New Life - Cupido van de Pluishoek Z

Kiara Stroobants (31) and her boyfriend Jef Fockaert (30) can be found among the horses in their spare time, together with their little daughter. They have always had a fondness for colourful show jumpers. In daily life, Kiara runs a sandwich shop with her mother and Jef is a secondary school teacher.

"Eight years ago we bought O Lala B from the Laevers family. We bred two more foals out of her, including a 7-year-old by Dominator 2000 Z. We own that one together with the Van Mierlo family. With their son Maikel, he jumps at 1.30 level and seems to have a lot of potential."

Out of O Lala, Kiara and Jef also bred the now 5-year-old Viva La Vida v/d Pluishoek (by Vigo D'Arsouilles). "With the birth of Viva, we had a successor to O Lala B and felt she had earned her retirement. She is now with us in the pasture. She is now 26 and still in perfect health!"

Last year, Kiara and Jef decided to have Viva covered by Cumano Alpha Z. "Viva is a mare who has a lot of blood and technique. Viva's dam line already has four approved stallions such as Best Man Z , Daily Magic de Rock 1 Z, Dancing Heros de Rock 1 Z and Dancing Arthur de Rock 1 Z. Also several successful showjumpers such as D'olala se 1 Z (1m45), Citronello Z (1m60), Dancing Margrit de

Rock 1 Z (1m40) and SIG A la Mode (1m35)."

Kiara and Jef chose Cumano Alpha Z because of his size and scope. "In addition, we thought the real Cumano with Jos Lansink was an impressive combination. We also think it's a good match because both Vigo d'Arsouilles and the real Cumano were both world champions in the past."

On 18 March, Cupido v/d Pluishoek Z was born. "We immediately fell in love with this bald colt! That's why we thought Cupido was an appropriate name. Cupido has the look of a real stallion. He is very playful and curious, but also a real cuddly bear. We are very satisfied with this foal and therefore very sorry that Cumano Alpha Z has already passed away."

The couple had resolved to sell a colt. "We do hope Cupido can end up in a place where he can prove himself in the sport and/or breeding. We hope maybe to offer him at 1 of Zangersheide's auctions."