Dutch Sport Horse Sales magazine 2017

DSHS
Dutch Sport Horse Sales
ISSUE NO.
02
NELSON
PESSOA
Heroes of our time
NICK SKELTON
‘Rio was just another show for Big Star’
FINNISH ALLROUNDER
Sanna Backlund about why she never misses an
edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales
AT HOME WITH EFE SIYAHI
Have a look at the magnificent equestrian complex of the
Turkish showjumping and trading stable Carpe Diem Equestrian Team
HUMANs & ANIMALS
the 10 most special bonds
between pets and people
LEON THIJSSEN
the international rider
about the strength of limburg
capturing fire
how artist jos dirix’
sculptures come to life

ISSUE NO.
02
DECEMBER
2016
CONTENTS
In this edition
02 Auctions speak louder
Check out the new venue! The Dutch Sport Horse Sales was held
in Kronenberg for the very first time.
04 Nick Skelton
The Olympic gold medal winner about his tower of strength: Big
Star and the ups and downs in their preparations to Rio.
09 Sponsor highlight: Horseware Ireland
Long time supporter of the auction. See what they have in store
for you and your horse this winter.
10 Heroes of our time: Nelson Pessoa
Read the interview with the legend also known as ‘Neco’.
Grand Prix winner, trainer and father of Rodrigo.
Other articles
17 Uryadi’s Village
The auction supports the charity Uryadi’s Village; named
after the DSHS-horse Uryadi. A Jennifer Crooks initiative.
18 Horse & Youngster of the Year Award
Did you attend the auction? Then you already know. If you
don’t know who won the awards yet, go to page 18!
20 Sanna Backlund
The allround Finnish equestrian entrepreneur explains
how she got involved with the auction.
24 Jos Dirix: Capturing the fire
He creates stunning statues. Find out where his
inspiration comes from and how it is done.
29 Foal in love: Limburg Foal Auction
Learn more about the auction that is always held the day
after the Dutch Sport Horse Sales.
29 At home with: Efe Siyahi
We introduce you to a unique equestrian centre in the
Netherlands and explain why and how it was realised.
40 Leon Thijssen
The Limburg-based international rider explains
the strength of the province from which he was born
and bred.
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
1

PICTURES of the new venue!
DIFFERENT LOCATION, SAME COSY ATMOSPHERE! HAVE A
LOOK AT THE PICTURES OF THE 2016 EDITION OF THE AUCTION
2 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

NEW VENUE!
AUCTIONs
SPEAk
LOUDER
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
3

‘RIO WAS JUST
ANOTHER SHOW
FOR BIG STAR’
Nick Skelton and Big Star still going strong after winning Olympic Gold
What a year it has been for Great Britain’s Nick Skelton and his loyal
partner Big Star. Since 2013, Big Star suffered on and off from injuries and
it was not until the spring of 2016 that Big Star got in top shape again. The
British superstars qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and
returned home with nothing less than an individual gold medal.
Nick Skelton’s partner USA-rider Laura Kraut
found Big Star as a 5-year-old at the show
CH De Wolden in The Netherlands. Big Star
was bred by the famous Dutch breeder
Cees Klaver – also the breeder of Christian
Ahmann’s Taloubet Z – and was ridden at
that time by Alan Waldman. “Laura called me and said: you
better get over here quickly to see this horse! He was that
special already at that time. We were the right match from
the beginning and back then he already jumped like he
jumps now”, Nick Skelton explains.
‘Best horse ever ridden’
It did not take long before Skelton and Big Star started
winning. Already as a 6-year-old, Big Star won two finals for
young horses and as an 8-year-old he won his first Grand
Prix competitions. “As a young horse he was already the
horse he is now. He has always been very competitive and
he has all the ability in the world. I have been saying for
years already Big Star is the best horse I have ever ridden
in my entire career”, Skelton emphasizes.
As a 9-year-old, Big Star won numerous CSI5* Grand Prixs,
the Prize of Europe in Aachen and was the obvious pick for
the 2012 London Olympic Games. Team Great Britain won
the gold medal in London with Nick Skelton and Big Star as
their anchor pair. And all pieces seemed to fall together for
Skelton and Big Star to win the individual gold as well, but
one minor mistake put them out of medal contention. After
their London-adventure, Big Star and Nick Skelton won the
Rolex Grand Prix of CHIO Aachen in 2013 and since then it
has been a long and hard road to Rio.
Rio Olympics
Since 2013, just before the ‘Masters’ of Spruce Meadows,
Canada, Big Star got hurt. With ups and downs, Skelton
and Big Star fought their way back, but it was not until
the spring of 2016 that the pair was on top of their game
again. In their first Nations Cup appearance since 2013,
Big Star and Nick Skelton delivered a double clear in the
CSIO5* Nations Cup of La Baule. Soon afterwards, the
word came out that Skelton and Big Star would be heading
towards Rio with the British squad.
For Nick Skelton there was only one good thing about the
Olympics in Rio. “Winning. That was the best thing and for
us actually the only good thing about Rio”, Nick Skelton
refers to the disappointing team result of Team GB. “Big
Star started off Rio a bit rusty, since he had not jump a
competition like that since Aachen in 2013. But in the final
everything was OK and he delivered.”
4 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

NICK SKELTON
Born on the 30th of
December in 1957
Won individual gold at the European
Championships for juniors in 1975 on a
substitute horse called Everest O.K.
Competed in sixteen World Cup Finals,
the first in 1979 with Lastic and the last in
2005 with Arko III
Competed on every Olympic Games since
Seoul 1988 with six different horses
Won four team gold medals with the
British showjumping team at major
championships
Suffered from a broken neck in September
2000 and retired from showjumping 2001.
In 2002 he, against all odds, recovered and
began competing again.
By winning the individual gold in Rio at the
age of 58, he is the oldest British Olympic
Gold medalist since 1908.
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DSHS | The 2016 edition
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Nick skelton
BIG STAR
Born on the 1st of June in 2003
Bred by the famous Dutch breeder Cees
Klaver from Schoorl, the Netherlands
Sold to Mrs. Beverley Widdowson as
a 5-year-old, found by Nick Skelton’s
partner Laura Kraut
Won the team gold medal at the London
Olympics, no less than six international
Grand Prix-competitions and the Prize of
Europe at CHIO Aachen before turning
10-years-old
Missed out on the individual gold in
London with one rail down in the final
round
Won the Grand Prix of Aachen in 2013
Went double clear in his first CSIO5*
Nations Cup appearance since 2013 in
La Baule 2016
Won individual gold at the Olympic
Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016
“When you
win something
like that, you do
not realize how
much will happen
afterwards.”
According to Nick, the Rio Olympics were not
that hard for Big Star at all. “For Big Star, it
was just another show. The Olympics were
not too difficult for him, since he has plenty of
ability. We gave him just two, three weeks off
afterwards and since then he jumped really
good in Barcelona and Toronto again. Big Star
really still is a fresh horse. I will never find a
better one!”
A lot to do after gold
However the Olympics might just have been
another show for Big Star, it certainly was not
for Nick Skelton. After winning the gold, he
has not had a day off. “I have been very busy.
I have been talking a lot to journalists over
the last couple of months and I have done
tons of photographs. And it is still going on.
When you win something like that, you do
not realize how much will happen afterwards.
Everybody wants you to do all kind of stuff
and there is still a lot of work going on”,
Nick Skelton concludes. Without a doubt,
Big Star and Nick Skelton are a pair of true
champions.
BRITISH SHOWJUMPING HISTORY AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
FACTS AND FIGURES OF THE 2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES
● Nick Skelton is the first individual
British gold medalist in showjumping
● Showjumping legend David Broome
won the first individual British medal
in 1960
● Marion Coakes won the silver
individual medal on a pony that
stood about 14.1 hands (1.45m),
called Stroller in 1968
● British showjumpers won six
individual medals and five team
medals at the Olympics
● In 1952, Great Britain became team
Olympic champion for the first time
and in 2012 at the home Olympics in
London, Team GB won the gold again
● Riders from 43 different countries
competed against each other
● H&M All In and Sweden’s Peder
Fredricson were the only pair without
a rail down throughout the entire
championship
● Canada’s former Olympic champion
Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5
produced the fastest round in the
jump-off, but finished on four faults
● Reigning World and European
Champions Jeroen Dubbeldam and
SFN Zenith N.O.P. missed ou t on
the jump-off for the medals on 0.02
seconds
● France won team gold, despite the
injury of Simon Delestre’s Ryan des
Hayettes and Pénélope Leprévost’s
and Flora de Mariposa’s fall on the
first day
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DSHS | The 2016 edition
7

