New live

Zangersheide is in first place in the most recent WBFSH ranking. A nice recognition, but the reward goes to our breeders. Every year they come up with the best match by selecting and combining sport genes. For decades, and that is no different today when we look at the new life. The composite genes have written sporting history in their own right. In this year we see mothers of sons and daughters who jump and win World Cups. Or have run major championships themselves. The direct link with top sport is never far away. It never offers a guarantee at birth, but the certainty is greater. From the choice of stallions we deduce that the bar is set high for the fathers. The choice for Taloubet Z, for example, is obvious if you look at his sporting palmares. But young stallions also get opportunities with our breeders, although they must have even better papers. One thing is certain, on mother's and father's side, sport with a capital 'S' must be clearly anchored.

Stall for fun

Eise Brinkman from Zuidbroek and Norbert Lodewijks are best friends. They have a breeding farm together, for fun and so they immediately had a name for their stable: For Fun. He became known about 6 years ago with Bro For Fun Z, who became reserve champion at Z-Festival. Brinkman himself jumped up to 1.30m and is a professional distributor of Subli horse feed. In this way he enters many stables and meets many horsemen. They gave him insight into breeding. 'Well, we're a bunch of young dogs who get together every Thursday to discuss the world of horses', Eise laughs: 'We really do breeding for fun, which doesn't mean we don't want to do it right, on the contrary. A lot of study work precedes every combination. The Z-Festival is a good parameter for this and it is also nice if your foal can be sold via a Z-auction. I am primarily talking about the stallions, we often keep the mares for sport and breeding. It is a hobby that we try to do well. You have to stay sharp.

Axwell For Fun Z has already been born, a son of Aganix du Seigneur Z. Why Aganix? 'Because we have already seen many offspring and he can teach more canter to our Numero Uno mare. And I don't mean to brag, but give Axwell an A for his athleticism. We also have a Comilfo Plus Z foal and we chose that stallion for his movement. It also shows, it is a brutal, strong foal. We are also expecting a Cicero Z foal.'

Luc Deknudt 'VD Windeweg'

You may have seen Koen Vereecke at work during the Z-Tour, with Donna vd Windeweg Z (Diamant de Semilly). It could also be that you met Luc Deknudt, the breeder of the Windeweg. He is approaching retirement age, but is still active as a dentist. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., he laughs: “which immediately makes it clear that I don't have much time for my hobby. I come from a farming family, although I didn't sit on a horse for the first time until I was 38. Thanks to my two sons who learned to ride horses in the riding school. That was about 25 years ago. They infected me with the horse bug. For one of my sons, Cederik, horses have become his profession. My first foal was born in 2000. Before that I bought horses for my sons, but you know that; trade is not always fair. That's why I decided to breed myself. An average of two foals per year. My third foal won the free jumping of the Z-Festival. I find that instructive for the foals and young horses. For me, the Z-Festival is a weekend holiday. I present stallion foals to the jury with a view to an auction selection. This now also applies to Torino vd Windeweg Z, a son of Taloubet Z out of Tibora vd Windeweg (Thunder v Zuuthoeve). I chose Taloubet Z because of his sporting record. And because I love the Galoubet blood. And if you look at what Taloubet Z performed at the age of 18 at his farewell! Then you have to be tough. I also have a filly by Kannan, which you will also see at Z-Festival, but not for auction. I keep her for breeding. She comes from the dam of the horse Koen Vereecke is now jumping with internationally. As a rule, my sons train the horses, when they are six or seven years old, they are usually sold', concludes Luc Deknuct from Ypres.

First foal thanks to Tobago Z

Marie Stephanie Delheid works as a vet at Stephex Stables. So she knows all the horses, but one stands out with Marie Stephanie; Tobago Z! "What can I say about it? He has everything. His athletic ability is now well known, but he is also a nice stallion to handle. And I have already seen his first offspring. I have a young mare, by Cardento, that I ride myself. I am not a breeder at all, chance brought us together. And the privilege of seeing Tobago Z every day, so to speak. It prompted me to this experiment. It is the first time I bred a foal. Her name is Trinidad Z and I am going to introduce her at Z-Festival, in the hope that she will be selected for the auction.'

