything worked out perfectly. The horses have to stay healthy and end up in the right hands,” he reflected.
This award marks the first WBFSH world breeding title for Stephan Kurz, a testament to his dedication, precision, and the enduring impact of his breeding programme.
Related Link
Stephan Kurz, WBFSH Dressage Horse Breeder of the Year 2025