HORSE TRUCKS

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DSHS | The 2016 edition
9

HEROES
OF OUR TIME
kid, I started riding in Brazil. From the
age of eighteen, I began to compete with my
“As a
national team of Brazil in South America,
North America and Europe”, Nelson Pessoa begins his
story. But the stylish rider wanted more than just being
a rider for a hobby. Pessoa wanted to make a living out
of his riding career.
“My father used to sponsor my career in the
beginning and he gave me horses to ride. But when I
turned eighteen, I had to decide if I would work in his
real estate business or to focus on my career. Since it
was impossible to make a living in horses in Brazil,
because only the rich could ride in South America, I
decided to move to Europe. I was invited by a friend of
mine to live in Switzerland, so after I married, we took
the boat with my South American bred horses to live in
Europe”, Pessoa tells.
Nelson Pessoa
Being the first rider to turn officially professional in the 1970’s,
Brazil’s Nelson Pessoa set the standard for many riders all
over the world. The showjumping legend dedicated his life
to horses and truly raised the bar of modern showjumping to
another level. After being a successful rider in South America,
everything changed when Nelson Pessoa decided to move
to Europe back in 1961. This is the story of the living legend
Nelson Pessoa.
Great successes with South American horses
So, in 1961 a young Brazilian and his wife moved to
Europe to become a professional rider. He took a couple
of horses all the way from South America: Gran Geste,
Huipil, Espartaco – all three became world-famous
shortly after.
“From 1961 to 1969, I lived in Switzerland
and I rode these horses of myself and some of a friend.
With these South American horses I competed for nine
years, until 1969.” The most special horse of them all
was without a doubt Gran Geste, according to Nelson
Pessoa one of the best horses of his career. “Gran Geste
was a thoroughbred, bred in Brazil. He became the
greatest horse in the world, winning 44 international
Grand Prixs. He won everywhere: Aachen, Hickstead,
Hamburg, Rome, Berlin, Frankfurt, et cetera. It took
me one year to get him in a good condition in Europe,
since he was complicated. But when he puts his mind
in place, he was a machine. He just knew when it was
Grand Prix-day, he could smell it”, Nelson Pessoa states.
After finishing fifth in the Olympic Games in Tokyo in
1964 riding Huipil, Pessoa gained great successes at the
European Championships. Actually, Nelson Pessoa was
one of the reasons why the FEI decided to close the
European Championships for non-European riders.
In 1965, Nelson Pessoa won the individual silver
medal riding Huipil in Aachen, but one year later
Pessoa really put his name on the map. Riding Gran
Geste, he became the first and only South American
winner of the European Championships in Lucerne in
1966.
1935
Born
in Brazil
Olympic
Games
riding
Relincho
1956
1961
Moved to
Europe
Winner
GP Aachen
riding Grand
Geste
1964
1964
Ind. 5th at
OG Tokyo
riding
Huipil
Ind. silve
at EC
riding
Huipil
1965
10 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

“I won the gold, American rider Frank Chapot
won the silver medal and Argentinian rider Hugo Miguel
Arrambide won the bronze medal. The first European
came fourth”, Nelson Pessoa tells smiling. “No wonder
that the FEI decided to exclude non-Europeans after
that championship.”
Life in France
When Nelson Pessoa’s successful South American string
of horses all retired in 1969, he had to start from zero
again. “I decided to move to France, since back then
Switzerland was not the great country in showjumping
like it is nowadays. In France, Germany and England,
that is where equestrian sport was the greatest. I started
from zero again and created my own stable in France.
For fourteen years, I lived in France, until we moved to
Belgium in 1984.” During this period in France, Nelson
Pessoa was the first rider to turn officially professional.
In those days, professional sportsmen were not allowed
to compete in Olympic Games. “Back then, it was
accepted if you sold horses and gained prize money,
but you could not have a contract with a sponsor. In
1974, I was the first rider in the world to turn officially
professional when I signed a sponsor contract with
Moët et Chandon. From that day, I could not compete
anymore in the Olympic Games. For fourteen years, I
was sponsored by Moët et Chandon, until there was
this French law that did not allow an alcohol brand to
sponsor a sportsmen. Then I got other sponsors, such as
Loro Piana”, Pessoa explains.
It wasn’t until 1992 before Nelson Pessoa
could take part in another Olympic Games. “Then the
Olympic committee decided to open the Olympics for all
sportsmen again, so the level of the competition would
increase again.”
In 1984, Pessoa and his family made the move to
Brussels, Belgium. “In this country I won my first Grand
Prix in Europe, back in 1961. We did not know yet if our
son Rodrigo would become a showjumping rider as well,
but in this country he had all the chances to study and
to become a rider.”
Making Rodrigo into a champion
Nelson Pessoa was not only a world-famous rider for
decades, he also became a very successful trainer. His
son Rodrigo Pessoa is without a doubt the best known
example of Nelson Pessoa’s trainings program. “To put
my own son in the saddle and getting him ready for his
first World Championships at the age of only 17 was
fantastic”, Nelson Pessoa reflects. “In 1994, he rode
HAMBURGER DERBY
Best career moments
With over 150 Grand Prix
victories and many medals
at major championships,
Nelson Pessoa’s career has
been full of highlights. But
winning the Hamburger Derby
for seven times might be his
greatest career achievement.
“I was really a Hamburg lover.
I adore the show and every
time I came there with the
determination to win. Back in
those days, Fritz Thiedemann
was the God in Germany. He
had the record of winning the
Hamburger Derby and I really
wanted to break his record.
Every year I came there, Fritz
came to me and shook my
hand. Also when I finally did
break his record, he was a
real gentleman. It was great
sport!”
Nelson is also very well,
perhaps even better, known as
Neco Pessoa. That is the
nickname his friends use.
his first championships in The Hague and he came
ninth. After that he became World Champion in 1998, he
won the World Cup Finals with Baloubet du Rouet three
times and became Olympic Champion in 2004. When
Rodrigo stepped forward, there was a new career for me,
the career of a trainer.” And still today, at the age of 81,
Nelson Pessoa is active as a trainer. “It is more relaxed
for me now”, Pessoa says himself, while he is still giving
clinics in South America, North America and Europe
and continues to travel the world.
“Since one year, I completely stopped riding. At my age
it is too dangerous to ride, because when you break
something, it takes a very long time to recover. But
OK, I am still active as a trainer and I breed a little on
our stud. I dedicated my whole life to horses and with
horses, you never stop. That is my story”, Nelson Pessoa
concludes.
r
1967
Olympic
Games riding
Pass Opp
1972
Winner Aachen
Grand Prix
riding Nagir
1972
2nd at
WC Final
riding
Special
Envoy
1992
Team gold at
PAN American
Games
2015
Ind. silver &
team gold at
PAN American
Games
1968
Olympic
Games
riding
Nagir
1972
Birth of son
Rodrigo on
November
29th - Paris
1991
Olympic
Games
riding
Vivaldi
1995
Definitely
stop riding
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
11

THE RED CARPET
◀ Chris & Whitney Sorensen,
Sean Crooks, Clementine Goutal
Paul & Jenny Bocken, Jan Bocken ▶
“It is a
great evening
out. And if
you buy horses,
it is even
better!”
Philip McGuane, Casandra Kahle, Emil Spadone, Sarah Barge, Anthony Field, Brain Feigus
Sarah Borthwick, Neil Stevenson, Charlotte Arnold
Marielle & Eric van der Vleuten
Timothy Hendrix,
Maria Aminoff
Yves Houtackers
Jennifer & Michael Crooks
▲ Menno Kaan , Katharina Offel,
Emile Hendrix, Dorine Kaan
Mathijs van Asten - Kristin Nyberg -Louise and Gustav Samuelsson
Meet Michael and Jennifer Crooks. They
purchased a horse named Uryadi in 2006;
with a great list of achievements, he has
proven to be a true ambassador. Uryadi has
become the embodiment of a wonderful
foundation: Uryadi’s Village. The foundation
is committed to helping orphans of Ethiopia.
Olga Placha,Tjark Nagel, Zuzana Zelinkova
Mr. & Mrs. Mathy Sr.
12 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

Jeroen & Mathijs van den Nieuwenhuyzen
Vincent Voorn & Jonna Sunblad
It is always a pleasure to welcome Vincent
Voorn and Jonna Sundblad. Together they
run the Golden Dream Stables; a training
and competition stable. The successful
trader and rider is a loyal visitor of the
auction, and is always accompanied by his
students.
Hechme family
◀ Siyahi family & Michel Hendrix
◀ Alice Cameron, Hilary Scott,
Yves Houtackers, Jessica &
Rod Brown, Clark
Cameron
Timothy Hendrix,
Barry O’Connor & Michel Hendrix
Thomas Fuchs,
Emile Hendrix & Geir Gulliksen
“One of
the best places
to network.
Great atmosphere
and even
better horses”
Mrs. & Mr. Heise
Anna Büchter,
Holger Hetzel & Christine Dorenkamp
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
13