The five-star foals of the forest edge

The horses 'van den Bosrand' are visibly sought after by the international top riders. At the beginning of this year, European champion Peder Fredricson bought the Cardento son Kirlo vd Bosrand.

We remember Giljandro vd Bosrand (Orlando x Clinton) from when he jumped on the podium of the Sires in Lanaken. And even more from when he jumped the World Cup final three years ago with Henrik von Eckermann. And with Rene Tebbel won the Nations Cups of Sopot and Odense. Giljandro's half-sister became the proud mother of Talice van den Bosrand last month, also a son of Taloubet Z. Luc and Kathleen Huyghe Maenhout from Maldegem are the breeders: 'we both drove LRV and got married 30 years ago. Simultaneously, horse riding has been pushed into the background. We bought a mare from Hubert Hamerlinck, initially for sport. But we are amateurs and that mare was so hot, she was too difficult for us. We then decided to breed with it, because she did have quality. This is how breeding started. Last year we went to Z-Festival for the first time. On the one hand we were happy with the result, we fell just outside the finalists, which is not bad for a first time. On the other hand, there was also disappointment because our foal was not selected for the auction. We did catch that afterwards through the Breeders Auction. We are farmers and we have room for our foals, although you can't keep track of them all', says Kathleen: 'My husband would keep track of them all, I want to cover the costs. But yes, the payments are part of my duties, my husband doesn't know what it all costs (laughs). We've been in it long enough to know that not every foal becomes a success story. I like to hear breeders talk about all their success stories, the reality is often different. It's not all toppers that are born.'

Van den Bosrand's foals are not necessarily sold as foals: 'We have between six and seven foals a year. We try to sell some of them, the others grow up with us and then go to Kurt De Clercq. It must be a win-win situation. If he believes in it, he will start training them to sell them after a few years. This year we have a foal by Taloubet Z out of Giljandro 's half-sister, because I have been away from that stallion for some time. There is also a colt by Columbus Z, because of his exceptional jumping ability, and Brunetti Z, a long-legged stallion with many sporting qualities. The intention is that we will come to the Z-Festival with a few foals, with the intention of offering them at a Z-auction.

Van Vreckom & Cordon, breeding of five star mares

Evelyne Van Vreckhom and Pilar Cordon are best friends who have united their strengths in breeding. We mainly know Evelyne as an educator of young horses, Pilar as a rider at the high level, read the Olympic Games, such as in Rio 2016. Retirement mares who have performed at the highest level now serve their breeding. One of the mares is Coriana van Klapscheut (Darco x Heartbreaker), bred by the Van Rossem family from Pajottenland. Coriana jumped internationally with Eric Lamaze and Pilar Cordon and in 2010 gave Koriano (Lord Z), who became world champion in Zangersheide two years ago. The same combination was now also born and baptized as Loriana Phylira VV Z. So the full sister of the world champion.

Evelyne and Pilar breed with other approachable mares, such as Goriana van Klapscheut, a daughter of Coriana with Vigo d'Arsouilles as father. And then there is Gribouille de Lys, who jumped the Rio Olympics. “We have invested a lot in our breeding in recent years. We apply a lot of ICSI and expect foals from Heartbreaker and Chacco Blue, among others. That all costs a lot of money and the intention is that we first earn back a little through the sale of foals. Although we will also train foals, that is ultimately our core business; I train them until they are 6, 7 years old and then Pilar takes them over. The intention is that our own breeding products reach the highest level.'

