Every year breeders, professional riders, trainers, dealers and dressage enthusiasts gather in the Ijsellhallen of Zwolle, the Netherlands, for the annual International Stallion Show. From 9th to 13th January 2000 almost fifty stallions were entered in five classes arranged according to age and level. The Zwolle organizers, who inserted some dressage classes as a backdrop for their show the years before, now highlight the discipline by inviting the best European combinations. While Holland and Germany were best represented, England, France and Belgium also sent in a few pairs. In the Prix St. Georges test the Dutch rider Ellen Bontje pushed her Oldenburger mount Rubioso N to a 70%+ score. Rubioso, a Rubinstein x Almeo son, was crowned with the laurel by winning both the preliminary and final test. Rubioso N is up for stud at his owner’s breeding farm Gestut Im Niedern in Gedern, Germany. by Astrid AppelsRelated Links Website for Zwolle, the Netherlands