See all the Stal Hendrix stallions during
the stallion show on
April 5th 2017!
It is our pleasure to
introduce you to our
stallions:
Don Diablo HX
●
Cape Coral RBF Z
●
Entertainer
●
Fly
●
Gaspahr
●
George
●
Ultimo van ter Moude
www.stalhendrix.nl
Jumping
Peel & Maas
2016
SAVE THE DATE
July 26th - 29th
2017
www.jumpingpeelenmaas.nl

EVEREST
The 7-year-old with two bronze medals
At the age of 7, the Carambole-son Everest has already won two
bronze medals at championships in his career. Ridden by Stal
Hendrix-rider Luc Steeghs, Everest ended up third in the Isah
Cup, the Dutch championships for 7-year-olds and took home the
bronze medal at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships
for 7-year-olds in Lanaken. In 2013, the Hechme family from
Lebanon purchased Everest at the Dutch Sport Horse Sales.
Steeghs
emphasizes.
While the Hechme family
bought Everest as a
4-year-old at the Dutch
Sport Horse Sales, Stal Hendrixrider
Luc Steeghs got the ride on
the Carambole-son as a 5-year-old
to train him. Since Luc Steeghs is
not only a rider at Stal Hendrix,
but also the Chef d’Equipe for
the juniors and young riders in
the Netherlands, he is not able to
show Everest on a weekly basis
during the summer. As a 6-yearold,
Monah Hechme – the son of
the owners – and Timothy Hendrix
briefly took over the reins of
Everest, but later on, Luc Steeghs
again
got the
ride on the
impressive gelding.
“Since I was away a lot during
the summer as a Chef d’Equipe,
I did not ride Everest as a 6-yearold.”,
Luc Steeghs starts off. “But
for this year, we managed that
I could always ride him on the
shows when I was home. Honestly,
I think it has been a very good
preparation for Everest, since he
is a bit of a late bloomer. Already
as a youngster, you could see his
quality, but sometimes he lacked
a little bit of power. By producing
him carefully over the years and
really working on getting him
strong and get his flatwork as good
as can be, we now benefit from
that”, Luc Steeghs explains.
Excellent
development
More and more, Luc
Steeghs felt that Everest could
be a real superstar. As he got
older and stronger, he did the job
very easily. “Looking back at the
championships in both Ermelo and
Lanaken, I can say that Everest did
it with little effort. It came easily
for him.”
By winning the bronze medal
at the Dutch championships in
Ermelo, Everest qualified for the
World Championships in Lanaken.
“The first day in Lanaken he had to
get used to the arena a little bit, but
the second day he already jumped
fantastic. The final of Lanaken is
something else, but he really coped
with that great. He jumped it with
ease, but during the preparation
we never trained him to do a jumpoff.
In the end he lacked a bit of
speed to win the championship,
but for me the clear round is
always more important than the
fastest time with one down”, Luc
Hechme family
The Hechme family from Lebanon
still owns Everest and the eventual
plan was that their son Monah will
take over the ride of Everest in the
future. “In Ermelo, the owners were
not present at the show, but they
saw the whole competition on the
livestream. When I left the ring, I
already got the first text messages
about the performances of Everest.
In Lanaken the whole family
was there for the weekend and
they were extremely proud of his
performance. I think they are truly
happy with the way he has been
developing and performing over
the last year”, Luc Steeghs states.
Being a rider for over 27 years,
Luc Steeghs has ridden many top
horses in the past.
“I think Everest will be developing
into a top horse as well. The
way he jumped at the World
Championships and how he always
gives himself 100% in the show
arena, he could be a superstar.”
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
15

The new finer and lighter saddle with horsewomen in mind.
Performance with a lighter touch.
injected carbon kevlar
The new CWD ® sport saddle is designed especially for
the female morphology. Its lighterweight slimline form ensures
maximum comfort and precision when working your horse.
The
brings a feminine touch to innovation
and performance.
www.cwdsellier.c
m

[CHARITY]
CHARITY
URYADI’s
VILLAGE
“We want to
work ourselves
out of a job, and
the day that we
do that will be a
beautiful day”
“THE NEED IS GREAT
IN SODDO, AND VERY
BIT OF SUPPORT WE CAN
OFFER IS CRITICAL”
Uryadi’s Village, a heart-warming initiative by Grand Prix rider Jennifer Crooks
One of the regular visitors of the Dutch Sport
Horse Sales has a very kind and noble heart.
Jennifer Crooks is her name and she has
improved the lives of many in Ethiopia.
The Grand Prix rider named her international non-profit
organisation Uryadi’s Village after a horse she purchased during
the DSHS in 2006. Uryadi’s Village is an international non-profit
organisation focused on caring for the orphan population of
Soddo, a rural area of southeast Ethiopia. They currently care
for around 30 children, ranging in the age from newborns to
14-years-old. Wolayta Village is a new project and is a part of
Uryadi’s Village. We asked Jennifer about the progress of their
projects and the dreams they have for the future.
Q: What is the reason you chose
Ethiopia, in specific Soddo, as the
location of the village?
thiopia has one of the largest
“Epercentages of orphans in the
world. Soddo was a clear choice to begin
an orphan care project, as there is a large
population of people in a small central city
with no options for care. The need is great
in Soddo, and every bit of support we can
offer is critical.”
Q: Your priority project at the moment
is Wolayta Village. Can you tell us
more about this project?
olayta Village is a permaculture
“Wbased orphanage community.
Permaculture is a system of agricultural
and social design principles centered
on simulating or directly utilizing natural
ecosystems. This year has brought
AUCTION EVENING
SPECIAL MOMENT
Before handing over the €20.000,-
cheque, the entire audience watched
the emotional video of Uryadi’s Village.
huge changes
and progress for
Wolayta Village.
In the beginning
of the year the
earthworks were
put in place, which
helps to hold the
abundant water
that falls, so that
during the dryer seasons there will be
enough moisture in the ground to support
crops. In one year, under the guidance and
wisdom of permaculturist Warren Brush,
the property has gone from not producing
any food at all, to producing enough to
not only supplement our children’s diet
but to share our excess food with the
local community. We also started with the
construction of the first of our homes. Our
ultimate vision for Wolayta Village is to be
able to house between 60 and 70 children
under the care of 6 to 8 housemothers.”
Q: How does the project help the
children and the environment?
he project does not only focus on
“Tfeeding and keeping our children
healthy, but also on caring for the people
and environment they live with. The
environment in Ethiopia is suffering
from years of agricultural practices
that have led to land degradation such
as widespread erosion and soil that is
stripped of its nutrients. The deterioration
of these natural resources puts immense
pressure on social systems, which leads
to degradation of social cultures and
the economy. We are planning to offer
permaculture training and certification
courses at Wolayta Village after it is
completed.”
Q: In what way is Wolayta Village
different from any other orphanage?
he most important part of Wolayta
“TVillage project is that we are aiming
for complete self-sufficiency from ongoing
financial aid. Foreign aid for communities
like Soddo doesn’t solve their problems in
the long term: it creates dependence and
undermines the people’s innate strength
and ability to care for themselves. We
want to empower the people of Soddo
to rise from where they are to a place of
more abundance and strength. The only
way to do that is to offer them ways that
they themselves can and will implement.
We all need help at times, and effective
help empowers those who are receiving it.
In short, we want to work ourselves out of
a job, and the day that we do that will be a
beautiful day indeed.”
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17

