Arjan van der Waaij steps down as chairman of the Prinsjesdag Foal Auction after 12 years

For twelve years, he was at the helm of Prinsjesdag Foal Auction: a period during which the auction grew in size, prestige, and international reach. Effective December 31st, Arjan van der Waaij stepped down as chairman. Treasurer Gerard Koks has also resigned. The board expresses its great appreciation for their years of dedication and commitment.

Van der Waaij looks back on his chairmanship with great pleasure: “I experienced this period as very positive and always thoroughly enjoyed the work. The auction has developed strongly, during a time when so much changed in the breeding industry and the market. The contact with breeders and buyers, now also from a broad international audience, has always been particularly valuable.” Besides the auction successes, the selection days at breeders' homes are among Van der Waaij's favorite moments. “At the kitchen table, you hear the story behind a foal. Every breeder has their own vision and ambitions. I have always appreciated that personal contact.”

Under Van der Waaij, the traditional foal auction on Budget Day grew into an auction organization that increasingly linked breeding and sport. For example, exclusive auction collections were presented at the Dutch Show Jumping Championships in Deurne, CSI Ommen, and CSI Houten. "Breeding itself hasn't necessarily changed, but these days, almost everyone has access to good bloodlines. Many foals come from the same lineages, so selecting for quality has only become more important."“

Arjan expresses his gratitude to everyone involved: “I want to thank all the breeders and buyers, as well as the selectors, my fellow board members, and Annemijn Gaalman, a key force behind the scenes. The collaboration was always pleasant and constructive. The fact that there have only been three chairmen in the auction's history speaks volumes about the organization's continuity.”

The current board is looking ahead with great confidence. Gert Wezenberg will serve as chairman, and Marco de Bruijn will be joining the board. De Bruijn has been involved with the Prinjesdag Foal Auction for many years as a veterinarian through the Wolvega Horse Clinic. "It's time for someone else to take over. I have every confidence that the current board will continue this course and wish everyone the best of luck," concludes Arjan van der Waaij.

Gerard Koks says he's enjoyed serving on the board for 14 years; "We've been through a lot together, and I've learned a lot. Now it's time for the next generation to take over."“

The Prinsjesdag Foal Auction organizers are currently busy preparing for the 2026 auction season. The first auction is scheduled for the Dutch Championship in Deurne on Sunday, April 26.