Jumping DPC Brings Together Young Talent and Pony Sports in Lathum

There’s no denying the interest in Jumping DPC 2026. The aptitude test for young four-, five-, and six-year-old show jumping ponies in categories C, D, and E filled up almost immediately after registration opened. It’s a flying start for the event on Saturday, October 3, at Hippisch Centrum Lathum and a great confirmation of the interest in the unique concept of the Dutch Pony Championship.

In addition to the aptitude test, the program for the day includes an exciting show jumping competition for C, D, and E ponies of all ages. Jumping DPC promises to be a full day that brings together young talent, breeding, and pony show jumping. In addition, generous prize money and wonderful in-kind prizes have been made available for the various classes.

A Unique Pony Concept in the Netherlands

The Dutch Pony Championship has evolved into a unique platform where breeding and sport come together and where the pony takes center stage. With Jumping DPC, show jumping gets its own platform within this concept.

During the aptitude test, young show jumping ponies have the opportunity to demonstrate their natural abilities. The focus is not only on completing a course without faults, but rather on the pony’s aptitude, technique, ability, and the qualities it displays for the future. For breeders, owners, and riders, this is therefore a wonderful opportunity to showcase young talent and see how they are developing in the sport.

The fact that the aptitude test for four-, five-, and six-year-old ponies filled up almost immediately underscores the enthusiasm for this format. On Saturday, October 3, a strong field of competitors will take to the starting line in Lathum.

It is precisely the combination of young pony evaluations, breeding, and actual show jumping that makes Jumping DPC a unique pony event in the Netherlands.

Joost Siemerink and Robbert Ehrens on the jury

Joost Siemerink and Robbert Ehrens will be judging the young show jumping ponies at Jumping DPC 2026. They are two true horse enthusiasts who, through their daily work, have gained extensive experience in training, evaluating, and coaching show jumping horses and riders.

Joost Siemerink has become a familiar face at the Dutch Pony Championship. He has also served on the judging panel for the show jumping ponies in previous editions. Siemerink has extensive knowledge and experience in both show jumping and breeding and specializes in the training and development of young show jumpers. His keen eye for the natural qualities of a young horse or pony aligns perfectly with the philosophy behind the DPC aptitude test.

This year, he will be joined on the judging panel by Robbert Ehrens. At Stal Ehrens, Robbert works daily to train horses—from young prospects to those competing at the highest level—and to coach and mentor riders. He himself gained international experience up to the three-star level and competed in team competitions. His experience as both a rider and a trainer makes him a valuable addition to the judging panel.

With Siemerink and Ehrens, Jumping DPC is bringing two judges to Lathum who not only evaluate what a pony demonstrates at that moment, but who also, and above all, have an eye for natural ability, development, and future potential.

The show jumping pony of the future

That future potential is exactly what the conformation test is all about. Four-, five-, and six-year-old ponies are still at the beginning of their competitive careers and do not yet need to be ‘fully developed.’ What matters is the foundation they have and the qualities they demonstrate that will allow them to continue developing.

In addition, Jumping DPC provides a platform where breeders can see their offspring competing in the sport. For owners and riders, it’s a great opportunity to present their young ponies to a panel of experts and take home valuable feedback.

That combination of evaluation and training has been a key principle of the Dutch Pony Championship from the very beginning. The event aims not only to reward talent, but above all to recognize and encourage it.

Plenty of pony show jumping at Jumping DPC

However, Jumping DPC on October 3 is about more than just the aptitude test. In addition to the young show jumping ponies, C, D, and E ponies of other ages will also be competing in the show jumping competition.

This makes it a day when different aspects of pony show jumping come together—from young talents showing their potential for the future during the aptitude test to pairs competing for prizes in the show jumping competition.

Generous prize money has been set aside for the show jumping competition, and there are also a variety of wonderful non-cash prizes to be won. Registration for these show jumping classes is still open, so riders who want to be part of Jumping DPC 2026 can still sign up.

Plenty to do for visitors, too

Jumping DPC is definitely not just an event for participants. Visitors are also warmly welcome at the Lathum Equestrian Center on Saturday, October 3.

For pony sport enthusiasts, the day offers a great opportunity to see many different show jumping ponies in action—from four-year-old ponies showing their first signs of talent during the aptitude test to experienced pairs competing in the show jumping competition.

For breeders, it’s also exciting to see young ponies, different bloodlines, and breeding products competing in the sport. This brings riders, owners, breeders, and other enthusiasts together around what the Dutch Pony Championship is all about: the pony.

With a full-scale course design, an extensive jumping program, the expertise of Joost Siemerink and Robbert Ehrens on the judging panel, and great prizes up for grabs, all the ingredients are in place for a spectacular edition of Jumping DPC 2026.

So mark Saturday, October 3, 2026, on your calendar and come to Jumping DPC at the Lathum Equestrian Center. It’s a day where talent, breeding, and sport come together—and, above all, the show jumping pony takes center stage.

Location:

Lathum Equestrian Center
House at Lathumweg 2
6988 BS Lathum