Brunetti Z improves the canter

In Houthulst, West Flanders, Brunetti Z has a son, Bacardi vh Vrijbos Z. “Because we live in the Vrijbosstraat, which borders the Vrijbos”, Geert Vandewaetere begins: “and that has a criminal history. At the end of the 18th century, the Vrijbos was the base of the Bende van Baekelandt." Fortunately, we are several centuries later and Bacardi grazes in complete safety on the edge of the Vrijbos. . I now have a good six-year-old and I'm going to take my time with that. Bacardi will be for my son', Geert smiles: 'I'm a driver by profession, everything revolves around the horses at home. We breed for our own use and then not every year. The mother, Finesse de Cerise (Kashmir vh Schuttershof x Randel Z) actually belongs to my daughter-in-law. Three years ago they bred a Jaguar van Paemel out of it. Now a Brunetti foal has been born. A bit coincidental. My son and daughter-in-law are renovating and as such have little time for the horses, which are all with me now. Breed it into a foal, they suggested, as compensation for the shelter. That's how Bacardi was born. They chose Brunetti because of his scope and his remarkably powerful canter.' Geert doesn't think about selling: 'I'm a difficult salesman. We really breed for our own use.' Will he ever ride Bacardi? "I don't think so, that will be for my son. I will be 60 when he is broken in the saddle. Let me stick to my new six-year-old horse,' Geert laughs.

DH's brigade: only 25 foals left

Who doesn't know Jos Ceulemans? The most colorful supporter of equestrian sports. And breeder, from DH or Dwerse Hagen, where horses graze between tens of hectares of greenhouse lettuce. There was a time when Jos bred dozens of foals. ‘That number has been drastically reduced,’ says Jef Goossens, who is responsible for foals and rearing at DH: ‘today only 25 to 30 foals are born. Although foals are still being bought at various auctions, so that we still reach 50 foals every year,' Jef smiles. DH has some good mares, such as Withney DH, with which son-in-law Patrik Spits is part of the national team. Meanwhile, Thibeau Spits is gradually taking over the rider's torch. Thibeau became European champion last year with the Belgian junior team. He also won his first international GPs, with Bellissimo Z (Bamako de Muze x Chin Chin) and she gave birth to a foal by Taloubet Z. “Ti Amo Domi DH Z is chestnut filly born in February. We chose Taloubet Z because of his speed and the competitive attitude he had in the ring. Bellissimo Z is also a very competitive mare, which we wanted to anchor. The foal itself moves very well and loosely, shows a lot of blood, is extremely curious and can change direction on a stamp. That already seems to be fine. Sometimes we think long and hard about a combination, sometimes we improvise at the moment when the mare is in heat', says Jef Goossens: 'We always start from the mare and then look for a suitable stallion. We are primarily a sports stable, where horses are trained. In that context it is not difficult to end up with Taloubet Z. Foals are not sold unless buyers or auctions really ask for them, although that is limited to two or three foals per year.

One hundred and fifty polo horses and one Levisto Z foal

The German town of Mühlen is very famous thanks to the Schockemöhle family. Vanessa Schockemöhle, daughter of Alwin, is also located here. “I chose Levisto Z because I find it very appealing. He has won just about everything with Judy Ann and has proven his qualities time and time again. The dam of Levistina Z is a Calvados Z x Cassini II daughter. She is called Cassise VS and was also bred by me. Cassise is also a half-sister of Balthargo (by Baltimore 62) who jumped up to 1m35 under the saddle of Maxime Harmegnies, and of the OS-approved stallion Balousino (by Balou du Rouet). In addition to this mare, I have three other jumping mares that I breed with, but I mainly focus on polo horses.” explains Vanessa. “I have always bred some jumping horses because it runs in the family, but actually I have around 120 to 150 polo horses here all year round. That also means that we are the largest polo stud farm in Europe. We have six breeding stallions and ship semen in the Netherlands and abroad. In addition, we also train horses and, of course, trade. Jumping horses are therefore more of a hobby, although I used to ride jumping myself. But once I discovered the sport of polo, I pledged my heart (laughs). Nevertheless, I still regularly choose Zangersheide. It really is a sporting studbook, where the stallions can always be seen in the sport and I think that is a great added value for breeding. In addition, they also clearly look at the dam lines and ensure a good market for their foals. That makes for an interesting total package! I am very happy with this beautiful, long-legged and large filly, but everything is for sale for the right price.” concludes Vanessa with a laugh.

