Lars Kersten won the World Cup qualifier at the Gothenburg Horse Show on his homebred mare Hallilea in 2024. Photo: Madeleine D Bergsjö
A touch of international stardom and world-class experience will light up the arena when Dutch show jumper Lars Kersten makes his debut as test rider for the 5-year-old jumping horses during this year’s SWB Equestrian Weeks – accompanied in the arena by his father and coach, Pieter Kersten.
The 25-year-old grew up on the family’s horse farm in Egchel, Limburg, and started riding at the age of four. Today, he is one of Europe’s most exciting names in show jumping, with a five-star Grand Prix victory in the World Cup qualifier at the Gothenburg Horse Show 2024, European Championship medals for young riders, and numerous international placings to his name. His win in Gothenburg came aboard Hallilea, a mare bred in the family’s own program, marking a major milestone in his career.
By his side is his father, Pieter Kersten – who began his equestrian journey as a dressage rider in the 1970s before switching to jumping. Pieter has worked at the world-renowned Zangersheide in Belgium, collaborated with Jos Lansink, served as a judge at the SWB stallion performance test, and trained young horses and riders all over the world. Today, he runs a competition, training, and breeding stable outside Eindhoven with his wife Bernice and twin sons Lars and Niels, where several horses have reached Grand Prix level.
This year, Pieter will step into the arena as part of the test rider segment – supporting Lars from the ground. It will be a unique experience to witness two generations of Kersten working together live, united by their shared passion for young horses.
The test rider segment of the Breeders Trophy jumping final is one of the biggest crowd-pullers at SWB Equestrian Weeks – where top riders mount future sport horses and share their impressions, insights, and evaluations. This year, the excitement reaches new heights as a World Cup star and a world-class coach make their debut at Flyinge.
Don’t miss this autumn’s big equestrian event at Flyinge – experience SWB Equestrian Weeks and see the stars of tomorrow!
SWB Equestrian Weeks, September 30 – October 5, Flyinge
Breeders Trophy Final for 5-Year-old jumping horses with test rider, Saturday, October 4
Read more about the event here.