La Luna Especiale named LVV Horse of the Year

2 October 2025

A string of success stories proves that top-level talent can be discovered early at the Limburg Foal Auction. One shining example is La Luna Especiale, daughter of Cape Coral RBF Z, who has rapidly grown into such a reference. At just nine years old, this mare owned by the Zeekaf family has already made her mark at international 1.45m- and 1.50m-level under the saddle of Frank Schuttert.

In recent years, the damline of La Luna Especiale (Cape Coral RBF Z x Chacco-Blue) has been consistently well represented at the Limburg Foal Auction. Each year, multiple foals from the breeding program of Jack and Lilian Verstappen are sold in this auction. These foals all trace back to the Grand Prix and World Cup-winning mare Vink’s Especiale.

1.50m debut
La Luna Especiale herself carries the famous  Especiale in the third generation of her pedigree. In 2016, she was purchased as a promising foal by Marco Zeekaf of Stal Brouwershof. At three years old she was started under saddle and tested in the KWPN mare performance test, scoring a 9 for scope and an overall 84 points. Her sporting career began under Johan Bergs, who successfully developed her up to 1.40m-level. At their last show together, CSI Kessel in 2024, they won the 1* Grand Prix (1.40m). With higher goals in sight, top rider Frank Schuttert then took over the reins. Already at their very first international outing in Zuidwolde, they earned placings. This spring, La Luna Especiale made her Big Tour debut at CSI3* Herning at 1.50m-level, and she has since gained valuable mileage at CSIO5* Hickstead and CSI3* Compiègne. This outstanding product of Limburg breeding has become a tremendous ambassador for the Limburg Foal Auction. An achievement now rewarded with the title LVV Horse of the Year.

Honored at the jubilee edition
During the anniversary edition of the Limburg Foal Auction, breeders Jack and Lilian Verstappen and owner Marco Zeekaf were honored. As both breeders and buyers, they have contributed for years to the success of the auction. Their involvement has come together in the most remarkable way through La Luna Especiale.

Photo: DigiShots