Merry Christmas everybody!!! Enjoy the time with your family and friends.

And for 2014, we at TI wish you and your families (2 and 4 legged variety) the best of luck with whatever it is you want to do! Don't forget the Trakehners! And thank you for your continued support and readership!

12.10.2013 - Storm "Xaver" leaves his mark in Poland

Fellow Trakehner breeder and talented photographer Tomasz Siedlanowski shares some great images of his Trakehner herd in Poland right after "Xaver" hit his farm last week. Obviously, the horses have a ball!! Thanks Tomasz for these photos!

12.10.2013 - Team spots for Trakehner in various disciplines and countries

The German FN published the latest team combinations, and here are the good news from a Trakehner perspective. Imperio (by Connery - Balfour xx - Primo), bred by the Keunicke Family and owned in partnership by rider Hubertus Schmidt, the DOKR and the Bavarian State Stud Schwaiganger, in his first season at Grand Prix, was named to the B squat. The top team, the A squat, sees Dablino dropped and replaced by the part Trakehner Herzruf's Erbe (Herzruf/Trak - Caletto I/Holst - Pilot/Westf) with Ulla Salzgeber. Also in the B squat is the KWPN stallion Unee BB (by Gribaldi/Trak - Degaard/KWPN - Doruto/Trak), another part-Trakehner, with Jessica Werndl von Bredow.

The German A team in eventing now also has a Trakehner - TSF Karascada M (by Heraldik xx - Anduc) with Kai-Steffen Meier will represent the country again at the highest levels. In the B squat, we find Bettina Hoy and her Lanfranco TSF (by Bulrush xx - Karon), and D7C perspective squat, which is mostly made up of younger combinations, sees Georg von Schiller listed with Delektra (Domhard - Exorbitant xx).

In Canada, the 2013 Long List is comprised of horse/rider combinations which have proven by their worth at CCI/CH/CCIO** and/ or CIC*** competitions and have the potential to become short listed team members. These include the Trakehner pairs of Lindsay Beer with El Paso GS (by Heling - Apache GS) and Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix with no less than three Trakehners: Patras VR (by Carino *E* - Habicht), Abbey GS (by Heling - Märchenstein) and A Little Romance (by A Fine Romance xx - Donaufürst *Ps*). The latter also won the prestigious 2013 horse of the Year trophy from the Ontario Horse Trials Association.

10.24.2013 - Summary of past international competition results

With all the action in Neumünster, we have been slow updating you with some of the more resent sport results. One event that really needs mentioning is the Bundeschampionat, which was staged in Warendorf in September. Stephan Bischoff thankfully gave us his wonderful images, which we wanted to share with you. Trakehner results are summed up as follows:

The new Bundes Reserve Champin of the German Riding Horse (4yr old mares and geldings) is the Trakehner Brancusi (by Kaiserdom TSF - Cupric xx, bred by the Mittermayer family). He was ridden by Monika Mittermeyer and convinced the crowd and judges with his exceptional movement and outstanding rideability. The gelding has the talent to make it to Grand Prix, something that pretty much everybody who saw him agreed on. Congratulations to his breeders and his rider - a family project going very well!

In the class of 3yr old mares and gelding, the Trakehner mare Zikade (by Singolo - Tambour) and Mareike Peckholz scored well and placed 6th in this most prestigious field of Germany's next generation of top dressage talents. The mare impressed especially with her exceptional, uphill canter. Zikade was bred and is owned by Gestüt Hohenschmark.

In the class of 5yr old driving horses, the Trakehner mare Society Crown (by Polarion - Biotop), bred by the Heinen family of Issum, convinced as a modern athlete and very promising young driving horse. She placed 5th in the finals. The mare is owned by the ZG Drachenburg and was presented by Marcel Lehmbruch. And the Trakehner gelding Leonardi (by Gribaldi - Habicht) placed 8th in the same field. He was bred by Dr. Sabine Prager-Kaiser and is owned by Martin Kessler. The gelding was presented by Dieter Lauterbach.

And in France, the Bundeschampion of the 4yr old Riding Horses is a Trakehner - the former NMS stallion candidate Kojak (by Grand Passion - Kennedy, bred by Marcus Hübler) is owned and ridden by Clemence Cathala.

