Breaking News: Balou du Reventon Z to Studfarm Zangersheide!

For years it seemed impossible, but now, finally, Balou du Reventon Z is available again to European breeders. Studfarm Zangersheide is exceptionally proud to welcome this superstar to Lanaken, and his arrival marks a monumental moment for the breeders, as access to one of the most coveted and sought-after stallions in modern showjumping will be available again for the first time in years - and that with fresh semen. 

Balou du Reventon Z captivated crowds worldwide with his fearless performances and commanding presence. With a career marked by consistency, longevity, and brilliance under pressure, he has earned his place among the legends of the sport.

He first announced himself on the international stage in 2014 with Liubov Kochetova, delivering several strong Grand Prix and World Cup results during their partnership, including a win in the 2016 CSI4* 1.60m Grand Prix of Wellington. Under Darragh Kenny, Balou du Reventon Z reached new heights, claiming victory in the 2019 CSI5* Grand Prix of Knokke after finishing second the year before, winning the CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Chantilly, and playing a decisive role in Ireland’s victory at the FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. He later formed a standout partnership with Brian Moggre, with whom he continued to shine at five-star level. Together they won the CSI5* Grand Prix of Sopot, contributed to victory in the CSI5* Nations Cup of Aachen, and delivered a memorable performance with a second-place finish in the prestigious CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. In recognition of this exceptional season, Balou du Reventon Z was voted the 2021 US Equestrian International Horse of the Year. Their journey culminated with representing the United States at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, before Harry Charles took over the reins, adding another chapter to the stallion’s remarkable story. Marked by strong World Cup performances, including a fourth place in the CSI5*-W World Cup of Bordeaux and an overall ninth-place finish in the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Omaha, Balou du Reventon Z once again confirmed his enduring class and ability to perform on the sport’s biggest occasions.

Balou du Reventon Z is widely regarded as one of the most influential sons of Cornet Obolensky, currently ranked #1 on the FEI WBFSH stallion ranking. On the dam side, he is out of the highly influential mare Georgia, by Continue, making him a maternal brother to several top-level performers and approved stallions, including Chatinue and foundation sire Balou du Rouet. His sisters have also proven highly influential in breeding, producing international performers such as Casago du Rouet PS, Ballypatrick Tiberius, Vithargos W.Z., and Christian Kukuk’s 1.60m Grand Prix winner Chageorge.

Although his own career was primarily focused on top sport, Balou du Reventon Z has already made a significant impact in breeding. He has sired more than 15 approved sons, among them Crack Balou, who is shining at 1.60m level under Emanuele Gaudiano, alongside a growing number of offspring competing successfully at the highest levels of the sport. Other notable 1.60m performers include multiple Grand Prix winner Cornet’s Cambridge, Cornest, Cordani P with André Thieme, and Mike Wazowski. His offspring are known as intelligent and careful horses with exceptional canter, reflexes, and the same bravour as their world-famous sire. Highly sought after by professional riders and investors alike, his progeny have stood out at auctions, with examples such as Brize de Regor Z, achieving €78,000 at the 2024 Zangersheide Quality Auction.

For years, access to the genetics of Balou du Reventon Z remained a distant dream for many, and Studfarm Zangersheide is deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to owner Ann Thompson for placing her trust in us to care for her most treasured stallion, and to give breeders across Europe the exceptional opportunity to bring one of the most sought-after stallions in modern showjumping into their breeding programs.

Breeding Conditions

Balou du Reventon Z will be available with fresh semen and a studfee of €2,500. 

Anyone who would like to see Balou du Reventon Z and the other stallions of Studfarm Zangersheide live is warmly invited on Thursday, 26 February at Sentower Park in Oudsbergen. The presentation will start at 8:00 PM, and both entry and parking are free.