28/10/2026
Save the date breeders
🇳🇿🏆 2027 NZ WARMBLOOD CLASSIFICATION TOUR & FOAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – INTERNATIONAL ASSESSOR ANNOUNCED!🇩🇪🐴
Germany's prestigious Holsteiner Verband representative is coming to New Zealand!
We are thrilled to announce that Marja-Liisa Solterbeck, a qualified German Breed Judge and Assistant to the Management at the world-renowned Holsteiner Verband, will be our international assessor for the February 2027 NZ Warmblood Classification Tour & Foal Championships!
Bringing a wealth of international experience, scientific knowledge and a lifelong passion for Warmblood breeding, Marja is an exciting appointment for what promises to be another outstanding tour!
🇩🇪 MEET MARJA-LIISA SOLTERBECK
Marja's expertise combines the very best of academic research with hands-on experience at one of the world's most respected Warmblood breeding organisations.
🎓 A qualified German Breed Judge (Zuchtrichter), with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Agricultural Science.
🏅 Recipient of the prestigious GWP e.V. 2022 award for the best equine-related Master's thesis, researching linear conformation and performance traits in Holsteiner breeding.
🌍 Responsible for organising and judging the Holsteiner Verband's annual North American Inspection Tour across the USA and Canada, evaluating foals, mares and stallions.
🐴 Extensive experience in mare inspections, performance testing, foal registrations and international breeding events, alongside judging appointments at European foal shows and breeding championships.
And best of all, Marja already has a special connection to New Zealand! 🇳🇿
Having lived and worked in Taumarunui during 2011–2012, she knows our country well and has maintained close friendships here ever since. We are delighted to welcome her back!
🏆 NEW ZEALAND'S PREMIER WARMBLOOD CLASSIFICATION TOUR
The annual NZ Warmblood Classification Tour is our flagship event for breeders and has established itself as New Zealand's largest and most sought-after Warmblood classification tour.
Each February, we take international expertise directly to breeders throughout the country, providing a unique opportunity to have breeding stock independently assessed against international standards.
Why be part of the 2027 Tour?
✨ International assessment - Gain valuable professional feedback on your horses from an internationally experienced breed specialist.
✨ Promote your breeding programme - Showcase your foals, mares and stallions, and gain valuable exposure for your stud.
✨ NZWA Foal Championships - See how your foals measure up against the next generation of New Zealand-bred Warmbloods, with championship honours awarded across the country!
✨ Invest in your breeding future - Gain insights to help guide future breeding decisions and celebrate the quality of horses being produced right here in New Zealand.
From established breeding operations to those presenting their very first foal, this is an event for every breeder who is passionate about producing quality sport horses.
📅 FEBRUARY 2027 – SAVE THE MONTH!
🇩🇪 International Assessor: Marja-Liisa Solterbeck
🐴 NZWA Classification Tour & Foal Championships
📝 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE SOON!
Full tour dates, locations and further details will be announced shortly.
We can't wait to welcome Marja and showcase the very best of New Zealand Warmblood breeding in 2027! 🇳🇿🏆
