3rd NRW Coldblood Day
Now in its third edition, the NRW Coldblood Day took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the palace park of Wickrath. The combination of the joint elite show of the Rhineland and Westphalian Horse Breeding Associations, along with the NRW Foal Championship, offered a fantastic showcase of North Rhine-Westphalia’s coldblood horse population.
A large and high-quality group of 23 mares participated in this year’s joint studbook registration for 3- and 4-year-old Rhenish-German Coldblood mares.
The joint commission, consisting of representatives from both the Rhineland and Westphalian Horse Breeding Associations, selected Nele by Netzer / Franzl, bred in the Rhineland by Jörg Platen of Kempen, as the overall champion mare. This well-built mare stood out not only for her correct conformation, well-shaped neck, and substantial body depth but also for her powerful trot with excellent mechanics.
The reserve title went to the mare Fanta by Fantus / Harland, bred by Heinz Kussmann and exhibited by Claus Kussmann, both from Olsberg. With an outstanding body balance and impressive overall type, she particularly impressed with her remarkable suspension phase during the trot.
Third place in this strong field went to another mare named Fanta, this one bred by Willi Steigels of Erkelenz and sired by Fantus / Hurrican. She impressed with her harmonious profile and energetic hindquarters.
In the group of four-year-old mares, Orla vom Letter Berg by Orlan / Heidjer II, bred by Martin Berghaus (Coesfeld) and exhibited by Peter Schmitz (Belgium), took the lead. She impressed with her feminine presence and well-angled hind legs.
The studbook registration was complemented by three mares of the Black Forest Coldblood breed. Among them, Wibke by Wastl / Wildhüter, bred by Olaf Heinemann (Witterda) and exhibited by Gerd Robert Strothenke (Bielefeld), was awarded the coveted State Premium – a well-deserved recognition of her quality and type.
In the subsequent Foal Championship, both the filly and colt titles went to Westphalia.
Heidi by Hofmarschall / Elton John, bred by Julian von Rimon Lipinski (Menden), was named best filly. With plenty of feminine charm and a harmonious body, Heidi consistently presented herself with good uphill movement and excellent overreach in the walk.
In the colt category, Henry by Horizont / Humphrey, bred by Heinrich Dörnbach (Bad Berleburg), took first place. This generously built colt impressed with powerful and expansive movements.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Rhineland Horse Breeding Association for the excellent organization and execution of this important joint event, which once again showcased the high standard and diversity of coldblood breeding in North Rhine-Westphalia.
All results can be found here.
