At Studbook Zangersheide, breeder recognition takes center stage. To make their dedication and achievements visible worldwide, the Z-Ranking was introduced a few years ago. This ranking highlights the international results of Z-horses and makes their sporting successes clear. This afternoon, the breeders of the three highest-ranked Z-horses of the past year were honored in a festive ceremony.
Gold for Toulayna
The title of Best Zangersheide Horse of the Year went to the 11-year-old mare Toulayna, a daughter of Toulon and Parco, bred by Jasper Doucé and originally registered as Toulayna van het Bloesemhof Z. She was produced in her early years by Doucé himself and, via the Philippaerts family, eventually came under the saddle of American top rider Kent Farrington. The subsequent successes speak for themselves.
Over the past season, this duo collected countless impressive results: two victories in the CSI4* Grand Prix of Ocala, a win in the CSI4* Grand Prix of Thermal, and a 2nd place in the prestigious Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Geneva. They also secured runner-up finishes in the LGCT Grand Prix of St. Tropez and the CSI5* Grand Prix of Rockwood (Canada). With more than €700,000 in prize money earned, Toulayna was a standout. For breeder Jasper Doucé, this translated into a bonus of €8,000, a meaningful recognition of his role in the birth and early production of this international star.
Silver for Bisquetta
Second place in the Z-Ranking went to the also 11-year-old mare Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou van de Mispelaere x Takashi van Berkenbroeck), bred in Britain by Claire McCarthy-Winters as Bisquetta Squalls Estate Z. Ridden by American Laura Kraut, she has grown into a fixture at the highest level in recent years. In the past season alone, their performances earned nearly €550,000 in prize money.
The most eye-catching victory came in the CSIO5* Grand Prix of Dublin, where they were the only pair to produce a clear first round. They also stood on the podium in the CSIO5* Grand Prix of St. Tropez, the CSI5* Grand Prix of Wellington, and the CSI4* Grand Prix classes in Maastricht and Ocala.
Bronze for Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z
The top three was completed by the black stallion Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z (Indoktro-K van ’t Kattenheye x Vagabond de la Pomme), bred by Tony Raman and Mieke Strobbe. With Belgian rider Thibeau Spits, Impress-K enjoyed a highly successful year. Among their highlights was victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck International, as well as being part of the Belgian team that won gold at the European Championships in La Coruña this summer.
They also contributed multiple clear rounds in the Nations Cup series. In addition, the duo secured a 4th place in the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Riyadh and, more recently, a 5th place in the Global Champions League in New York.
