Rising Aranix kicks off Stal Hendrix competition with a victory

30 April 2025

Under ideal conditions, the Stal Hendrix competition kicked off today in Koningsbosch. The four-year-old division showcased remarkable quality, with the KWPN-approved stallion Rising Aranix claiming the win under Kristian Houwen. Talented horses also made their mark in the other age groups, where Caprice Z ridden by Nadine Janssen and Offield van Schijndel under Piet Raijmakers Jr. opened their campaigns with victories.

Every year, anticipation runs high for the new crop of four-year-olds, and once again, the Stal Hendrix competition welcomed a large group of eye-catching talents. Judging was in the capable hands of Peter Bulthuis and Marcel Willems, who spoke positively about the overall quality.

A pleasant surprise
With a score of 8.9 for jumping and a 9 for rideability, the approved stallion Rising Aranix (Aganix du Seigneur x Echo van ’t Spieveld, bred by Carin Schotanus and Hendrik Blink of Rising Stud) left no doubt about his win. “I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality today. We saw a large group of genuinely good young horses in action,” said Peter Bulthuis. “They were presented well -very well, in fact- which hasn’t always been the case in past editions. I think Rising Aranix is an exceptionally good jumper. He’s very complete, jumps with quality, and is very rideable.” Hot on his heels was Etronville PL Z (Ermitage Kalone x Diabeau, bred by Peter Leenen), who earned the highest jumping score of the day with a 9 under Alice Lazzarini. He added an 8.7 for his rideability, placing just behind Rising Aranix. “This is another top-quality jumper. If there’s any critique to give, he might still be a touch slow, but he jumps every fence the same way and already shows great balance. Definitely a horse for the future.” Swedish rider Jenny Johansson showcased the promising Rio de Janeiro GP (s.Pegase van ’t Ruytershof, bred by Gert-Jan van de Pol), who scored 8.9 for jumping and 8.2 for rideability to finish third. “This horse was also beautifully presented and showed some fantastic jumps already.” The top scores were closely matched, and other KWPN-approved stallions also made a strong impression, with Rock Me Zsazsa (s.Lambada Shake AG) ridden by Kristian Houwen, finishing sixth, and Royal Flush LF (s.Zambesi) under Boy Peels taking ninth.

Homebred talents
Over 100 combinations contested the five-year-old division, where Nadine Janssen posted the fastest clear round aboard Caprice Z (Columbus Z x Boss, bred by Maatschap Janssen-Rutten). She finished ahead of Britt Driessen, who took second with Uricana Grace Z (s.Uricas van de Kattevennen) and third with Duel Mood Z (s.Duel de HSP). Both horses are homebreds from her father, John Driessen. An impressive 43 combinations completed the course without penalties. The six-year-old division also delivered excellent sport. It marked a winning return for Offield van Schijndel (Diamant de Semilly x Baloubet du Rouet, bred by Van Schijndel Promotion), ridden by Piet Raijmakers Jr. This gelding had already impressed in last year’s Stal Hendrix competition and claimed the overall title in the five-year-old division. Another scopey Diamant de Semilly offspring, Davina (ds.Cornet Obolensky) under Emile Tacken, secured second place in this highly competitive two-phase course. Cybele Bel Z (s.Comme Il Faut), known for her competitive spirit, finished third under Johan Bergs. The Stal Hendrix competition will continue in Kessel in two weeks.

Results