Aspiring judges judging season 2025

During this judging season, in addition to our regular judges, you will also see two aspiring judges lined up. Below we briefly introduce them to you:

Bas van der Linden

Bas van der Linden has been active in breeding since 1985 under the stable name Spring Dreams. Although an occasional Section A or WPBR horse was bred, the focus is now on the Section B. The years of experience in breeding provide a solid foundation for the jury work: “The request from the association for jury members for the breed sections (A, B, C, D) motivated me tremendously. It is nice to stay in contact with breeders through this way and to work together for a strong, future-proof breeding.”

What he hopes to learn? “Working with other judges, and bringing and keeping a line in placement and priming. It's all about consistency and objectivity.” His favorite type, then, is the B pony, although he appreciates beauty and quality in other sections as well.

In addition to his activities in the equestrian world, he is a retired veterinarian and politically active as a group representative in Provincial Council of South Holland.

Herman de Jong

Herman de Jong comes from a real horse family: “My father had several breeds, but started about 45 years ago with a Welsh pony. That's where it started for me.” With decades of professional experience in the horse world, and as a retired orthopedic clinic farrier, he has more than earned his spurs - including work for the Royal Stables in The Hague and Apeldoorn.

His motivation for becoming a judge is clear: “I want to bring the knowledge I have accumulated over all these years to the studbook. I am looking forward to further developing my analytical skills and being able to judge the ponies objectively and fairly.”

Although his heart is with the Welsh Cob - “I'm really a Cob person” - he emphasizes that his favorite pony is the one “that is right in terms of conformation, movement AND character, regardless of section.”

Even in retirement, he remains active in breeding, with some sixteen Welsh Cobs in his stable. The passion is undiminished.

With their rich experience in breeding and love for the breed, both participants are valuable assets as aspiring judges. We wish them much success and enjoyment along the way!

Would you like to know which judges can be drafted within our studbook? Then click on the button below to see our full jury corps.