Dutch grading show 2026

Visit the Dutch grading show of the NWPCS!

On February 6 & 7, the delta manege in IJsselmuiden, will be transformed into the highlight of Welsh pony breeding and sport. For two days, everything will revolve around the finest Welsh ponies and cobs, with a diverse program that brings together breeding, sport, and conviviality.

Admission

Of course, you don’t want to miss the biggest Welsh event! This year, for the first time, you can order your tickets online in advance. You can also purchase a voucher for the catalog. Get your tickets via the button below:

TICKETSHOP

Admission for children under 12 is FREE.

Online ticket price: €12.50
Tickets at the door: €14.00
Catalog: €12.50
Participants and volunteers will receive their admission tickets no later than the week before the Central Stallion Inspection.

Program 2026

For two days, you can enjoy a diverse program representing all sections.

On Friday, February 7, newly presented stallions will prepare for their first inspection. First, they will be judged on hard ground before entering the arena. If selected for Saturday, they will undergo a veterinary examination.

On Saturday, February 8, already approved stallions will be presented, with many showing under saddle and in harness. This is followed by the second inspection and registration of newly approved stallions. The day traditionally concludes with the Champion of the Day election.

A beautiful exhibition area will be set up where you can network and browse various stands. On Saturday, there will also be a grand lottery with fantastic prizes such as stud services, overnight stays, and equestrian equipment.

Find the full program via the button below:

PROGRAM

Exhibition Space

Would you like to reserve a spot in our exhibition area? We still have space for new exhibitors! If you’re interested, email us via the button below so we can discuss the possibilities. We look forward to welcoming you!

Send Email

The Stallion Selection

Studbook Stallion

All offspring (with at least 12.5% Welsh blood) of a licensed or studbook stallion can be registered in the studbook. During the CHK, stallions can be approved and registered as studbook stallions.

First Inspection

The first inspection is open to three-year-old and older stallions and takes place on Friday. Before the inspection, the jury studies the pedigrees of the presented stallions, assisted by the Breeding Technical Committee (FTC).

The inspection begins outdoors with an assessment of walk and trot on hard ground by the jury and a farrier. This allows for a thorough evaluation of movement and limb conformation.

In the main ring, stallions are shown in-hand, judged by three jury members. First, they enter as a group and are assessed while walking. Then, they are presented individually and judged again, including their trot.

Next, the stallions return as a group for the final decision, determining which ones advance to the second inspection on Saturday. Those selected stay in the ring, while others exit as the jury explains their decision.

Approved stallions then undergo a veterinary examination and height measurement. NWR and WPBR stallions must also complete a lunging test on Friday for additional evaluation.

Second Inspection

The second inspection takes place on Saturday and follows the same procedure as the first. The stallions are presented as a group, then individually, before the final decision.

Sections A, B, C, D, and WPBR
At the end of the second inspection, some stallions may be directly registered as studbook stallions, but sometimes, an extra selection round takes place. The jury may reassess the group before finalizing the list. The remaining stallions are then officially registered and ranked based on quality.

NWR Section (Dutch Welsh Riding Pony)
In addition to the five main sections of the Welsh Pony & Cob Society (WPCS) in Wales, the NWPCS has a sixth section: the Dutch Welsh Riding Pony (NWR). This is a Welsh Partbred with at least 25% registered Welsh blood, crossed with Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, or Thoroughbred bloodlines. The desired height for NWR stallions is between 1.46 and 1.48 meters.

To become a studbook stallion, an NWR must complete the CHK, pass veterinary approval, provide correct DNA evidence, and successfully complete a performance test.

NWPCS Studbook Stallions

All NWPCS studbook stallions are required to attend the CHK in the year following their registration to maintain their studbook status.

After this, participation is voluntary. Stallions are grouped by age class on Saturday morning. The first and second-placed stallions from these classes, along with those from the second inspection, are invited to the Section Championship. The section champions and reserve champions then compete for the Champion of the Day title.

Information for Participants