From Champion Mare to International Grand Prix Horse: The Legacy of VDL Groep Issis du Marais and the Return of VDL Groep Kiara
Every great sport horse has a story. Some begin with exceptional talent, others with generations of carefully selected bloodlines. Every now and then, those two come together. For Stoeterij Duyselshof, VDL Groep Kiara represents far more than another successful international showjumper. She is the result of decades of breeding philosophy, patience and the belief that true quality is built across generations.
A foundation mare with extraordinary qualities
Long before Kiara entered the international arena, there was VDL Groep Issis du Marais. The chestnut Selle Français mare, by the legendary Papillon Rouge out of Nadienne du Marais, became one of the foundation mares in the history of Stoeterij Duyselshof.
Under Leopold van Asten, Issis proved herself at the very highest level of international showjumping. She was not simply a GrandPrix horse; she was remarkably versatile. Whether competing in GrandPrix classes, Derby competitions, Six Bars or speed classes, she consistently demonstrated scope, bravery and an exceptional willingness to perform.
Her international career included victories in the GrandPrix of Valkenswaard and the GrandPrix of Neeroeteren, a second place in the CSI4* 1.50m in Vigo, strong CSI5* performances in Doha, Arezzo and Cannes, and victory in the CSI-W class in Helsinki. Those achievements established Issis as one of the most accomplished mares of her generation. Yet perhaps one of her greatest contributions to the sport would come after her sports career.
More than the arena: an exceptional damline
Outstanding sport horses are rarely built in a single generation. Issis' sire, Papillon Rouge, competed at Olympic level and became one of the most influential jumping sires of his era. On the dam side, Nadienne du Marais produced several international sport horses and approved stallions, while the legendary Uriel strengthened the pedigree with generations of proven jumping ability.
The result was a mare that combined performance, intelligence and consistency; qualities every breeder hopes to preserve. Recognising her exceptional value, Stoeterij Duyselshof retired Issis from sport in 2012 to focus entirely on breeding. Although she sadly passed away in 2016, her legacy continues through her offspring.
Her legacy, ten years later
Among Issis' offspring, one mare would eventually carry the family name back to the highest level of international sport. Born at Stoeterij Duyselshof in 2015, VDL Groep Kiara is by Clearway and out of VDL Groep Issis du Marais. Bred entirely within our own breeding programme, she combines the power and scope of Clearway with the mentality, carefulness and proven international performance genes of her dam.
Kiara's early career was built patiently under Niels Bulthuis, where she progressed through the young horse classes and successfully competed up to national 1.40m level. Those years were never about chasing quick results, they were about allowing a talented mare the time to mature physically and mentally.
When Leopold van Asten took over the reins, the next chapter began. Step by step, Kiara climbed through the international ranks, proving herself against increasingly strong competition. Her breakthrough came with victory in an international 1.50m class at the Longines Tops International Arena, confirming the exceptional quality that had been visible from an early age.
She continued to develop into an international 1.60m Grand Prix horse, successfully competing at the highest level of the sport. After a period away from international competition, it is fantastic to see Kiara back in the ring this season.
The value of patience
Top horses are never created overnight. Every breeder understands that true quality takes time. Physical development cannot be rushed. Experience cannot be forced. Confidence is earned through hundreds of training sessions and countless rounds in the ring. Kiara's journey reflects exactly that philosophy.
Seeing her return to international competition reminds us that the very best horses are not defined by a single season, but by the consistency, resilience and quality they demonstrate throughout their careers.
Continuing the legacy
Last weekend, Kiara returned to the Longines Tops International Arena the venue where she celebrated one of the defining victories of her career and now ended up in 6th place after a double clear in the 2* Grandprix.
Watching her back in that arena, it is impossible not to recognise the qualities that made Issis du Marais so special: determination, carefulness and an unwavering willingness to fight for every jump.
For Stoeterij Duyselshof, Kiara is far more than an international Grand Prix horse. She is living proof that thoughtful breeding, proven damlines and patience can produce horses capable of performing at the very highest level. The story of Issis du Marais did not end when she retired from sport. It simply continued through the next generation. And now, with VDL Groep Kiara back on the international stage, that remarkable story is still being written.