Weekend to Remember – Leopold van Asten at Jumping Indoor Maastricht

Two victories, two unforgettable final lines
The weekend began on Friday evening, when Leopold and the eleven-year-old VDL Groep Kwienbellie (Toulon x Indoctro) claimed victory in the CSI4* 1.50m 3W Prix. Against a strong international field, Kwienbellie showed exactly what makes her such an exceptional mare. Her enormous stride, natural scope and willingness to give everything for her rider came together in a beautifully executed jump-off.

Leopold found the perfect balance between speed and control, but it was the final line that made all the difference. With her powerful gallop and ability to cover the ground, Kwienbellie crossed the finish line in 36.74 seconds, securing their first victory of the weekend.

Over the past two years, Leopold and Kwienbellie have gradually developed their partnership. Although Leopold always believed in her exceptional talent, finding the right balance and learning how to bring out her full potential at the highest level took time. Through patience, trust and careful training, they have continued to grow together as a combination. Maastricht was the weekend when everything finally came together, showing just how far their partnership has developed. Little did we know that just two days later, she would give us an even more unforgettable moment.

On Sunday, the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix of Maastricht brought together 45 combinations, with twelve qualifying for the jump-off. As the very last combination to enter the arena, Leopold and Kwienbellie knew exactly what was needed to take the victory. And once again, it all came down to that final line.

Leopold took a calculated risk, choosing eight strides towards the final oxer. A decision that required complete trust in the mare beneath him. And Kwienbellie answered in the most perfect way. She gave absolutely everything, producing a spectacular final jump.

The clock stopped at 35.70 seconds. The Grand Prix of Maastricht was theirs. Two victories in three days, both decided in the very last line. Two moments in which Kwienbellie showed not only her exceptional athletic ability, but also her remarkable mentality, courage and fighting spirit. These are the moments that make all the years of building a partnership so worthwhile.

For Leopold, winning the Grand Prix of Maastricht was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. And as he pointed towards the sky in celebration, it was a moment filled with pride and emotion, with a special thought for someone who could no longer be there in person, but who will always be part of moments like these.

VDL Groep Kiara, A fourth place that felt like a victory
And while Kwienbellie gave us two victories we will never forget, VDL Groep Kiara gave us something equally meaningful: the joy of seeing a horse we have believed in for so long, back where she belongs.

On Saturday evening, Leopold and our homebred VDL Groep Kiara (Clearway x Papillon Rouge) secured a wonderful fourth place in the CSI4* 1.50m Van Mossel Automotive Prix. A fourth place that, for everyone who knows her story, felt every bit as special as a victory. Having previously competed successfully at 1.60m Grand Prix level, Kiara spent some time away from the international spotlight. Her journey back has been one of patience, careful management and, above all, never losing faith in the horse we know she is. Maastricht marked her first competition back at CSI4* level.

To see her back in the arena, looking confident, feeling good and competing so beautifully among some of the best combinations in international showjumping, was very rewarding. Kiara has always held a special place in our hearts. Born and bred here at Duyselshof, she is a daughter of VDL Groep Issis du Marais, one of the most influential mares in our breeding programme and a former international Grand Prix partner of Leopold.

Seeing the same qualities shine through once again is something truly special. A result that reflects the strength of an exceptional damline and the reward of giving a talented horse the time and care she deserves. From being born and bred at Duyselshof, through her education and development within our own programme, all the way to international top-level sport, Kiara represents exactly what we stand for. Breeding, developing and competing our own horses at the highest level is the heart of our philosophy.

A weekend to celebrate together
Looking back on Maastricht, it is difficult to put into words just how much this weekend has meant to all of us at Stoeterij Duyselshof. Because behind every moment in the arena, there are so many more moments that nobody sees. The early mornings, the long days, the patience when things do not go as planned, the small steps forward and the countless hours dedicated to giving our horses every opportunity to be at their best.

None of these achievements belong to just one person. They belong to an entire team of people who share the same passion, who believe in our horses just as much as we do and who put their hearts into what they do, day after day. 

We are incredibly proud of Leopold, Kwienbellie and Kiara, and equally grateful to every single person behind the scenes.Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. These are the moments we work towards and the successes we are so fortunate to share.

With pride and gratitude,
Team Stoeterij Duyselshof