Kannan Jr sold, continue his career in Mexico
Jur Vrieling – Kannan Jr | Jumping Amsterdam 2025
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From licensing champion and performance test winner to 1.60m Grand Prix stallion, Kannan Jr has made many dreams come true for his breeders, who remained his owners until now. Some of the world’s best riders have been in the saddle: Olympic riders Marcus Ehning and Jur Vrieling. Now, a new chapter begins the son of Cornet Obolensky will continue his career in Mexico.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed Kannan Jr and all the success he has brought us. We could only have dreamed of this when we started,” says Sjaak van der Lei. The former KWPN Stallion Show champion has recently been sold to a Mexican rider, who will compete the stallion at international level. Kannan Jr was bred by Sjaak van der Lei and the Kramer family, who kept him in co-ownership and gave him every opportunity to develop his full potential.
Living up to expectations
Kannan Jr began his sporting career under Wolfgang Zimmermann, who carefully produced him up to 1.40m level. He was then handed over to Marcus Ehning, who took on the ride to prepare him for the higher classes. Under Ehning, Kannan Jr made his international debut, and later the reins passed to Jur Vrieling. With Vrieling in the saddle, the talented stallion proved his quality at 5 level*, living up to every expectation. Most recently, he finished fifth in the Longines Global Champions Tour 1.60m Grand Prix of New York.
Exceptional bloodline
Kannan Jr first captured the hearts of the public at the 2018 KWPN Stallion Show, where he impressed with his power, suppleness, and presence to become champion of his year. Since then, he has more than fulfilled that early promise, both in sport and as an approved stallion with KWPN, Westphalia, and Zangersheide. His pedigree makes him extra special: he is a son of Cornet Obolensky, one of the most influential showjumping sires of our time, and his granddam is the full sister of Kannan. This unites two of the strongest and most proven bloodlines in modern showjumping.
The right people
“Kannan Jr has, and passes on, a tremendous amount of quality over the jump,” say breeders Sjaak van der Lei and Wobbe Kramer. “He is careful, intelligent, and possesses extraordinary scope. We have brought him along step by step, always ensuring he was surrounded by the right people.” One of the key figures in Kannan Jr’s success is Jur Vrieling. “Since Jur took him under his wing, Kannan Jr has progressed rapidly to the very top level. That says everything about Jur’s skill, feel, and dedication as a horseman.”
