Held on 14-16 December 2023, the grading of the young Holsteiner stallions takes place at the Elmhorn Verband facility for the first time. Tickets for the annual Holsteiner highlight are available as of now.
Not only is the chosen location Elmshorn a premiere, but also the way the grading is carried out has changed. “To ensure the colts’ optimal evaluation and selection, for the first time, the free jumping is conducted on Thursday as well as on Friday”, says breeding director Stephan Haarhoff. Both free jumping efforts are part of the grading in equal measure and follow the same pattern: The colts are not being led into the jumping chute but go in there at liberty. Before the colts are free jumped, they have to undergo the traditional inspection on hard ground on the Thursday of the event. As the entire grading procedure has been streamlined, the decisions regarding approved status are announced already on Friday evening, after the presentation of the riding horse collection. On Saturday morning, one of the most interesting questions is answered: Who is crowned Holsteiner champion stallion? Afterwards the colts and stallions for sale and the riding horses are auctioned. “There is a lot of anticipation in particular for the stallion prospects by first time sires”, Haarhoff is certain. The former champion stallion, Cahil by Cornet Obolensky, same as the reserve champion stallion, Chinchero by Chopin, have several sons each at the preselection held from 30 October to 2 November at Elmshorn– where visitors are very welcome as well.
Tickets for the grading of the young stallions in December can be ordered online through eventim, at all known ticket agencies and through the Holsteiner Verband Elmshorn from 15 euros.
Tentative schedule:
Wednesday, 13 December
arrival of the colts and vet check
Thursday, 14 December
inspection of the colts on hard ground
first free-jumping of the colts
Welcome Night
Friday, 15 December
second free jumping of the colts/ colts at liberty
presentation of the auction horses
presentation of all stallions/ disclosure of approval status
Breeders’ party
Saturday, 16 December
proclamation of the champion stallion
auction sale of the colts/stallions and riding horses
Photo: Janne Bugtrup