horse of the year award 2016
The talented Constable II was crowned
Horse of the Year during the Dutch Sport
Horse Sales in 2015. With his achievements
he has been a tough one to beat, but Viper
Vrombautshoeve Z (Verdi x Karioka del Follee)
succeeded! With the charming seventeenyear-old
rider Emma Heise
holding the reins, he has
proven to be the rightful
owner of this respected
title.
HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD
VIPER VROMBAUTSHOEVE Z CONQUERS GREAT
HEIGHTS WITH AMERICAN RIDER EMMA HEISE
Verdi-son Viper Vrombautshoeve Z was sold during
the Dutch Sport Horse Sales in 2013. During
the auction the impressive jumper catches the
eye of a young American rider, a trainee of Nick
Skelton and Laura Kraut. Taking the horse home
has proven to be one of the best decisions of her
life. The charming combination puts down great
results wherever they go. Heise: “We have come a long way last year.
During all the practices with Nick and Laura we learned a lot and we
keep improving. We put down some great results and I truly believe
that this is just the beginning. I am very proud of him. Besides his
amazing talent, Viper is the sweetheart of the family.”
No height is too scary
They are currently competing at 1.50m level, a height that would
scare most ‘normal’ teenagers. But not Emma Heise; she has
the reliable and talented Viper. The young duo already have an
impressive list of achievements. Last July they came third in the
Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, won the Grand Prix in Madrid (May,
2016), finished fifth in St. Tropez (June, 2016) and came third in the
Grand Prix in Valkenswaard (July, 2016). These results are just the
tip of the iceberg of their amazing achievements. As Heise says, it
is just the beginning.
18
DSHS | The 2016 edition
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HORse of the year award 2016
2015
Constable II
(Harley VDL x Lupicor)
2014
Dutsboy
(Veron x Lux)
2013
ANYWAY II
(No Limit x Farmer)
Emma Augier de Moussac
purchased super jumper
Brighton Bay during the
Dutch Sport Horse Sales
in 2014, when he was still named
Fulltime Fortuna.
The gelding is a breeding product
of Peter Rinkes, who adds Fortuna
to the name of every foal he breeds.
Emma did not plan to buy a horse
during the Dutch Sport Horse Sales,
she didn’t even plan to go: “The
day of the auction my car broke
down and I was very frustrated.
My trainer Vincent Voorn called
me and said I had to come to the
auction because they had nice
horses. I didn’t know Brighton
before the auction but immediately
knew he was a special one.
HORSES OF THE YEAR
2015
BRIGHTON BAY THE VICTORIOUS
Emma Augier de Moussac
YOUNGSTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
We had to purchase him. He is a
lucky coincidence.” This decision
is one she will never regret
because they turned out to be a
perfect match, which is definitely
noticeable in their results.
Victorious duo
One main quality of Brighton
is his character: “When he
enters the ring, he is on a
mission. He is extremely
smart and never lets me
down, I can really trust him.” They
already have an impressive list of
victories: two in Valkenswaard,
one in Verbier, two in Hartbill
Bolesworth and four in Vejer de la
Frontera. Besides their victories,
they have won many silver and
bronze medals during big events
all around the world. They are a
promise for the future and a duo to
keep an eye on!
2014
2013
This year had a scoop in store: it was the first
edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales where
a horse was crowned Youngster of the Year.
The beautiful Brighton Bay had the honour
of the first. The results of Ultimo’s son could
not go unnoticed; what the six-year-old
gelding achieved with his Czech
rider Emma Augier de Moussac
is very, very impressive.
They have won an
incredible amount of
classes and are victorious
wherever they set foot.
Emma
Augier
De
moussac
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The Finnish Sanna Backlund owns Hattel Horse
together with her husband Markus. They visit
the auction together with their clients.
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SANNA
BACKLUND
The Finnish Sanna Backlund is a woman of many parts: international show jumping athlete,
business owner, coach and horse trader, to name a few. After coming to the Netherlands
mid 90’s to train at the Hendrix family, Sanna kept on coming back for horses and views the
Netherlands as her second home. “We always visit the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, it is a very
trustworthy place to buy.”
Together with her husband Markus
Backlund, Sanna runs their business
Hattel Horse just outside of Helsinki.
They specialise in finding show jumping
horses for their clients, but also support them
through coaching.
In 2015 Sanna was appointed national team
coach for the junior, young riders and U25
teams. In addition, Sanna carries out work
for the Finnish Equestrian Sports Federation.
With such an active role in almost every
aspect of the equestrian industry, one would
assume the love for horses was kindled at
an early age. “Actually I do not origin from
a family that was involved in the horse
business at all. My father Timo Salonen was
a rally driver and the 1985 World Champion.
However, I preferred the ponies over the cars
and started riding at ten years of age.
When I was a junior rider we were looking
for a horse and got in touch with Eric van der
Vleuten and Emile Hendrix. In 1995 I moved
to the Netherlands to train and I spent four
years at the Hendrix site. That is how I got
to know the Hendrix family and they even
gave me the chance to ride the talented mare
Fortunella, at the time the second horse of
Emile. Before going back home, I travelled
shortly throughout Europe to expand my
network and contacts.
In Finland I started my business and became
a professional rider. Emile gave me a call and
helped me find a talented young horse to ride
and sell on. This scaled up pretty quickly and
I was able to expand my business further and
further. I sell up to 10 horses a month in the
prime season, but it differs each month. In
addition, I also make a living as a rider and
as a coach, which allows me to choose the
right time to sell a horse. It is great to see
my returning client base is growing, because
it is our ultimate goal to build trusted
relationships with clients.”
“I have more and
more clients that
want a Dutch
Sport Horse Sales
horse because it is
a place that can be
trusted.”
Trust
“I visit the Netherlands frequently to this
day. A few times a year with clients, but also
for six weeks with a rider to train. When I
travel by myself I often tend to stay for longer
periods, rather than for one show. We always
attend the Dutch Sport Horse Sales. The
trip for next year is already planned! During
the past years we and clients of mine have
bought several horses and I always have been
very happy with them. Energy H (s.Verdi),
Butterfly (s.Carolus II) and Daydream
(s.Colman) to name a few of them.
I truly believe it has not much to do with
luck: the organisation has put in a lot of effort
to find the best young horses. This makes it
a trustworthy place to buy and that is very
important to me and my clients. It feels like
coming home and that I am part of one big
family. Each edition the Dutch Sport Horse
Sales has selected good horses and they also
give me ideas which horse would suit which
client. Every year we look for something
special for own use and to resell later. Our
second goal is to find fitting horses for our
clients. Primarily easy-going and talented
young horses. Yves, Michel, Tim, Paul and
Emile all give me great advice to help find
horses for a client. Sometimes they disagree
with my first choice and tell me I am wrong,”
smiles Sanna. She continues: “I do listen to
what they say, because again: I feel like a
member of the big family. In Finnish culture
we are not fond of auctions at all, but it is
gradually changing. I have more and more
clients that look for a special horse and want
a Dutch Sport Horse Sales horse. Because
the Dutch Sport Horse Sales is a place that
can be trusted, even Finnish clients are more
than happy to attend the auction and buy
their new talent here.”
Blood and quality
“At the moment I have approximately 36
horses in my stables, almost all of which are
Dutch bred and Stal Hendrix horses. What I
like most about the Dutch horses is that they
are blood horses, they are true show horses. I
always say: you win with a Dutch horse. They
have blood and quality, two essential aspects
you need in a sport horse. Because nowadays
the courses are technical and fast, always
against the clock.“
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DSHS | The 2016 edition
21

Miss Shield Premium
Crystal Fabric Swarovski Bermuda Blue
5 Swarovski light blue crystals
B Y S A M S H I E L D

Customer quotes
ALWAYS ON MY AGENDA
ensure that every wish is met
“The DSHS is an event I look forward
to each year as I do Aachen or other
top competitions, it’s always on my
calendar. I have had great success
with the horses I have purchased
from the auction, some might say I’ve
been lucky, but I feel that it is easy to
choose a quality young horse from
the excellent group being presented!”
- Laura Kraut -
“It is not just about the auction, it is
about the relationships that the team
have built to ensure that each client
has their every wish met. It is an
absolute credit to the entire team the
quality of horses and how well they fit
each client. The strength is certainly
seen in the sold horses and the
consistent results they are posting.”
- Hilary Scott -
Laura Kraut
VIP entrace
NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED
“We first used the Dutch Sports Horse
Sales to acquire a horse in 2007. Since
that time we have bought horses
nearly every year. The event is a
superb source of quality young show
jumpers, and we have never been
disappointed with our purchases and
you can trust the health and fitness of
the horses.”
- Neil Stevenson -
Experienced horse-people
“I chose the Dutch Sport Horse Sales,
as the auction has already proved
to be an excellent source for horses
with potential to go all the way to
top level. The selection committee
consists of experienced horse-people
that I know and have trust in, which
to me is important when buying at an
auction.”
- Katharina Offel -
DON’T
JUST
TAKE
OUR
WORD
FOR
IT
CONFIDENCE AND DIRECTION
“I have been coming to the DSHS
every year since it started in 2004.
I have bought on average a horse
every year either for a client or
myself personally.
I like their system of presentation
of show videos, records and vetting
reports in an unbiased way. The
traceability of the horses as where
they were bred, trained and shown
goes a long way in giving me
confidence and direction in my
decision making.
The proof of the success of this sale
is in the performance of the stock
sold and that’s why I keep using the
DSHS as a source for young talented
horses.
The whole service and welcome is
something I have come used to in
Limburg but never grow tired of.”
- Barry O’Connor -
AN EXPERIENCE ON ITSELF
SAFE HANDs
“Coming each year to the Dutch
Sport Horse Sales is an experience
on itself, whether you buy a horse or
not! What I find so special is the great
hospitality and that they manage to
find each year great talented horses
again! I’m always looking forward to
the next edition and to see what they
have done to improve it even more!“
- Boy-Adrian van Gelderen -
“I prefer to buy my young horses at
the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, because
of the high quality collection every
year. But also the professional service
I get of Yves Houtackers and the
others of the selection committee. I
am confident to say, you are always
in safe hands at Dutch Sport Horse
Sales.”
- Line Karlsen Raaholt -
Jaqueline, Alexander & Boy-Adrian van Gelderen
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23