Hulapalu Z & Cyttrus Z

You can already find two Zangersheide foals in the stables of Frieder Dietterle. The first colt is called Hulapalu Z and is a son of Heartbeat Z. The second, Cyttrus Z, is a son of Cornado II Z. “We chose Heartbeat Z because we were looking for a stallion that not only could jump well, but also had a good character. We then asked the studbook for advice and after some consultation we were advised to choose Heartbeat. His dam, Basita, is a daughter of Coriano Z and very talented herself. She has a lot of blood and really passes on her talent. The grandmother of the foal, Casita 4, was already in our stable and she competed in sport up to 1m45 level. For me, especially on a national and regional level, she was an exceptional mare, but unfortunately she died too early due to colic. Basita herself then competed in the sport up to 1m35 level,” says Frieder. “We are also very happy with our Cornado II Z foal. He is very beautiful and big. Very long-legged and long-lined, that's how I like it! He comes from a Spartacus TN x Nabab de Reve mother. She could also jump very well, but unfortunately could not enter the sport due to an accident. Selma, that is the name of the Spartacus daughter, is also a half-sister of Cornelis II, a Heartbreaker son who jumps at 1m45 level.” Every year two to three foals are born to the Dietterle family, but this year 5 mares are covered. Four choices are already certain: Cornado II Z, Heartbeat Z, Solid Gold Z and Dominator Z. Hopefully we will get them all pregnant soon!”
Until last year Frieder only bred for the Holstein studbook, last year he switched to Zangersheide because he wanted something more modern. Frieder has about 20 horses, although it remains mainly a hobby and passion.

The sports blood of Elevage Des Cedre Verts

A C Java Cedre Vert Z was born in France, a mix of proven sport blood. The French breeding succeeded in acquiring Arizona vd Arenberg (Quidam de Revel x Codexco) when she was six years old. We know Arizona as the dam of the five-star GP horse Utamaro d'Ecaussines (Diamant de Semilly), who made a career under Joe Clee and won the World Cup in London in December with William Whitaker. Since the beginning of this year, Utamaro has formed a couple with Niels Bruynseels. Utamaro also has a full sister, the eight-year-old Bali des Cedres Verts, who is making an international career with Marlon Zanotelli. Arizona has two offspring who are eight years old and older and both jump internationally. Her youngest offspring is a filly by Cicero Z Van Paemel: 'We actually wanted a Taloubet Z foal last year, but he just came out of the sport and that didn't work out yet. That is why we chose Cicero Z, with C Java as the result. We breed on a small scale, one to two foals per year. We flush our mare once and then let her carry the other foal. That's how we work. We do not sell foals. When they are four years old, they are broken into the saddle and start their training quietly. They are usually sold after a few years.”

Burhill Sporthorses, twice Cabrio Z, twice Mylord Carthago and once Don VHP Z

We know Samuel Hutton as rider of Abdel Saïd. Kevin Witteveen worked at Jessica Mendoza and transferred to Dunwalke stables owned by Alexandra Thornton, where he takes care of the stable management and trains the horses. Kevin and Samuel together founded Burhill Sporthorses in 2016. A stable where they train young horses after their regular working hours. They currently have a dozen under their wing. Because young horses are a good investment, Kevin and Samuel decided to breed them themselves. Who dares never wins, so Kevin and Samuel invested in good dam lines, which they cross with proven sport stallions such as Asca Z, Aganix du Seigneur Z, Vagabond de la Pomme, Canturano. Our oldest horses are two years old. The intention is that we train most of them ourselves, although you cannot keep every foal. That is why we will present a foal for the first time at the Z-Festival in July. We've never been there. We wanted to do that last year, but then the mare wasn't fit and we didn't come. That is now the intention. In any case with a Cabrio Z colt out of our Vigo d'Arsouilles mare; Confidence BS Z. Another mare, For A Smile (Carnaval Drum),  previously produced a filly by Aganix du Seigneur Z (Amazing Smile BS Z) and Canturano II (Clever Smile BS Z). Luckily we flushed them and first got two embryos from Mylord Carthage; Mylady Smile BS Z and Magic Smile BS Z. Then we flushed another embryo from Don VHP Z, which has now resulted in the foal Diamond Smile BS Z. As a rule, we breed about three foals a year, now it happened to be five , one of which will certainly come to Z-Festival with the intention of selling it.'

