Laroche

Laroche VDL is a 16.2H black Approved KWPN stallion imported from the famous VDL Stud in Holland (www.vdlstud.nl). His sire is the preferent stallion Concorde (Voltaire) and his dam-sire is Nimmerdor -- "Stallion of the Century".

At his stallion testing at Ermelo, he placed fourth in jumping. He was the Champion of the National Stallion Jumping at Stallionshow Den Bosch. Laroche was a successful Grand Prix jumping stallion for many years before being imported to the USA in 2003. Within the past several years, his KWPN Jumping Breeding Index has increased to 149 with 84% Reliability (2013). In 2006, his index was 142, with an 82% Reliability. In 2007, his Jumping Breeding Index was an larocheconformation.jpgimpressive 145, with an 83% Reliability. In 2008, his index climbed again to 153, with an 83% Reliability. His current breeding index for jumping is 149. This is based on offspring throughout Europe and is one highest index for a Dutch Warmblood jumper in the world, and it is the highest of any jumper stallion standing in North America. Laroche has a gorgeous head and a quiet, calm temperament. Laroche

Laroche stood at Hilltop Farm through 2013. In 2014, Laroche will offered for breeding by his owner Sharon Anderson at Maple Crest Sport Horses. This Grand Prix showjumping stallion Laroche was owned by the presitigous VDL Stud early in career, this KWPN approved stallion finished 4th in the jumping portion of his Stallion Test. Laroche was described at his testing as an �honest stallion with a big, powerful, well-carried canter� Laroche has more than enough talent for jumping and gives his rider a good feeling.� Laroche next won the KWPN Stallion Jumping Competition at Den Bosch, Holland. With Angelique Hoorn, Laroche had a successful international Grand Prix career in Europe before being purchased for Frankie Chesler in Canada. With a long career throughout Europe and North America, Laroche�s accomplishments follow those of his successful ancestors.

His sire Olympic Concorde competed internationally under Jos Lansink for many years with excellent results. Concorde was selected as the KWPN HorLarochese of the Year in 2004 and was the youngest stallion to ever be awarded the Preferent title.

Laroche�s dam is the Keur Preferent Prestatie mare Bernadette, by the legendary Nimmerdor. Nimmerdor too was an international showjumper of great quality. He sired 18 approved sons, including Ahorn, Goodtimes, and Heartbreaker. In 2000 Nimmerdor was elected �the stallion of the 20th century� in the Netherlands.

Of unique interest in Laroche�s pedigree is the Trakehnher stallion Marco Polo whose influence is felt in both his sire and dam. The jumping ability and good character which he passed was apparent early on. Polo Boy, Vivaldi, Pybalia, and Marius (sire of Milton) were all international showjumping stars of the early 1980�s that descend from Marco Polo. Laroche`s damline extends back to the famed Sina line that has also produced MacKinley, Cavalier, and Modesto.

Laroche is a well-regarded stallion in Europe and has already produced a number of exceptional offspring including six Ster mares, two Keur mares, and one licensed stallion.

His offspring have proven very successful as showjumpers and his European-based offspring have earned him a KWPN jumping index of 149, which ranked him 8th of all KWPN stallions with offspring aged 10 or older. The Swedish mare Pjalgary VDL, Rudi, and VDL Groep Saffier all appear on the 2008 FEI Ranking List for Jumping Horses.