In an ideal jump off, the kind written for movie scripts, the excitement builds as each pair in the ring is faster than the last and the winner executes a smooth and speedy track where every jump comes up on stride.

The jump off for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam was not of that variety.

Three of the six pairs to advance to the short course managed to produce clear rounds to claim the podium. Two had the slowest times. And the winning round, while efficient, was not the fastest of the day nor the smoothest.

Class winners Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof’s Dante added down the first line, cross-cantered to the double, and made a tight, but stalling, rollback to squeak over the vertical before galloping to the last two fences. Their time of 38.30 seconds was almost a full second slower than the fastest (but not faultless) two pairs on the day and two speedy pairs in Denis Lynch on Vistogrand and Max Kühner with Eic Julius Cesear were still to come.

Even Houtzager didn’t think he’d done enough.

“I didn’t expect [to win] after my round with two more quick riders coming,” admitted Houtzager. “I make my own plan, and it works out.

“I give all the credit to my mare.” 

Perhaps though, he should reserve some of that credit for his management of the KWPN offspring of Canturano.

 At 17, the “really fit” Sterrehof’s Dante has been under Houtzager’s saddle since 2018, but has been used sparingly in the highest division.

Since making their 1.60m debut in 2019, they’ve made 62 starts at the height, averaging just 10 classes per year (Jumpr stats). In the past two years, Houtzager has used her more conservatively still. In 2023, they jumped just seven rounds at 1.60m and retired in two. In 2024, the pair contested 10 starts at the height and retired in three.

But in Amsterdam on Sunday, all signs pointed to it being their day. Jumping before a hometown crowd, the Dutch rider and his longtime partner captured the World Cup qualifier for the second time in their career. They previously won the Amsterdam leg in 2020 and did it again in 2025. It’s their career fourth Grand Prix win at the height (Jumpr).

“This crowd gives you wings here in Amsterdam,” he said, the Dutch flags still waving in the stands. “It’s a great show…no words.” 

France’s Kevin Staut remains atop the Western European League standings on 70 qualifying points, followed by Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher and Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker. 

The League next stops in the Bordeaux, February 6–9.