Capturing
the fire
JOS DIRIX
Fixed artistic asset to the Dutch Sport Horse Sales
The possibility of capturing an elusive moment based on a mere memory
makes celebrated artist and sculptor Jos Dirix light up. With fiery passion
he talks about his work and the process that takes place before his
creations see the light. Come and have a look, for through the eyes of a
sculptor there is so much more to see.
“In each sculpture I want to
keep the fire alive. Embody
the sentiment from an
unexpected moment in
time. One small observation can lead
to such inspiration. What originates is
a creature filled with adrenaline, that
exudes power and sometimes even
a hint of fear. Sensations which are
etched on our memory clearer than
any other”.
Every creation starts with inspiration.
Transforming an ordinary moment
into something extraordinary. For
instance, a remark about a horse
that shows great potential in his
movements. In the process that
follows these words are a constant
reminder of what Jos wants to portray.
The emotion and the journey of
designing a sculpture displaying
that particular movement is
more important than the actual
craftsmanship process. The lived
sentiment Jos feels, tastes and smells
before completing his work of art is
key.
At the foundry the first physical step
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THE ART OF ARTS: JOS DIRIX
“I do not want
to create the
ultimate
sculpture.
That would
mean there
is nothing left
to wonder.
To get inspired
by a chance
encounter
and start creating
is the best part
of being an artist.
To be able
to look at
the world
every day with the
bewilderment
of a young child
and start the
process all
over again...”
takes place by pouring molten wax into a core,
forming the base of the sculpture. Now Jos is able
to mould the wax into the visions of his mind. In
his studio the detailed sculpting takes place.
Giving each creation its own characteristics and
original features before starting with the casting
process, known as Cire Perdue. From the wax
artwork stems the bronze casting and by forcing
the cooling process with water the bronze statue
is born with hisses and steam.
The sudden change of temperature creates an
array of colours on the skin of the casting. An
unmistakable feature that Jos’ sculptures are well
known for. To respect the texture and retain as
much of the authenticity as possible the finishing
sculpting is kept to a minimum.
No artificial patina’s are applied to the skin to
entice its beholders to look beneath the surface.
To be admired from every angle. Revealing a
creation in which fire has been captured by flames.
Embodying the spirit of its creator.
Jos distinguishes
himself from fellow
artists by not only
mentally but also
physically experiencing
the strength and power
he wants to capture.
For this Jos heads into
nature for a ride on one
of his horses.
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DSHS | The 2016 edition
25

02
04
01
03
09
01. Constable II
Harley VDL x Lupicor
Laura Kraut (USA)
02. Dutsboy - Veron x Lux
Jessica Springsteen (USA)
03. Everest – Carambole x Indoctro
Luc Steeghs (NED)
04. Viper Vrombautshoeve Z – Verdi x Karioka del Follee
Emma Heise (USA)
05. Jule van den Tinnenpot – Calvaro Z x Major de la Cour
Carly Anthony (USA)
06. Fix Blue - Zirocco Blue VDL x Indorado
Tom Slattery (IRL)
07. Fascinating Fortuna - Zapatero VDL x Verdi
Efe Siyahi (TUR)
08. SF Ariantha - Corland x Emilion
Hardin Towell (USA)
09. Elisabeth
Applaus x Colman
13
Line Karlsen Raaholt (NOR)
12
14
The Carolinas Equestrian
10
11
26

06
10. Kodaline
Vittorio x Hemmingway
Beth Underhill (CAN)
11. Cupido - Harley VDL x Ircolando
Line Karlsen Raaholt (NOR)
12. Belle – Numero Uno x Voltaire
Paris Sellon (USA)
13. Casanova – Carolus II x Glennridge
Hunt Tosh (USA)
14. Brighton Bay – Ultimo x Kreator xx
Emma Augier de Moussac (CZE)
15. Apart - Larino x Burggraaf
Pieter Devos (BEL)
16. Ducati VDP – Ukato x Voltaire
Hilary Scott (AUS)
17. Black Jack – Canturano x Favoritas
Efe Siyahi (TUR)
07
08
05
15
DUTCH SPORT HORSE SALEs
AMBASSADORS
These jumping stars represent
the Dutch Sport Horse Sales
all over the world!
16
17
27

H‘‘Stal Hendrix’’
Stal Hendrix Baarlo
Napoleonsbaan Zuid 32
NL-5991 ND Baarlo
The Netherlands
phone +31 (0)77 4771556
e-mail info@stalhendrix.nl
Stal Hendrix Kessel
Rijksweg 45
NL-5995 NT Kessel
The Netherlands
phone +31 (0)77 4620428
e-mail info@stalhendrix.nl
w w w . s t a l h e n d r i x . n l

FOAL
in love
Next September, Equestrian Centre
de Peelbergen in Kronenberg again
prepares itself for one of the most
successful and international foal
auctions of the Netherlands: the
Limburg Foal Auction
The first edition of the auction was held
in 2000 in Weert and over the years, the
auction has definitely proven its quality.
Many countries represented
The list of Grand Prix horses that were purchased during the
Limburg Foal Auction keeps increasing. No surprise that the
auction attracts many horsemen from all over the world. In 2016, the foals were
sold to eleven different nationalities. Amongst others Finland, Turkey, Canada
and the United States of America were represented. With foals going under
the hammer for honest and reasonable prices, the auction is very attractive for
both breeders and buyers. Top that off with a great show and atmosphere and
success is guaranteed.
Going once, going twice…
The average prizes increase every year, which is a sign that the auction keeps
improving. The selection committee choses the collection very carefully: only
the best of the best make it into the auction. The average
prize of a foal was € 9.100 in 2016.
Jumping foals went under the
hammer for an average of € 9.400 and
dressage foals for € 8.250.
Grand Prix winners
As the Limburg Foal Auction is organised only by real
horseman, it is no coincidence that many horses
that are now active on the highest level were
purchased there. One example of a horse that is
was sold at the foal auction is the victorious Van
Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein). The beautiful
stallion was bought during the auction in 2002.
At the age of three, Van Gogh was registered with
KWPN at the top of his class. Under the
well-known German rider Marco Kutscher he has
won many titles. The most beautiful victory of
Kutscher en Van Gogh is without a doubt the Grand
Prix of the Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard.
FACTS & FIGURES
2016 edition
Foals in total 107
fillies 40
colts 67
Dressage foals 29
Jumping foals 78
Average prize € 9.100
Average prize dressage € 8.250
Average prize jumping € 9.400
Most expensive foal € 45.000
Most popular sireS Kannan (6)
Glamourdale (4)
Toulon (4)
FOALS Sold Abroad 44
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LIMBURG FOAL AUCTION
“In 2016, the foals were
sold to eleven different
nationalities.”
TAKE OVER THE REINS
A new era came for the Limburg Foal Auction in 2012. The
organising was in the capable hands of the Limburg Foal
Auction Foundation. 2012 was the first year that the auction
was organized under the flag of Stal Hendrix. A big change
happened in 2016 when the auction moved from Weert
to the Limburg town of Kronenberg. Moving the event
has turned out to be a great move: the auction was a huge
success with many spectators, buyers and foals. It has been
a record-breaking edition.
JUST SO YOU KNOW
The Limburg Foal Auction will take
place Wednesday September 27th
2017. So you can start planning
your trip now :)
If you are not able to make it to the
auction; use our live stream to
follow the action.
DRESSAGE
The Limburg Foal Auctioin has sold both jumping and
dressage foals since the beginning. The dressage committee
consists of four specialists in this field. They are Harrie
Derks, Trudie Houwen and Gertjan van Olst.
But who is the number four, you ask? That is Bert Rutten.
He entered the selection committee in 2016 to increase
WALL OF FAME
LIMBURG FOAL AUCTION
Van Gogh
Numero Uno x Bernstein
Stallion | Marco Kutscher
At the age of three, Van Gogh was registered with KWPN at
the top of his class. In 2014 Marco Kutscher took over the
reins from Caroline Müller, who until then brought out the
stallion successfully. The most beautiful victory of Kutscher
en Van Gogh is without a doubt the Grand Prix of the
Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard.
Big Brother
Untouchable x Gran Corrado
Gelding | Rene Lopez
Pieter Keunen and Big Brother were successful in many youngster
classes. Keunen and Big Brother came second in the 6-year-old
classes during the show in Neeroeteren, Belgium in 2012. After
Pieter Keunen, the Colombian rider Rene Lopez started riding the
Untouchable-son. The internationally successful gelding and Rene
Lopez were placed third in a 1.45m class in La Baule in May 2015.
Dynamo
Andiamo x Winningmood
Stallion | Christian Ahlmann
Dynamo was convincing on all the jumping components during the
performance test in Stegeren (2012). He received 8,5’s for technique,
power and natural ability as a jumping horse. The Dutch rider Doron
Kuipers and Dynamo formed a successful combination in the sport
for many years. Christian Ahlmann is now riding Dynamo. The duo
won a 1.45m class in Münster mid 2016.
Up to Date
Ukato x Libero H
Stallion | Victoria Birdsall
The young Victoria Birdsall is a rider of Drumnacross Farm and
stepped into the saddle of this talented Ukato offspring. Up to
Date is currently pursuing his education in the United States. He
performs good in 5-year-old classes: he had clear rounds in both
Lake Placid as during the Saugerty Horse Show. Recently, the duo
managed to qualify for the 5-year-old Championship in Princeton.
30 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

