During the finals of the Dutch Pony Championship on Saturday, September 5, in Barneveld, several Welsh ponies put on impressive performances. The absolute highlight was Spoorzicht’s Jersey’s victory in the four-year-old division. Turfhorst Chaplin and Pierrot van den Hout also secured podium finishes.

During the finals, the judges once again sought out the well-rounded future sport pony. The ponies were judged on walk, trot, and canter; carriage and suppleness; harmony; overall impression; and conformation. From the regular DPC panel, the age categories were assigned as follows: Paulien Albers judged the six-year-olds, Trudi Houwen the five-year-olds, and Bart Bax the four-year-olds. Guest judges Franka Loos and Kirsten Brouwer also judged all age categories during the final day. This brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the judging table, allowing the panel to evaluate not only the natural quality of movement but also the overall impression and future potential of each pony.

Silver for Turfhorst Chaplin

In the six-year-old class, Turfhorst Chaplin, ridden by Liz Arends, took a splendid second place. The NWPCS stallion, bred by R. Vrolijken, achieved a final score of 85.5 points.

His canter, harmony, and conformation were all awarded a 9. He received an 8.5 for his walk and overall impression. With these excellent scores, Turfhorst Chaplin remained close behind the eventual champion.

Breeder Ronald Vrolijken was present in Barneveld and was honored during the ceremony. He received a breeder's bonus for second place.

Spoorzicht’s Jersey Champion and Highest Daily Score

In the four-year-old division, Spoorzicht’s Jersey, ridden by Pleun Sloof, claimed a convincing victory. The NWPCS stallion, bred by the Sloof Brothers, scored a remarkable 87.5 points.

Walk, trot, and canter were all rated an 8.5. Carriage and suppleness also received an 8.5 on the score sheet. He received a 9 for harmony, and both his overall impression and conformation were awarded a superb 9.5.

With this score, Spoorzicht’s Jersey not only became the DPC champion among the four-year-olds, but also achieved the highest total score of the entire final day. As a result, he also won the Overall Prestige Prize. Pleun Sloof was presented with a Prestige saddle, provided by JAN Equestrian in Apeldoorn.

It was also a special day for the breeders, the Sloof brothers. They attended the awards ceremony and received the breeder’s prize for first place.

Bronze for Pierrot van den Hout

Pierrot van den Hout, riding Whitney de Bruijn, also secured a podium finish in the four-year-old class. The NWPCS stallion, bred by H.A. van Erp, scored 83.5 points and finished in third place.

Pierrot van den Hout received a 9 for both the trot and the canter. His conformation was also awarded a 9, and the judges gave him an 8.5 for overall impression.

It was a wonderful final day for the Welsh ponies, with no fewer than three podium finishes and Spoorzicht’s Jersey crowned champion of the four-year-olds and winner of the highest daily score!