In Ireland, the Trakehner mare Highlight (by Hohenstein - Kostolany, bred by Gestüt Paulicka) won the Irish National Dressage Championships at PSG and Inter I level with her owner and rider Sorrel Klatzko. Before that, the duo already placed 4th in a strong international field in Hartbury/UK.

At the European Junior and Young Rider Championships in eventing, the approved stallion Glenn Grant (Buddenbrock - Consul, bred by Hubertus Poll) and his Swiss rider Teresa Stokar placed 8th in this international field of 89 riders with a total score of 47.5. They were the best-placed Swiss couple and thus had significant impact on the excellent overall result for the Swiss team - Team Bronze!

At the CSI Donaueschingen in South Germany, Michael Jung and the approved Der Dürer TSF (by Waitaki - Trafaret, bred by Dr. Mechthild Bause) placed high in the international 1.45m and 1.50m classes - 6th and 7th over this weekend. And the approved Imperio (by Connery - Balfour xx, bred by Hartmut Keunicke) and his rider and co-owner Hubertus Schmidt placed 4th in the Louisdor Cup, a new series for young Grand Prix horses. This was a come back for Imperio, who had not been seen publicly for a good year due to an injury.

Stateside, Vandiver (by Windfall - Mystic Replica xx, bred by Debi Cowley) and his rider Werner Geven, placed 4th at the CIC*** Poplar Place. More Trakehner eventing success came from the CIC*/** in Langenhagen, Germany. Here, German Olympian Sandra Auffarth and her new acquisition, the 7yr old Trakehner Kilian (by Cavalleri xx - Salazar, bred by ZG Braunwarth and Sauter) won their first CIC*. The wonderful mare Saviola (by Grafenstolz TSF – Abdullah, bred by Kurt Weschke) and her owner and rider Maja Kozian-Fleck placed 4th in the same division. And another 7yr old mare placed in this class, Gio Conda (by Motley xx – Katapult, bred and owned by Dr. Brigitte Westbrock) and Kai-Steffen Meier placed 15th. In the second division of the CIC*, Sandy Scheibe and her Gil Galan (by Connery – Inster Graditz, bred by Hans-Ernst Wezel) finished on 8th place, while 15th place went to Hella Meise and yet another mare, First Flight Beauty (by Finley M - Almox Prints J, bred by Dr. Hubertus Schmidtlein). In the CIC**, 9yr old Annabel (by Le Tigre AA - Goldregen, bred by Martin John and owned by Antje Schöniger), placed 18th under Michelle Mothens.

The new Luxemburg Reserve Champion for Dressage is Diane Erpeling with her own Goldsox (by Cadeau - Schönglanz), bred by Ingo Wittlich. This horse is only 8yrs old, and obviously has a bright future ahead of him.

More eventing news then came from the CIC**/*** in Schenefeld close to Hamburg. Meredith Little took Tabasco TSF (by Heraldik xx - Heling, bred by K.-H. Schulenburg) another step up, and placed 12th in the *** division. The horse is now re-named "RF Tabasco" and is owned by Team Tabasco. In the ** division, Alfred Bielein and the former NMS stallion candidate Indurain (by Houston - Arogno, bred by Domäne Karthaus) placed 9th with double clear rounds cross country and in stadium.

Trakehners do also make exceptional dirving horses! And Gilberto Gold TSF (by Latimer - Anduc, bred by the Wittlich family) proved this once more. EWith his droiver Franz Schiltz/LUX, the gelding pplaced 3rd in the big international combined competition in Luhmühlen. The team is aiming for a spot on the German team for the 2014 World Championships, which also take place in Luhmühlen.

Kai-Steffen Meier and his home-bred TSF Karascada M (by Heraldik xx - Anduc) placed 5th in the CICO*** in Waregem, and are heading for the fall classic CCI**** in Pau/France to finish a more than wonderful season. Check out one of the coolest event horses of our time! This is a barely 16h tall horse that has been going strong for a decade now, and not even the worst wather (video!) can faze her appetite:

 

Attention! Please check our Neumünster pages as our coverage of the year end Trakehner highlight begins! Follow links in the menu to your left!

9.11.2013 - International success for Trakehners in dressage and eventing

The UK hosted the European Para Championships in late August, and Natasha Baker and her 12yr old Polish-bred Trakehner Cabral (Bujak - Agar) took home thre Gold medals: Team, Individual and Freestyle, Grade II. Congratulations!!

