It's the season we have all been waiting for. We are blessed with seeing the tulips fields bloom for harvest. Colour is, indeed, everywhere around and the KNHS Federation Center in Ermelo was no exception: different colours of yellow, orange, red, rose, and lilac. Of course not, the Dutch love their tulips! The Dutch also love Arabian horses and know how to organize a great event, where everyone feels comfortable.

The Tulip Cup offers something for everybody and the organizing team didn't forget that we could ride our beloved Arabian horses, too. The Classic Pleasure was won by AR Sinan Azim (AR Sivmayall x Chantals Aziza) under Ms. Bax with Ms. Heckenbücker and her Ashhal Al Rayyan son Shaheen Ibn Ashhal (x Bint Sanadiva) being second and Angel Elegantka (Amurath Muntahi x Markitanka) with Ms. Bijl being third.

Geldings are a part of the Arabian horse scene, too, and the proud Gold Champion Gelding was Erogant (WH Justice x Raville), bred and owned by the Duyvenbode Family. Silver was given to Lisa Heckenbückers Postar (Om El Bellissimo x Pomerania) while Koen Hennekes’ Nabeel Al Nasser (EKS Alihandro x Noof Al Nasser) received Bronze.

Ray Pietersen and Janine Visser of Jaydan Arabians celebrated a double success with a special filly Jaydan's Yuliah (RFI Farid x Forelock's Yuliette). This charming little thing not only gained the highest points of all foals (91,42) but accomplished Unanimous Gold Champion Foal (Hennie Kuijf Trophy) and Holland's Best Award. Because Jaydan's Yuliah was the highest scoring Dutch bred horse of the show the proud breeder/owner won for a breeding of Luigi, too.

The international judge's panel took another unanimous decision in the Yearling Filly Championship. Gold was given to Aja Deia (AJ Mardan x AJA Sabiba), bred by Aja Arabians and owned by Ajman Stud. A grey QR Marc daughter, Thalina K.A. (xHarmattan Thalya), received Silver for her breeder and owner Knocke Arabians. Another QR Marc filly achieved Bronze, this time in bay: Sita K.A. (x L Serenella), bred and owned by Knocke Arabians, too.

As time moved, it was easy to recognize that Gideon Reisel, Gerard Paty, Renata Schibler and Emrys Jones were working perfectly together. Unanimous Gold Champion Yearling Colt was CBA Illias (Lawrence El Gazal x Ilena El Aryes), bred and owned by Bouché Arabians. Another strong competitor from Knocke Arabians received Silver: Justify K.A. (QR Marc Jolfa De Nautiac), who gained the highest score (92,06) of all yearlings in his class. AJ Mardan is the sire of Bronze winning AJ Elaf (x AJ Estrella), bred and owned by Ajman Stud.

The Gold Champion Junior Filly was bred by Al Shahania Stud: Assilah Al Shahania (SMA Magic One x Nadira of Rohan). Silver was given to Badawia Al Muawd (Emerald J x Mistill Al Muawd), bred by Al Muawd Stud and owned by Aria Partners. Maybe breeder and owner Cornelia Kolnberger hope more for her EKS Alihandro daughter DA Ariyana (x DA Miss Justice). This chestnut filly is a full sister to multi-champion DA Alihandra and earned the highest points of all fillies (92,13) at this show. However, DA Ariyana received Bronze in the championship.

Similar situation in the Junior Colt Championship. The high scorer (92,13) Badi Athbah (EKS Alihandro x Fedora RG), bred by Athbah Stud and owned by Al Nasser Stud, accomplished Silver. Bronze was given to Knocke Arabians QR Marc son Emperor K.A. (x Exposita K.A.) while Del Mar Arabians celebrated the Marwadee Del Mar's win of Gold Champion Junior Colt. Marwadee Del Mar is a three-years-old by Wadee Al Shaqab x Avalon Kortana).

Ajman Stud celebrated another success in the Senior Mare Championship. AJ Barari (Vervaldee x La Bella Versace) achieved Gold with Epica K.A. (QR Marc x Espadrilla), bred and owned by Knocke Arabians, winning Silver. Bronze went to Straight Egyptian bred Questurat Al Fawaz (Al Raheeb AA x HV Ramses Mishaala), bred by Yasin Baker of Kfar Arabe and owned by Hanaya Stud.

The penultimate decision of the day was again unanimous: Gold Champion Senior Stallion was accomplished by bay EA Arjen El Marwteyn, by ZT Marwteyn out of champion and champion producing Ancholy Ali. Owner Kathrin Hampe Klingebiel of EOS Arabians was over the moon when EA Arjen El Marwteyn also received the award for Most Beautiful Head of Champions and – more important – Best In Show.

Congratulations to all of the competitors and a very sincere thank you to the fantastic support of Wendy Delvalle and her amazing organizing team. Arabian Horse Global Network would like to extend our thanks for the excellent collaboration. Another heartfelt thanks goes to never resting photographer Jan Kan.