Blue Hors Zack Bids Farewell to the Public at 2024 Danish Warmblood Stallion Licensing

Breeding

KWPN

Blue Hors Zack, a celebrated breeding stallion and a Danish 2021 Olympic team horse, has honoured in a special retirement ceremony held at the 2024 Danish Warmblood stallion licensing and CDI in Herning on Saturday 9 March 2024.

Zack is a 20-year old KWPN stallion by Rousseau out of Orona (Jazz x Belisar). Bred by B. Wilschut.

He concluded his sport career already in October 2023 at the CDI-W Herning, but had his final salutary moment in front of the crowds at the licensing this weekend.

Under Nanna Skodborg Merrald, Zack was ridden into the indoor arena with cheer and a standing ovation from the crowd.

The 2022 World Championship team gold medalist defied his age and showed all the Grand Prix moves. Zack was then halted in front of the red carpet, where the people who have been most important in his sport and breeding career were waiting for him: Susanne and Esben Möller, who discovered him at the KWPN licensing and got him for owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen in the auction. Daniel Bachmann Andersen, who produced him to Grand Prix level, and Blue Hors breeding director Martin Klavsen were both there.

Susanne and Esben Moller, Nanna Merrald, Zack,
Martin Klavsen, Daniel Bachmann, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
and HRH Princess Benedikte

The saddle came off and Zack got a nice honorary blanket, while owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen received the HRH Princess Benedikte Prize from the princess herself.

The ceremony concluded the sport career of Zack, who has stamped modern dressage horse breeding and Danish warmblood breeding in a significant way. He was also a vital part to medal success for team Denmark.

Read Zack's career overview here.