Welsh ponies were well represented at the final DPC selection in Lunteren

The final dressage qualifier for the Dutch Pony Championship once again brought a good number of young ponies to Lunteren on Wednesday, August 12. At De Nieuwe Heuvel, riders competed one last time for important points toward the Dutch Pony Championship final on Saturday, September 5, in Barneveld.

The NWPCS-registered Welsh ponies also performed exceptionally well during this final selection competition. They achieved high placings in various age categories, securing no fewer than three victories.

Noble Diamond DVB is the clear winner among the four-year-olds

In the four-year-old pony class, Noble Diamond DVB, ridden by Charline Chen, claimed a convincing victory. The gelding, registered in the studbook as Noble Diamond DVB, is a son of Next Diamond and was bred by Dressuurstal Van Baalen BV.

Noble Diamond DVB delivered an exceptionally strong performance and received a 9 from the judges no fewer than five times. Trot, canter, carriage & suppleness, harmony, and overall impression were all rewarded with this high score. With an additional 8.5 for the walk, his total came to a remarkable 88 points, securing him the victory.

Third place in the four-year-old division also went to a Welsh pony. Spoorzicht’s Jersey, ridden by Pleun Sloof, scored 82 points. The stallion by Beauty W, bred by the Sloof Brothers, received his highest score for conformation: a handsome 9.

Diamond Style Finishes Second Among the Five-Year-Olds

In the five-year-old pony class, Diamond Style Turfhorst, ridden by Liz Arends, took second place. The stallion is registered in the studbook as Diamond Style; he is a son of Dating AT and was bred in Germany by Ingrid Schmidt.

With a total of 81.5 points, Diamond Style finished second in the day’s largest class. He, too, impressed the judges with his conformation, for which he received a solid 9.

Turfhorst Chaplin Wins in the Six-Year-Olds Division

In the six-year-old division, the Welsh ponies struck again. Turfhorst Chaplin, ridden by Liz Arends, came out on top with 83 points and claimed the class.

The stallion is registered in the stud book as Coelenhage’s Chaplin and is a son of Leuns Veld’s Lord. He was bred by Stal Coelenhage, R. Vrolijken.

Chaplin received a 9 for his conformation and solid 8.5s for canter, harmony, and overall impression. With these scores, he managed to stay ahead of the competition and secure the victory.

Passoa W Leads the 18+ Category

In the 18+ division as well, the victory went to a Welsh pony. Passoa W was presented by Karlijn Olde Klieverik and made a strong impression on the judges. The stallion is a son of Hendi’s Picasso and was bred by W. van Winkoop.

Passoa W posted an exceptionally consistent score, earning 9s for walk, trot, harmony, and overall impression. He even received a 9.5 for his conformation. With a final total of 88 points, he convincingly claimed the victory.

Third place in this category also went to a Welsh pony. Keizerskroon Nightwish, ridden by Fabienne Balk, scored 77.5 points. The mare is a daughter of Amalia’s Pieter and was bred by Mrs. A. de Graaf-Spruijt.

On to the finals in Barneveld
With the competition in Lunteren, all dressage qualifiers for the 2026 Dutch Pony Championship have now been held. The Welsh ponies finished the qualifying process on a high note, with strong placings and victories among the four-year-olds, six-year-olds, and in the 18+ class.

For the qualified pairs, the focus now shifts to Saturday, September 5, in Barneveld, where the final of the Dutch Pony Championship will be held and the 2026 champions will be crowned.

Photos: Dian Smit