Following the success of last year's concept, Outdoor Dronten, the Sporthorse Auction Dronten and the Foal Auction Dronten once again join forces in one Equestrian week at the Hippisch Centrum Flevodrome. From July 31 to August 7, sport and breeding come together in an event that has quickly become a highlight on the Dutch equestrian calendar. This year, the entire programme takes place one month earlier than usual.

"It is exciting to be among the first to host a live foal auction of the season," says Coen van Zanten. "But we believe the timing offers great opportunities for both breeders and buyers."

The week kicks off with Outdoor Dronten, featuring three days of international-level showjumping competition. From Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, riders compete in classes up to 1.40m, culminating in Sunday's Grand Prix.

During Sunday's programme, visitors will also get their first opportunity to see the horses selected for the Sport Horse Auction Dronten, which takes place on Tuesday, August 4.

The equestrian week concludes on Friday, August 7, with the 35th edition of the Foal Auction Dronten.

Under the guidance of Henk Frederiks and Thom Siemerink, a collection of approximately 25 talented showjumping horses, aged three to six years, has once again been assembled. The collection offers opportunities for a wide range of buyers, from ambitious amateurs to international professionals. Several horses are already successfully competing at 1.20m level.

"The horses are currently staying at my stables, where they can also be tried by interested buyers," explains Frederiks. "That allows us to know exactly what we are selling and to match every horse with the right client. Quality is our main focus."

Among the highlights are an eye-catching offspring by Chaccothage Blue PS and a talented Clochard offspring that already has valuable competition experience.

After the opening weekend of sport and the Sport Horse Auction, attention shifts to breeding with the 35th edition of the Foal Auction Dronten.

On Friday, August 7, the foals will be presented during the afternoon before the live and online auction takes place in the evening.

Although the organising committee is keeping a special anniversary surprise under wraps, they are confident about presenting another outstanding collection of foals from proven dam lines, combining modern type, quality movement and excellent pedigrees.

To assemble the collection, the selection committee—together with Thom Siemerink and Jan Wybe Schurer—travelled thousands of kilometres across the Netherlands.

"On average, you can easily drive more than 100 kilometres for every foal you eventually select," says newly appointed chairman Jan Holtland.

The collection once again features several exceptional youngsters.

Among the dressage foals are offspring by Dynamic Dream, Total McLaren and Real Dream, while the jumping collection includes exciting foals by Mattias, Drummer TN, Colestus and Grand Slam VDL, all out of proven dam lines that give the selection committee high expectations for the future.

One of the greatest strengths of the auction continues to be the confidence shown by breeders.

"Our biggest success is that breeders continue to offer us such high-quality foals," says Coen van Zanten. "They appreciate our transparent way of working and the fact that we always honour our commitments. Nearly sixty percent of this year's consignors have previously entered a foal in Dronten."

According to Holtland, every foal deserves an equal opportunity, regardless of pedigree.

"We personally inspect every foal that is entered and immediately let breeders know whether it has been selected. We believe in being open and transparent throughout the process."

Since the end of last year, Jan Holtland has taken over as chairman of Veiling Dronten.

Having built an extensive international network in both showjumping and dressage breeding, Holtland is well known as former chairman of the Dutch Breeders Foundation of Show Jumpers (DBFSH) and as the breeder of the dressage stallion Glock's Taminiau.

"I joined a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers," says Holtland. "Everyone shares the same goal and works incredibly hard to make this event a success. I immediately felt at home."

With three days of top-level sport, two carefully selected auctions and a welcoming atmosphere, the Dronten equestrian week is once again set to become an important meeting place for riders, breeders, owners and buyers from around the world.

The complete collections for both the Sport Horse Auction Dronten and the Foal Auction Dronten can be viewed at www.veilingdronten.nl.