Hetzel Spring Masters and a horse that is “loved by everyone in the stable”

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The qualification for the Bundeschampionate has already been secured at the Hetzel Spring Masters: a total of ten five-year-old show jumpers and nine six-year-olds have, in principle, booked their “ticket” to Warendorf this September.

One of these horses had already made headlines last November at Holger Hetzel’s 20th Sport Horse Sales: a large-framed grey named Playboy, who is now called Harley E.P., almost the same name as his sire. The name has changed, but the popularity of this smart type remains. “He is a very, very fine horse, he’s loved by everyone here in the stable,” says his rider Laurens Houben (BEL)

The young show jumpers quite naturally took center stage on the first day of competition, with two qualification classes and a novice-level (L) young horse class held beforehand. Calvin Böckmann, a member of the Olympic eventing squad, presented the winning mare Betty Rouge. The Westphalian mare, bred by Antonius Richter, received a score of 8.4. Böckmann did not have far to travel to Goch, as the 24-year-old squad rider, who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday—is currently stationed in Warendorf as a sports soldier.

Harley E.P. – so popular…

Among the six-year-old show jumpers, the former “Playboy” stood out with a score of 8.8 and—once again—left his rider full of enthusiasm. “He’s incredibly fun, and everything feels so natural,” says Houben about his four-legged trainee.

Rider and horse have known each other since September 2025. Houben prepared the son of Harley VDL out of a Cardento dam as an auction horse, competed him at shows, and is delighted that the grey remained at the Hetzel stable even after the auction. Owner Ulli Horrig, who has known Holger Hetzel for around 40 years, decided to keep his new acquisition in Goch. “Composure and strong nerves are what define Harley E.P., along with his consistent willingness to perform. The rideability is fantastic,” says Laurens Houben. “After a round like today, you almost think, ‘just make everything higher’, that’s how secure and good he feels.” At the same time, nothing will be rushed, because a good horse needs time to mature.

Photos: Leonie Minten Photography