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Stal Hendrix Horse of the Month: A-Lister
20 October 2026
From a promising foal discovered at the Limburg Foal Auction to a KWPN-approved stallion and international show jumper, A-Lister (formerly Newmarket VM) has enjoyed an impressive journey. Now making his mark in the American hunter ring, the eight-year-old son of Chacoon Blue recently celebrated a major championship victory, demonstrating the versatility and exceptional talent first recognised by Stal Hendrix.
Age: 8
Breeding: Chacoon Blue x Numero Uno
Rider: Scott Stewart
Owner: Kulkin Equestrian
Biggest Achievements: KWPN-approved stallion with 83.5 points; winner of the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, 2026
Bred by Paul van Montfort, A-Lister was purchased as a foal by Stal Hendrix and Redfield Farm after catching their attention at the Limburg Foal Auction. His potential was further recognised during the KWPN stallion approval process, where he achieved an impressive score of 83.5 points, with Team Nijhof subsequently joining the ownership partnership.
A-Lister began his early development at Team Nijhof, impressing in young horse and stallion competitions under Kars Bonhof and Fabiënne Lichtenvoort Cats. In the autumn of 2025, the striking bay was partnered with Stal Hendrix rider Lisa Nooren Garofalo, with whom he successfully progressed to international 1.45m level, demonstrating the scope, athleticism and quality that had been evident from an early age.
In May 2026, A-Lister embarked on a new chapter across the Atlantic, where he has since transitioned into the highly competitive American hunter ring under top rider Scott Stewart. The partnership has already enjoyed considerable success, most notably claiming victory in the $50,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Challenge at the prestigious Capital Challenge Horse Show. Competing against a strong field, Stewart and A-Lister delivered two exceptional rounds to achieve a combined score of 182.67 points, securing victory by a convincing margin.
Speaking after the win, Stewart was full of praise for the eight-year-old: “He’s new to this, but he’s really straightforward and scopey and simple to ride. He’s a phenomenal jumper, really beautiful, and very .”
A-Lister’s success in the United States is particularly impressive given his relatively recent transition from European show jumping to the American hunter discipline. Now a gelding, he is demonstrating the adaptability, rideability and natural jumping ability that have characterised his career to date.
His achievements extend beyond the competition arena. During his time as a breeding stallion, A-Lister produced a promising first crop of offspring, including Soleil de Lys, who finished fifth in the Dutch Mare Championship (NMK) final, and Sizora JB, winner of the opening competition of the Stal Hendrix competition earlier this year. Although his sporting career has taken him across the Atlantic, his influence as a sire continues in the Netherlands, with frozen semen remaining available through Team Nijhof.
From his beginnings at the Limburg Foal Auction to KWPN approval, international show jumping and now championship success in the American hunter ring, A-Lister’s journey is a testament to the importance of recognising and nurturing potential. His achievements reflect the Stal Hendrix philosophy of developing talented horses and providing them with the foundations to succeed, wherever their careers may lead.