Test riders confirmed for the SWB Stallion Performance Test

Irishman Paraic Kenny makes his debut as a test rider in jumping at the SWB Stallion Performance Test in March. Photo: Risenbeck International

Three returning riders and one newcomer make up the international test riders for the SWB Stallion Performance Test in March. For the dressage stallions, the experienced duo Theo Hanzon and Philipp Hess will take on the task. Dutch veteran Theo will be serving as a test rider for the tenth consecutive year, while for Germany’s Philipp it will be the sixth time he mounts up to assess rideability among the performance test’s dressage stallions.

“I truly love this assignment and I am just as happy every time I’m asked to do it,” says Theo. “The SWB Stallion Performance Test is very well organised, Strömsholm is an incredibly beautiful setting, and I feel that the stallions are generally very well prepared for the task,” he continues.

Christian Hess from Germany, brother of Philipp, was a new test rider at last year’s performance test and will be returning again this year. This time he will be joined by Irishman Paraic Kenny, who runs PK Equestrian in Steinfeld, Germany, with the motto ‘to bring a little bit of Ireland into Germany’. Alongside his business, which focuses on the training of both horses and riders, he competes successfully around Europe at two-star level.

“I have never been to Sweden before and I’m really looking forward to it,” says Paraic. “I have a very positive impression of both Swedish horses and breeders, and I truly look forward to getting on and test riding the showjumping stallions at the test.”

The SWB Stallion Performance Test will be held at Strömsholm on 16–21 March. Tickets for the test riding sessions will be available during February and will be broadcast via ClipMyHorse.TV.