DSHS Horse of the Year: Google des Forets

24 September 2026

Three years ago, Google des Forets was part of the collection at the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, and this French-bred gelding is well on his way to living up to all the high expectations. The now ten-year-old son of Armitages Boy is developing, thanks to his performances under Nadja Schmittlein, into a fantastic ambassador for the auction. And that’s why he has been named DSHS Horse of the Year.

Among Google des Forets’ most notable achievements to date are a fourth and fifth place finish in the international 1.45m classes at CSI2* Deurne and CSI2* Kronenberg respectively, and this past spring he even placed at international 1.50m level under Nadja Schmittlein.

Unlimited potential
When the son of Armitages Boy was purchased by the Hendrix family in the spring of 2023, he already left no doubt about his unlimited scope and potential to develop into a Grand Prix horse. Through the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, Google des Forets came into the hands of German owner Michael Stoschek at the age of seven, and he has been building his sporting career ever since. The end of his capabilities is nowhere in sight, and with the DSHS Horse of the Year title now to his name, he can continue building on that. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of successful past honorees such as Glamour Girl, Hello Senator, and Chica B Z. At the award ceremony during the 22nd edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, an award crafted by Limburg artist Jos Dirix was presented to owner Michael Stoschek and rider Nadja Schmittlein.

Text: Jenneke Smit / Photo: DigiShots