[INSIDE INFORMATION]
TOP SIRE SUPPLIERS
1
2
the quality
of the dressage collection
even more. He brought a number of horses to
Grand Prix-level and is a respected trainer.
For a few years the quality of dressage foals
has been increasing. As a logical side; so are
the prices. Last year the average price of a
dressage foal was € 5.665 and in 2016 it was
increased to € 8.250. In 2016, the honour
of being top-seller went to Ferdeaux-son
Lardeaux. It was the first time that a dressage
foal could enjoy this title. The Limburg Foal
Auction has brought two Grand Prix- horses:
Weelde (by Gribaldi) and Cadans (by Valeron).
Other horses
that are acting successfully on
Inter A/B/II level originate from the auction:
Dimancho BCN (by Johnson), Dante 94 (by
Tuschinski), Air Miles PB (by Turbo Magic)
and Caruso (by Painted Black). Air Miles PB
became the Belgian Champion of 2015 with
Sanne Kielensteyn.
World champion eventing
But the Limburg Foal Auction also sold Fire
Fly, the World Champion Eventing 2016. So
you see that the foals go into several, even
unexpected,
directions in
equestrian sports!
4
3
Fire Fly
Zavall VDL x Corland
Gelding | Christopher Burton
Fire Fly has put down a phenomenal performance in August
2016 in Le Lion d’Angers. He was sold during the Limburg Foal
Auction in 2010 and now he is an amazing jumper, speedy
Gonzales in the cross country and a ballerina in the dressage
arena: he became the World Champion of the 6-year-old
eventing horses under the Australian rider
Chrisopher Burton!
El Primero
Numero Uno x Indorado
Stallion | louise Serio
The KWPN-approved El Primero triumphed during the
Stal Hendrix-competition for 4- and 5-year-olds.
He was sold to America in 2014. He then was a show
jumper, but he immediately shifted to being a hunter horse.
Louise Serio is riding him now. Louise is full of praise when it
comes to El Primero; ‘You fall in love with him immediately because
of his athletic ability and will to perform.’
We present you the sires that
produced the most foals in the
2014, 2015 and 2016 editions of
the Limburg Foal Auction.
Kannan is the undisputed purveyor
of the foal auction. The Voltaire son
has proven, ridden by Guido
Bruyninx and Michel Hécart, his
excellent qualities in the
international jumping sport.
1. Kannan
2014 3
2015 2
2016 6
TOTAL 11
2. Numero Uno
2014 4
2015 3
2016 2
TOTAL 9
3. Berlin
2014 3
2015 2
2016 2
TOTAL 7
4. Harley VDL
2014 2
2015 2
2016 3
TOTAL 7
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THE RED CARPET
Timothy Hendrix, Maikel van der Vleuten -Rachelle Hanemaaijer
Avni Atabek, Sibel Yurttutan & Emile Hendrix
Alexander & Jaqueline
van Gelderen
Meet Alexander and Jaqueline van Gelderen.
We have the honour to welcome them to the
auction very frequently. They have bought
several horses. Their son is Boy-Adrian van
Gelderen. More about him can be read on
the page called Customer Quotes (P23)!
Fabian Gomes, Dennis Mitchel, Diane Diks, David Hopper & Michel Hendrix
“We really liked the new
venue! It had the great
atsmosphere that we are used to.”
Abdel Said, Sanny Leenknecht
& Elizabeth Bates ▶
◀ Juli Dofort, Timothy
Hendrix, Bryane Dofort &
Denise Wilson
Inez, Sanna & Markus Backlund, Julia Heikkila, Rolf Backlund, Terhi Huhtala, Henna Vahantila, Elena Hämäläinen, Jouni Monto
32 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

Pieter Clemens & Frank Schuttert
Paul Hendrix, Johan Heins, Ines Haasken & Albert Hendriks
◀ Jerneld family & Frederik Spetz
Michel Hendrix, Olivier Philippaerts,
Timothy Hendrix & Chris Sorensen
Nathalie Aziz
& Asta Torokvei
Piet Raijmakers
Carmen Christiaansen, Marie Longem & Elizabeth Karlson
The Hero of our Time from last year, Piet
Raijmakers, is a loyal friend of the Hendrix
family. As a true horseman he attends the
auction every year. The Olympic rider is
famous for his impressive sports career.
He did not just win any Olympic medal,
he won gold (Barcelona, 1992)!
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
33

CARPE DIEM EQUESTRIAN TEAM
RIDER
Efe Siyahi, Turkey
COMPANY
Carpe Diem Equestrian Team
ADDRESS
Op den Bosch 5, 5991 NE Baarlo,
The Netherlands
ARCHITECT
Ahmet Yilmaz, Turkey
34 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

HOME
B
S E
AT
HOME WITH
Turkish show jumper Efe Siyahi
Turkish showjumpers Efe Siyahi and Avni Atabek wanted to do things differently. Their enthusiasm brought them to Baarlo,
in the Dutch province of Limburg as they thought the Peel area (pronounced as the English word ‘pale’) suited their ambitions
best. With the help of architect Ahmet Yilmaz they turned a traditional show jumping yard into a paradise for both humans and
horses. Carpe Diem Equestrian Team invites you to seize the day, everyday.
No straight lines at Carpe Diem from one barn to
another. “If you go straight from A to B, you’ll
miss so much of what’s surrounding you.”
Turkish architect Ahmet Yilmaz has his own
ideas on practicality. “Landscape and interior are important
for our well-being. If you take the long walk, you’ll see so
much more. The trees, the flowers, the materials used for the
building. It will contribute to your well-being and therefore
your performance will improve.” No fake materials, but open
spaces that invite you to walk around and take a closer look
in the ‘open kitchen’ that is Carpe Diem equestrian.
FIRST EQUESTRIAN COMMISSION
Yilmaz’ architectural philosophy appealed to the young
Turkish showjumper Efe Siyahi and his coach and business
partner Avni Atabek. When they purchased an already
existing show jumping yard that needed renovation, Yilmaz
was confided in the rebuilding. The result has led to even
more assignments from other show jumping yards, even
though Carpe Diem is Yilmaz’ first equestrian commission!
Efe Siyahi is the ‘first’ rider of Carpe Diem. Born in 1987, he
first got a university degree in sociology before focussing
full time on the equestrian sport. “But I always had a great
interest in animals and farm life”, he explains. During his
studies he started competing in showjumping and that’s
where he met Avni Atabek and, eventually, the Hendrix’
brothers Emile and Paul. “Meeting them made me realise
I wanted to follow my dream to become a professional
showjumper.”
LONG HISTORY WITH HOLLAND
Avni Atabek is one of the most experienced horsemen in
Turkey and he has a long history with the Hendrix family.
“He has been coming to the Netherlands for almost 30
years”, Efe explains. “So when our plan to start our own yard
started to take shape, settling in Baarlo was obvious. There
“To be
able to
see it, you
must want
to see it”
Ahmet Yilmaz
already is a cluster of horse yards in this area, and residing
here also gives us the opportunity to frequently receive
tuition of the Hendrixes.”
Of course Baarlo is a far cry from Turkey. “Oh yes, of course
I miss Turkey”, Efe who recently moved in with his Polish
girlfriend exclaims. “Especially Istanbul. Here in Baarlo, all
is quiet after six o’clock. But then, for the best equestrian
conditions, Baarlo is perfect.”
FULLY ORGANISED
Carpe Diem Equestrian Team opened in 2015 and now
attracts clients mostly from Turkey who want to compete
and improve their riding skills in the Netherlands. “ In
Turkey, riding is mostly seen as a hobby. There aren’t many
professional riders. We offer our clients a way to participate
in showjumping in a professional way”, Efe explains.
Horses are boarded at Carpe Diem and professionally
trained during weekdays by Efe and his team. In the
weekends the horse owners come over to train their horses
and to compete at shows. Carpe Diem has six apartments
for its clients to stay. “All is organised for them”, says Efe.
“From the training of their horses to the applications for
competitions.”
TO BE AN INSPIRATION
Efe has clear ideas on Carpe Diem’s and his own future:
“At Carpe Diem we want to increase our reputation and be
able to compete at top level competitions successfully. My
personal goal is to be an example for the next generation
of Turkish riders, hoping they will be inspired to start a
jumping career of their own.”
Young Efe Siyahi is ambitious and focussed on the goals he
has set for himself. They might not be within close reach,
but they are out there. Or, as Carpe Diem’s architect Ahmet
Yilmaz explains: To be able to see it, you must want to see it.
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
35