At the CDIO in Hickstead/UK, the approved Woodcroft Garuda K (Münchhausen TSF - E.H. Angard) and Lesley Peyton Gilbert placed 6th in both the Inter I and Inter I Freestyle. In the Freestyle, K3 Noir (K2 - Schwalbenherbst) and Dutch rider Linda Verwaal placed 10th.

In late August 2013, TSF Karascada M (Heraldik xx - E.H. Anduc) and Kai-Steffen Meier placed 3rd in the CIC*** in Haras du Pin in France, after an astonishing race to the top. They started out 30th after dressage!

American Merily Little and her new mount Tabasco TSF (Heraldik xx - Heling, now shown as RF Tabasco), have had an amazing start into their first competitions. After an initial 6th place earlier in August at the ** level, the pair placed 2nd in the CCI** Blair Castle in Scotland. The same show, Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz (Fleetwater Opposition - Jungle Eagle xx) placed 3rd in the CIC***. Tabasco and his new rider then won the CIC** in Breda this past weekend. What an impressive round so far!

Another Trakehner CIC** winner was Raumalpha (E.H. Friedensüfrst - Mont du Catal AA) with Patricia Attinger/SWI, who stood in front at the Alpen-Cup in Schwaiganger, Bavaria, the first weekend in September. 8th place in this class was won by Esther Andres and Schwalbenprinz (Assistent - Belsazar), followed by Indurain (Houston - E.H. Arogno) and Manfred Bierlein in 9th position. Also placed in the CIC** was the stallion Gandalf VM (Konvoi - Khaled El Assuad ox) with Martin Drescher (14th). In the CIC*, Teresa Stokar from Switzerland and the formerly approved Glenn Grant (E.H. Buddenbrock - E.H. Consul) placed 13th.

At the Burghley CCI****, Opposition Buzz (Fleetwater Opposition - Jungle Eagle xx) and Nicola Wilson placed 11th in a high quality international field at one of the toughest events in the world.

8.6.2013 - Summary of sport results from the past weeks

Here is a summary of the most significant Trakehner results from sport events around the world. We'll begin with a very special Trakehner Champion from the UK, the chestnut gelding Larkshill Sovereign (by Kaiserkult TSF out of St.Pr.+Pr.St. Saturday Night Fever by E.H. Buddenbrock). "Scooby" was bred by Larkshill Stud, Heather Stack, in Buckinghamshire, UK and is owned by Pauline Fletcher, who gave the ride on the promising youngster to Ruth Edge. Ruth Edge also rides Pauline's two Fleetwater Opposition sons and full brothers Opposition Elite and Elite Opposition, both successful at upper levels un the UK. With Scooby, Ruth received the highest dressage score of her career at last weekend's Skipton Horse Trials, where the two scored several 10s and won the 5yr old event horse class with an amazing score of 15.6 points overall. Congratulations!

Ruth Edge and Scooby, thanks to Pauline Fletcher for the image!

And staying in the UK - Bettina Hoy and the Trakehner (but branded Westfalian) Seigneur Medicott (by Seigneur d'Allery xx - E.H. Finley M, bred by Michael Bogner and owned by Gerd Hermann Horst ) won the British Novice Event Horse Championships at Gatcombe Park with a most convicincing round. And with Lanfranco TSF (Bulrush xx - Karon, breeder Dr. Lehnhardt), she placed 5th at the Advanced Horse Trials in Aston/UK.

In Poland at the National Eventing Championships, Lukas Kazmierczak piloted Ostler (by Juror xx - Jaskier, bred by S.K. Goeljewko, owned by Mieczyslaw and Lucja Kazmierczak) to a 9th place finish in the CIC***, which put him on the Silver medal position in the National Championships, because only one Polish rider was better in the final standings. And in the CIC* division, Andreas Ostholt rode 6yr old Pr.St. Donnerstag (by E.H. Cadeau - E.H. Sixtus, bred and owned by Ute Gabriel, to a 2nd place finish.

