Johnson Keeps Nr 1 Spot on WBFSH Dressage Sire Ranking in 2025

Breeding

KWPN

For the fourth consecutive year the KWPN stallion Johnson is taking the nr 1 spot on the WBFSH Dressage Sire Ranking.

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) has published its 2025 Dressage Sires Ranking. The 2025 results demonstrate the continued dominance of established European bloodlines — yet also the growing global spread of their influence through international partnerships and progressive breeding programmes.

“Each year, these rankings illustrate how interconnected the international breeding landscape has become,” said WBFSH President Jan Pedersen. “The names may be familiar, but their success stories span continents — the result of dedicated breeders, riders, and studbooks working together to produce the next generation of champions.”

Nr. 1: Johnson

Johnson (by Jazz x Flemmingh) topped the Dressage Sire rankings once again. With an impressive 31,608 points, he secured 1st place with a strong lead.

Ridden by Hans Peter Minderhoud, Johnson earned team bronze at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and team gold and individual bronze at the 2015 European Championships, combining power, reliability, and rideability that now define his offspring His progeny - including Boston STH, Great Escape Camelot, and Hero - represent his hallmark qualities of
scope, willingness, and balance, making Johnson TN a cornerstone of modern Dutch breeding.

Totilas: From 4th to 2nd Place

Legendary dressage stallion Totilas has overtaken Quaterback and captured the nr 2 stallion.

Though he passed away in 2020. Totilas (by Gribaldi x Glendale) remains one of the most influential dressage sires in modern history. The first horse ever to break the 90% barrier, and triple gold medallist at the 2010 FEl World Equestrian Games, Totilas transformed the sport through his brilliance and expression. His sons - Total Hope, Toto jr., Governor, Total U.S. - now extend that legacy at Grand Prix level across Europe, ensuring that the Totilas' bloodline continues to
inspire breeders and riders alike.

Quaterback Third

The late Quaterback, Bundeschampion as a 3-year-old in 2006, remains a prolific and pre-potent sire whose unmistakable elasticity and mechanics can be seen in countless international arenas. His descendants include Quantaz, Touchdown, Quadroneur, and Qredit, among many others competing successfully at FEl levels. His impact stretches across continents through more than 40 licensed sons and hundreds of active sport horses.

Vitalis: Rocket Launch to 4th Spot

The biggest surge was made by the KWPN bred Vitalis (by Vivaldi x D-Day), who moved from 11th place in 2024 to 4th place in 2025!

Vitalis was first licensed with the Westfalian breeding society, then sold to Charlotte Jorst in the U.S.A. as her young horse competitor before the stallion found his forever home with Lone Boegh Henriksen and Paul Schockemöhle in Germany, where he began a very impressive breeding career after winning the Nurnberger Burgpokal.

Top 10 Sires in 2024

1. 1st)* Johnson - 28,302
2. (4th)* Totilas - 19,202
3. (2nd)* Quaterback - 14,930
4. (11th)* Vitalis - 13,525
5. (3rd)* Blue Hors Zack - 13,466
6. (6th)* Apache - 13,176
7. (31st)* Dante Weltino - 12,043
8. (5th)* Jazz - 11,514
9. (9th)* Bordeaux - 11,032
10. (55th)* Zonik - 10,683

Complete ranking here