AT HOME WITH EFE SIYAHI
Carpe
Diem
Equestrian
Team
invites
you
to
seize
the
day,
everyday.
The yard
8.3 hectares ●
37 indoor stables ●
6 summer stables ●
3 washing spaces ●
3 solaria ●
3 tack rooms ●
55 x 22m indoor arena ●
70 x 35 sand arena ●
90 x 100 grass arena ●
6 apartments ●
1 six-horse walker ●
1 lungeing circle ●
2 offices ●
Club house ●
Cantine ●
36 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

AVNI Atabek
Since the two of them met in
Istanbul in 2005, Avni has been
Efe’s trainer and manager. He
has guided Efe to many
successes. They run the Carpe
Diem Equestrian Team together.
TAKE
ONE FOR
THE TEAM
Don’t they look
great?! As the
name suggests,
Carpe Diem
Equestrian
Team, places
high value in
their staff and
even considers
it part of their
family.
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
37

Special bonds between humans and animals
Eight-legged friends
“All animals are equal.
But some animals are more
equal than others”
GEORGE ORWELL
Lisa from Brisbane,
Australia, shares
her home with
five spiders.
One of the creepy
critters
is Charlotte, a Golden
Orb,
whose venom is similar
to that of the infamous black widow
spider. Luckily, it’s not as deadly. Lisa’s
largest spider is a female Holconia
immanis huntsman with a 16 cm
leg span. Lisa’s spider obsession took
hold when she moved from America
to Brisbane. She has a whole room
for her spiders and insects. There’s
a massive web Lisa chucks crickets into for
Charlotte to eat.
Tourist attraction
Seven-year-old Uorn Sambath from Cambodia sleeps
and plays with a female, 16-foot, 220-pound python.
The boy and the snake grew up together, ever since the
python slithered into the family home. At that time Uorn
Sambath was three months old and the snake the size of
a thumb. According to his parents, there is a special bond
between them: “Our son played with the snake when he
was still learning to crawl. They used to sleep together
in a cradle.” Meanwhile, the boy and his snake are quite
a tourist attraction in Setbo, a village near Phnom Penh.
PETS
AND
HUMANS
Around 10.000 BC in what is now Israel,
a puppy is buried cradled in the hand of
a human. It’s the earliest clear evidence
we have that humans and animals share
a special bond.
Pets are not uncommon in Europe during
the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
but they are kept for the most
part by wealthy households. Near
the end of this period the word
“pet” (from “petty” as in small) is
introduced into English.
Therapy pig
An adorable, 70-pound miniature Vietnamese pig
called Buttercup has a talent for working
with special-needs kids. Her partner is
speech pathologist Lois Brady, and
they spend their time visiting San
Francisco schools. Buttercup
is super calm and easy-going,
which makes her a huge hit
with kids who might otherwise
be afraid. She helps autistic children
to improve their social skills. One severely
autistic boy even spoke to his classmates for
the very first time after stroking Buttercup.
Bengal backyard
Janice Haley keeps two Bengal tigers in her garden in
Florida: a huge male and a - slightly less huge – female.
They’ve lived with her since they were cubs. Despite
their fierce reputation there are enough volunteers who
are willing to help Janice, even though the tigers drag
them around in their cages… with their teeth. But it’s
all in good nature and not scary at all.
“You can
judge a
man’s true
character
by the way
he treats
his fellow
animals.”
PAUL MC CARTNEY
38 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

Special bonds between humans and animals
Saucy
International love
Pit bull Hector was one of 47 victims that were rescued from a dogfighting operation
in 2007. As a young pup the dog suffered a lot of hurt. After his rescue and subsequent
adoption, Hector was trained as a therapy dog. His motto: “The only thing I fight is
discrimination.” Hector visited many schools to teach children compassion towards
animals. Hector died of cancer in 2014, but is still active on Facebook: Hector the Pit Bull.
His page is liked by over 215.000 fans.
Mark Dumas from British Columbia
lives with one of the world’s largest land
predators. Mark and his pet polar bear Agee
share an extraordinary bond, which involves
a daily swim, wrestling and regular naps
together. Agee is a full-size adult female
polar bear and stands at over seven feet
when on her hind legs. Dumas has worked
as a professional bear trainer for over forty
years. He is an expert at reading Agee’s
body language: “The only people in the
whole world she likes are my wife and I,”
says Dumas.
SPECIAL BONDS
HUMANS & ANIMALS
Polar bear with me
A Kuwati woman suspected her
husband of cheating with their
housemaid. Alleged evidence – in
her opinion – was found in their parrot
squawking saucy words that hadn’t been
said to her. She believed the parrot had
exposed her husband’s secret trysts, which
are illegal in Kuwait. The woman took the
parrot to the police station demanding justice.
However, the authorities found the parrot’s
evidence inadmissible because it was
impossible to determine where the bird
had heard it. After all, it could have
picked up the lines from television
or a radio show.
Pet wedding
Louise Harris from Essex is the first to
admit her actions are completely over the
top. Still, she spent over 20.000 pounds
on her Yorkshire Terrier’s wedding. The
money was spent – among other
things – on a white wedding dress
decorated with 1,800 Swarovski
crystals and accessorised with a
pearl necklace. The groom was smartly
dressed in a tuxedo. “I wanted Lola to
have a perfect day,” said Harris, who owns
a dog boutique and grooming parlour.
The perfect partner was found in an
online competition. Lola’s favourite
was Mugly – a Chinese crested dog
who was voted Britain’s ugliest hound
in 2005.
In the outside world, equestrians have the image
to be totally crazy about the elegant creatures.
But in this article, you will find out that more
people have astonishing relationships with
animals.
Roman emperor
It’s a well-known fact that the Roman emperor Caligula
loved his horse Incitatus. Caligula built his horse a
stable with marble and filled with ivory and purple
cloth, the imperial colour. The horse was looked after
by a team of eighteen servants and was fed oats with
gold flakes. The horse was married to a mare named
Penelope and held special dinner parties for the local
bigwigs.
To have and to hold
After a 15-year courtship, a British
woman said ‘I will’ to a dolphin, in a ceremony
in Israel. She claimed it was love
at first sight and calls the male dolphin,
‘the love of my life’. The deal was sealed
with a kiss and the gift of a herring.
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
39

“
Limburg
is in the
heart of it
all
”
40 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

Leon Thijssen
The achievements of Leon Thijssen and his team are
enviable. All over the world the Limburg based yard
of the Thijssen family is known for its fine horses and
outstanding riders. Over the past year, daughter Sanne
jumped a record number of Grand Prix wins before
reaching the age of eighteen, and her fifteen year old
sister Mel celebrated her first of three international
victories on home ground. What is the secret behind their
success and how does the rider, trader, trainer and father
do it all?
A
smile spreads across
large community dedicated to the
Leon’s face. “To be
sport and the level of showjumpers
honest, I don’t really
has always been high. Not only the
know. I don’t think we internationals, but also the 1.10m
do anything different from other
to 1.30m riders stand out. They
successful stables. The challenge is deserve the credits for producing
to find good horses and sell them horses with great rideability. This
at the right moment. Developing is the basis on which traders like
talent takes time, so we try and
me are able to develop horses to a
keep the horses with us for as long higher level.
as possible”.
The location, near
When it comes to talent
Germany and Belgium, makes
both his daughters inherited their Limburg ideal for riders and traders
fathers excellent riding skills. Their to establish their yards. Having
achievements represent what
an abundance of knowledge and
the hard working, no-nonsense
quality available in a relatively
family stands for. “All my children small area only broadens the
are determined in what they do
possibilities”.
and have the motivation to keep
improving themselves. I would not
be able to stop them if I wanted to.
Of course my wife Dorien and
I are very proud of them, however
the main goal is to have fun
together. That has worked out quite
nicely so far”, Leon says humbly.
Mecca
Being born and raised in Limburg
Leon has seen the province develop
into an equestrian mecca. “Limburg
has always been a region where
equestrianism thrives. There is a
Entrepreneurship
“These possibilities draw new
businesses and entrepreneurs to
the province. Equestrian Centre
de Peelbergen is a great example
of this. Building a centre in
collaboration with 35 colleagues,
comprised of Dutch and foreign
riders, traders and horse owners is
unique.
It is designed to suit
everyone’s needs and portrays
the will of many Limburgers to
work together and strengthen our
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
41