Lukas Kazmierczak with Ostler

At the CIC** Sahrendorf, the winner was another Trakehner: Tabasco TSF with Ingrid Klimke won with the great score of 33.30, some 13.8 points ahead of the second place!! Tabasco TSF is by Heraldik xx out of a Heling dam and was bred by Karl-Heinz Schulenburg. He is co-owned by his breeder and Ingrid Klimke. In the same division, Charlotte Sophie Hachmeister and her Kassio (by Sky Dancer - Langata Express xx, bred by Isabell Behmann) placed 13th with 58.3 points. The same rider also steered the former Neumünster high selling auction mare St.Pr.+Pr.St. Cara Feliz by Heraldik xx - E.H. Consul, bred by Renate Hagen) to an 18th place. And also in the final placings was Maybach (by Zigeunerheld xx - Pret a Porter, breeder Annakatrin Rabe) under Swedish Louise Swennson-Jähde. This 7yr old was running his first ** and the order was not to make time, so the surprise was even bigger when the gelding ended up in the final rankings.

In the CIC* division in Sahrendorf, Rebecca-Juana Gerken and Inster Schelly by E.H. Kasparow - M'Loshan xx, bred by Volker Güllich and owned by Heide Schelletter, placed 3rd on their dressage score. 11th place in this class was awarded to Mirvana FR by Benedict N AA - E.H. Sixtus, bred by Fred Rötschke and ridden by her owner, Jelta Carina Timm.

At the CIC**/* Hünxe, a large number of Trakehners made an appearance. In the CIC**, Alfred Bierlein and his Indurain (by Houston - E.H. Arogno, bred by ZG Domäne Karthaus) placed 18th in a prestigious field. In the CIC*, the approved Der Dante (by Stravinsky xx - E.H. Hohenstein, breeder and owner: Dr. Mechthild Bause) with Michael Jung won yet again. 4th place went to Kai-Steffen Meier and Sunny Side First (by Fragonard xx - Tolstoi). The gelding was bred by ZG Lorch/Becker and is owned by Andrea Wiedenbauer. Robin-Anna Egen and Herzsprung by Gipsy King - Radom (bred by Hessische Hausstiftung Panker, owned by Gerhard Fröhlich)placed 8th. In 9th position was a Hanoverian-branded part Trakehner by Grafenstolz TSF, and 10th place was held by Sanna Siltakorpi/FIN with her Asam by Grey AA - Hamlet Go, bred by the Polish National Stud Liski. And 12th place in this division went to Kai-Steffen Meier again, this time with Gio Conda (by Motley xx - Katapult, bred and owned by Dr. Brigitte Westbrock)

In the State of Saxony in Horka-Crostwitz, the National Team Eventing Championships took place. First place in the CCI* was won by Sunny Side First and Kai-Steffen Meier. Interestingly, the 2nd and 3rd placed horses were heavily influence by Trakehner genetics: 2nd placed Laszlo, a branded Rhineland warmblood, is out of a dam by Schwarzdorn - Ballyboy xx - Harnisch, and 3rd placed Rhineland branded Sam is by Sapros - Stan the Man xx. Kai-Steffen then also managed to score big with Gio Conda (by Motley xx - Katapult, bred and owned by Dr. Brigitte Westbrock) - the pair placed 4th. 8th placed was Marie-Luise Brieger with Feldstern DS (by Sir Shostakovich xx - Nerv, bred by Jörg Christoph Daut and owned by Marco Fischer). 13th placed was occupied by Lea-Sophie Riedel with Rockin' Rudi by E.H. Sixtus - Los, bred by Volker Westerich and owned by Birgit Hackius. And two more places were in Trakehner hands: Annika Hoffmann and the Rhineland-branded Partytänzer (by Pretty Dancer) placed 15th, and Michelle Mothes and Annabel by Le Tigre AA - Goldregen II (breeder Martin John, owner Antje Schöniger) placed 18th.

In the CIC** division at the same show, the part Trakehner Löwenstein by E.H. Latimer and Dr. Martina Reemtsma placed 2nd, and Feldmarschall by Fierant xx - Nerv (breeder and owner Jörg Christoph Daut) finished 4th with his rider Mareike Daut. Feldmarschall is a maternal half brother of the above mentioned Feldstern DS. Finally, Antje Schöniger had another horse in the final rankings, 8yr olf Altina by Sanssouci - Nerv, bred by Susan Petzold and owned by Gunter Schöniger finished 7th.

At the big show in Laintal, another Trakehner took home first place: Lady You TSF (by Houston - Solo xx, bred by Gestüt Grigoleit and owned by the rider) won this big class with 65 starters and already took the lead after dressage. Swiss rider Patrizia Attinger and Raumalpha (by E.H. Friedensfürst - Mont Du Cantal AA, bred by Dr. Hubertus Schmidtlein and owned by the rider) placed 8th. And in the CIC*, young rider Rebecca Gerold placed 7th with her trusted partner Dakota (by Tolstoi - Pour le Merite, bred by Hans Wilhelm Eggerslues).