Asca Z and Cabrio Z from Great Britain, chosen during Z-Tour

Gerry and Danny Dune together run the Grovely Riding Center where young horses are trained. From there, the interest in breeding grew. They have already delivered some well-known horses, such as Darry Lou (Tangelo vd Zuuthoeve) owned by Beezie Madden, as well as some foals including Torc Falls DB Z (Tangelo vd Zuuthoeve) who moved to Russia or Big Time Z (Big Star x Cassini) who was sold to Eichenhain stables in Germany and Dalens DSH Z (Dominator  Z x Casall) who was bought by the Mexican Ximena Milmo. They only have good mares for breeding, such as Negura MS Z (Nabab de Reve), who has a foal by Cabrio Z. The sister of Michael Whitaker's international Portofino gave Vegas Z (Vagabond de la Pomme) and she is the proud dam of an Asca Z foal (Azalea DC Z). Besides the blood of Portofino, Grovely Riding Center also owns the blood of Fragance de Chalus, through her granddaughter. There are also mothers of For Pleasure (Beaukilly) and Diamant de Semilly (Fancy) that are used for breeding. We used Cabrio Z for our large Nabab de Reve mare. The foal was born in February (Cabrera DSH Z). The same mare is now in foal to Tobago Z. I have 8 foals this year, all of which are Z registered. We will keep Azalea DC Z, because her dam is now involved in sport. We would like to sell the Cabrio Z foal via the Z Auction.

Fred Van Straaten, sport breeding for several generations

The Van Straaten family from Den Ham has been breeding showjumping horses for decades. Handel II by Michael Whitaker is an example of this. Jeroen Dubbeldam recently won bronze at the National Championships with Roelofsen Horse Trucks Eldorado (Diarado), who was also bred by Fred van Straaten. The breeding story of the van Straaten family goes back to the 1960s with the purchase of the Gelderland mare Isabelle, who laid the foundation for their breeding. From her offspring comes the approved stallion Fair Play and the international jumping horses Exodus and Hurricane. Every year about 15 foals are born, the stallions are sold, the mares are rigorously screened when they are two and a half years old. Then they get two foals and go into the sport. 'I don't participate in foal inspections, in the end it's all about the sport, that is the only value measure of our breeding and we are strict about that. We have a long tradition with Zangersheide, which goes back to Mister Melchior. And we have always had a good relationship with Alex Korompis. For example, we have used many Z stallions in our breeding. It is no different now with Kazan Z (Baloubet du Rouet x Heartbreaker). I saw it and absolutely loved it. In my opinion, he is the most beautiful son of Baloubet I have ever seen. It is a colt and very commercially bred. He was born at the end of April out of Gentle Belle (Corland x Carolus) and will be sold.'

Zangersheide in Poland

Joanna Banas is the Polish link with Zangersheide, because Z is also bred in Poland. Like in the Osadkowski Riding Club, where about three to four foals are born every year. Here too they use mothers who have distinguished themselves in the sport. One is C.Silesia Z (Chellsini Z), who will also enter the sport this year. Because sport is of paramount importance to them. That is why Zangersheide was chosen, where sport stallions are primarily offered. Another mare, Aida HL (Pink Floyd HL x Alexis Z) gave birth to the foal Great George Z this year. A foal by George Z who was chosen because they wanted to add the blood of Usha van 't Roosakker to their breeding. Aida HL is currently in foal to Aganix du Seigneur Z. Aida, who has also competed in the sport herself, previously produced a descendant, Amulette, who became champion of the six-year-olds in Norway as a youngster.

Aleksandra Furgo has a small-scale family breeding farm with two mares. There are currently two yearlings running around, one of which is by Dominator Z, Dominick Z. Dominick Z's dam was covered by Columbus Z last year, which this year resulted in the colt Cedrick Z. Columbus Z was chosen because, in addition to a perfect pedigree , also possesses excellent technique and dynamics during jumping, says Aleksandra. She was so enthusiastic about Columbus Z and Cedrick Z that she kept the same combination this year. Aleksandra Furgo got to know Zangersheide through Dominator Z and has clearly got a taste for it.