EQUESTRIAN ENTREPRENEUR?
THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
DUTCH SPORT HORSE SALES
EVENTS
The Dutch Sport Horse Sales
is an auction we organise since
2012. Equine MERC is also
responsible for the organisation
of the Limburg Foal Auction.
HORSE & COUNTRY TV
EVENTS
The UK-based television
channel Horse & Country TV
broadcasts lots of equestrian
sport. Besides all marketing, we
arrange an annual Road Show.
DSHS MAGAZINE
PRINT
The magazine that is in front of
you right now was produced
by Equine MERC. Both content
and design. We hope you like it.
Enjoy reading!
WORLD DRESSAGE MASTERS
PRINT
We expecially produce an
annual magazine for the five
star dressage shows of World
Dressage Masters. For many
people an extra incentive to visit.
CARPE DIEM EQUESTRIAN TEAM
WEBSITES
Together with the Limburgbased
Turkish showjumping
and trading stable Carpe Diem
Equestrian Team, we developed
a great custom made website.
TEAM NIJHOF
WEBSITES
One of the most well known
Dutch stud stations is Team
Nijhof. They had the desire for a
new website and we made their
dreams come true.
DUTCH SPORT HORSE SALES
WEBSITES
As a fan of the Dutch Sport
Horse Sales, you probably
visited their website. Guess
what; yep, also designed and
realised by Equine MERC.
TROOSTWIJK REAL ESTATE
ADVERTISEMENTS
In order to sell equestrian
property, Troostwijk relies
on us to approach the right
equestrian markets. We make a
marketingplan and the ad’s.
XCELLENT HORSE INSURANCE
ADVERTISEMENTS
The insurance company has
got most market share in
Europe. We came up with a new
advertisement strategy starring
well respected horsemen.
The equestrian event & marketing agency
www.equinemerc.com

position. Having my own yard in the vicinity of the
ECdP, surrounded by colleagues with great skills and
good horses means that I can offer my clients more
without having to travel far away.”
“If it is pouring rain in
one area, there will be
raindrops for those
who are near.”
Vision
“Limburg is known for producing outstanding horses.
Just to name a few horses that have passed my stables:
Uceko (s. Celano) and Voyeur (s. Tolano van ‘t Riethof)
have jumped leaps and bounds with Kent Farrington.
And Davos (s. Carthago Z), he first made a name for
himself with Candice King and after that participated
in the Olympics of 2012 for Saudi Arabia.
Also Limburg based breeders may pride
themselves with their excellent products. I think there
is a group of highly skilled breeders, willing to listen
not only to the stallion owners, but also to the riders.
They are the ones training the offspring of various
stallions every day. In our region there are very few
breeders that set their sights on just breeding a pretty
foal with prominent genes. They have a long term
vision in which we all play our part. Some would say
we are creating our own shopping centre.”
Sanne Thijssen
Raindrops
“The Netherlands is very well known for its equestrian
industry. Limburg is a Province that is in the heart of
it all and economically benefits from this sector. By
means of the sport, shows, auctions, breeding, training
and offering new businesses a chance to develop in
a popular area. Even though it is very hard to supply
that one special top horse, we are able to provide good
quality horses consistently. Having skilled colleagues
around does not mean we are trying to steal each
other’s business. A good horse gets sold no matter
what, so it is best to work together. This way everyone
benefits, inside and outside the equestrian zone. The
local shops, restaurants, gas stations, you name it. I
always say: If it is pouring rain in one area, there will
be raindrops for those who are near.”
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
43

SEE YOU IN 2017!
We would like to invite you to the 2017 edition
of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales. Save the 25th
and 26th of September in your agenda so that
you can be certain to attend the auction.
Emile Hendrix
Yves Houtackers
SAVE THE DATE
The selection committee
invites you to the auction
in 2017
The following day the prestigious Limburg
Foal Auction will be held at the same location,
on September 27th. Last year no less than 107
foals of both dressage and jumping pedigree
went under the hammer.
In the meantime, it would be our pleasure to
keep you informed of any news regarding the
auction. Please see below for details of how to
contact us.
Should you have any suggestions or notices
you can always contact us by telephone
or by e-mail. Our team is at your disposal
throughout the year!
+31 77 462 04 28
info@dutchhorsesales.com
02 ISSUE NO. DECEMBER
2016
Michel Hendrix
Paul Hendrix
Timothy Hendrix
Presentation DSHS
Monday September
25th 2017
AUCTION DSHS
Tuesday September
26th 2017
LIMBURG FOAL AUCTION
Wednesday September
27th 2017
COLOPHON
Publisher
Hendrix Events B.V
Rijkweg 45
5995 NT Kessel (NED)
info@dutchhorsesales.com
www.dutchhorsesales.com
Production
Equine MERC
P.O. Box 91084
3007 MB Rotterdam (NED)
info@equinemerc.nl
www.equinemerc.nl
Editor in chief
Luc van Moorsel - Equine MERC
Daisy van Nieuwkasteele - Equine MERC
Articles
Equine MERC
Peter van der Waaij
Jennifer Crooks
Ine van Gerwe
Aline van der Waaij
Albertine Nannings
Eva van Adel
Print
DTP Graphic Products
Postbus 7210
5980 AE Panningen (NED)
info@dtp-group.nl
www.dtp-group.nl
Lay out & DTP
Luc van Moorsel - Equine MERC
Photography
Cover: Luiz Maximiano
P1: Luc van Moorsel, Yunus Ozkazanc,
Dick Holthuis, Digishots
P2,3: Digishots
P5,7: Noelle Floyd
P9: Horseware Ireland
P10, 11: Luiz Maximiano
P12, 13: Dick Holthuis
P15: Sportfot
P17: Jennifer Crooks
P18: Digishots, Sportfot
P19: Emma Augier de Moussac,
Digishots, Sportfot
P20: Sanna Backlund
P23: Elena Lusenti, Digishots
P24: Jos Dirix
P26, 27: Mackenzie LA Clark, Jack
Mancini, Sportfot, Digishots, Carpe Diem
P29: Digishots
P30: Digishots, Top International Arena,
Herve Bonnaud, Kimmy Risser
P32: Dick Holthuis
P34-37: Yunus Ozkazanc,
Luc van Moorsel
P38: Shutterstock
P40-43: Luc van Moorsel
P44: Linda Beelen
P45: Digishots
You can find the latest news
regarding the auction on our
website. Visit the site regularly
so you keep up to date.
www.dutchhorsesales.com
Follow us on Instagram!
Have a look at the gorgeous
pictures that were taken
during the auction.
#dutchhorsesales
FOLLOW US!
Several times a year we send
out a mailing via MailChimp.
Would you like to receive it
too? Send us an e-mail.
info@dutchhorsesales.com
You will automatically see the
news appear in your timeline
if you ‘liked’ the Dutch Sport
Horse Sales Facebook page.
Do you like the idea?
dutch sport horse sales
44 DSHS | The 2016 edition DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM

PHOTOS AND
VIDEOS
Have a look at the
pictures Leanjo
(Digishots) took at the
photo and video days;
July 4th and 5th 2016.
READY, SET, JUMP
Timothy is preparing the
jumping course for the
talented jumpers of the
2016-collection.
“I FEEL PRETTY, OH SO PRETTY”
Groom Loes Fiddelers is the braiding
queen of Stal Hendrix. In this picture,
she is making Gonique DN even
prettier than she already is.
This is Michel
and Kim’s dog Lola.
Marloes & Nicole
“RAINDROPS
KEEP FALLING
ON MY HEAD”
No, just kidding.
Monique is holding an
umbrella to make sure
that the horses ears are
in the right direction.
Bert is also helping.
Pieter and Michel
Daniëlle
The horses that are
stabled in Baarlo are
brought to Kessel.
BEHIND THE SCENES[VIDEO
& PHOTO DAYS 2016]
DUTCHSPORTHORSESALES.COM
DSHS | The 2016 edition
45