Top-class genetics, plenty of power and a wealth of athleticism: on 15 August, around 35 foals born in 2026, which had been pre-qualified in their respective licensing districts, were presented at the traditional R+V Holsteiner State Foal Championship at the Herbert-Blöcker-Platz. In the end, a daughter of Conchezz and a son of Zirocco Blue emerged at the top of the strong field of competitors. The best foals were awarded substantial cash prizes and honours, as well as valuable stud fee vouchers. Katrin Krohn was honoured as the best presenter.
An expert panel of judges was responsible for assessing the young Holsteiners. Hella Kuntz, a master of equine management who herself enjoyed success up to Grand Prix level and serves as a licensing commissioner for the Trakehner Association; Antonius Schulze-Averdieck, a breeder of premium stallions, international sport horses and top auction lots; and Tjark Roll, an agricultural scientist and former Holsteiner young breeder, scrutinised the foals closely. Roll had previously worked, amongst other roles, at Reimer Detlef Hennings’ stables and as a breeding consultant at Maas J. Hell, and now works at Lewitz Stud.
The foals presented reflected the genetic diversity and breadth of modern Holsteiner breeding. Among the sires were Conchezz, United Way, Cahil, Madness, Kool Blue, Chalou and Dominator Z.
Conchezz daughter wins the fillies’
class In the filly class, a daughter of the four-year-old Holsteiner Association stallion Conchezz (cover photo), out of a dam by Nevados S, came out on top. The foal, bred by Manfred von Allwörden (Grönwohld), scored 27.75 points and impressed the judging panel with her conformation, expression and power. Antonius Schulze-Averdieck was delighted: “Incredibly good conformation, beautiful eyes, plenty of power. One can only offer congratulations.” The sporting pedigree of the dam line is also impressively well-established. Among others, Iggy (Peder Fredricson/SWE) and Champagne Shower (Mylen Kruse/GER) hail from the same dam line.
The reserve title was secured by a filly by Cahil-Clarcon, bred by Bernd Börger from St. Michaelisdonn. The foal from line 306 scored 27.70 points. The Passer pairing in this pedigree is particularly noteworthy: both full brothers of the filly have already won at the Holstein State Foal Championships, and one of them has since been licensed. “A modern-looking foal, very athletic, with a very good presence. A foal that is sure to make its mark in sport,” remarked Schulze-Averdieck.
The second reserve victory went to a daughter of Dominator Z-Conthargos, bred by Louisa Wiedemann from Barsinghausen. The foal from line 1866 received 26.95 points. “An incredibly supple foal with a great deal of athleticism, top-class genetics and plenty of power,” was the comment. This dam line, too, boasts international sporting prominence: among others, it produced Albführen’s Memphis, who enjoyed success with Steve Guerdat (SUI).
Zirocco Blue son impresses in the colts’
class In the colts’ class, victory went to a son of Zirocco Blue-Casall, bred by Frank Jessen from Hörup. The foal from line 4025 achieved the highest score of the entire championship with 28.20 points. Hella Kuntz from the judging panel particularly highlighted the quality of his movement: “Highly elegant, a real charmer who moves outstandingly in all three basic gaits.”
The reserve champion was a colt by Conchezz–Quick Nick I, bred by Barbara Tenge-Rietberg from Kassedorf. According to the judging panel, the foal from line 4847 presented itself as “harmonious, supple, with good movement uphill”. With the reserve champion among the colts and the resplendent champion among the fillies, Conchezz immediately made a real statement with his first crop of foals.
The second reserve title was secured by a son of Cascadello I-Cellestial, bred by Jens Böckenhauer from Bostedt. The foal from line 7126 scored 26.35 points and had already attracted attention beforehand: In June 2026, he was the top-priced foal at the foal auction during the Pferdetage and also the champion foal of his licensing district. Hella Kuntz saw him as a potential stallion: “I hope he jumps as well as he moves.”
Winning colt by Zirocco Blue
Plenty of power and above-average movement
Hella Kuntz drew a positive conclusion after assessing the entire field of starters: “It was great fun here. I particularly liked the fact that so many foals are endowed with a great deal of power. Many foals also moved exceptionally well, which, as a dressage rider, particularly stands out in my memory.”
The R+V Holsteiner State Foal Championship thus once again highlighted the quality and versatility of this year’s crop. In addition to impressive conformation and quality of movement, the proven sporting genetics of many of the foals were particularly striking – a promising glimpse into the next generation of Holsteiner equestrian sport.
Photos: Janne Bugtrup