In Vienna, Austria, two Trakehner champions stood in front at the end of a very hot (literally) weekend - top temps reached 39°C (102F). That did not stop Graf Georgenburg (by Handryk - E.H. Grossist, bred by Peter Kunath and owned by his rider John Meinen) - the two won the CCI**. 5th place in this division went to the Arabian-approved Gandalf VM (by Konvoi - Khaled el Assuad ox, bred and owned by Melissa Burger) and his rider Martin Drescher. In the first ** event of his career, the stallion started with a solid dressage and added only 2.8 points for time cross country. In the CIC** division, Swiss Asther Andres and her Schwalbenprinz (by Assistent - Belsazar, bred and owned by the Andres family, won with 53.1 points. And also the 2nd place was in Trakehner hands: Daiquiri Key West (by Key West - E.H. Caprimond, bred by Regine und Philipp Graf and owned and ridden by Austrian Daniel Dunst) finished with 56.6 points. And finally, in the CCI*, Esther Andres rode another "family project horse", 9yr old Inster (by E.H. Maizauber - E.H. Anduc) to a 5th place finish. The final ranks were completed by Austrian Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati with Okarina (by Heops - E.H. Sixtus), the former inspection champion from East Germany, bred by the late Ralph Vogel. The pair finished on 9th position.

Martin Drescher with Gandalf (photo by Melitta Burger)

Switchings disciplines, Trakehner of course also did well in dressage. The approved Finckenstein (by E.H. Latimer - Kennedy, bred by Karl-Heinz Moll) and his Luxemburg-based, Danish rider/owner Rikke Svane placed 2nd in the Grand Prix and won the Grand Prix Freestyle (72.85%) at the Dressage Show in Trierweiler. In the same class, Diane Erpeling and her Woltair TSF (by E.H. King Arthur TSF - Polarpunkt, bred by Renate Kowitz-Meyer), placed 4th in the Grand Prix and 3rd in the GP Freestyle. And Diane's newcomer, 8yr old Goldsox (by E.H. Cadeau - Schönglanz, bred by Ingo Wittlich) placed 2nd in the Inter I Freestyle.

Finally, in show jumping, Abahatschi (by Waitaki - Atreus, bred and owned by Jürgen Ebel) and rider Marcel Buchheim won the first round and finals of the Grand Prix of Zobbenitz (S*) against tough competition. And a paternal half sibling of Abahatschi, the mare Pikeur Formidable (dam by Camelot, bred by Hermann-Josef Vollmers) placed 6th in the S* class with jump off in Brakel in the State of Westfalia. Once more it is obvious what a huge loss Waitaki's rather untimely death and limited usage by breeders in Germany are!

8.6.2013 - In memoriam: Onassis *E* and Rusty

In the US, the German born and approved elite stallion Onassis *E* (by E.H. Consul o/o Ovation by Magnet *E* - Gunnar - Humboldt) passed away. He was owned for many years by Pam Norton at Flying Change Farm in Texas, where he also enjoyed a long and peaceul retirement. Onassis was bred by Hans-Werner Paul and was approved in Neumünster in 1986 along with a number of other E.H. Consul sons, including the Champion Seigneur, who also came to the US. Onassis produced esepcially gifted Hunters in the US, and has three approved sons: Lauritz (now gelded), Tycoon and Tatendrang. The latter is an accomplished younger eventer with success as ** and intermediate level. Fourteen Onassis daughters were entered into the ATA stud book and his various offspring were successful in all disciplines. For one season, his first, Onassis also sired a handful of foals in Germany. Among them was the highly decodated in hand show mare E.St. Indica (out of Inderin by Karwendelstein). Indica produced the exceptional E.St. Insterfee by Kennendy - dam of several approved stallions (e.g. in Flagranti) and high end performance horses (e.g. In Vita, In Zukunft) as well as brood mares (e.g. In Farbe). Onassis' daughter Sonnenwende produced the CCI**** eventer Seacookie TSF (ridden by William Fox-Pitt, UK). Through his dam line, Onassis was closely related to the German premium stallion Oliver Twist, the approved, CCI*** eventing stallion Octavio and the younger dressage stallion Okavango.

Onassis *E* (photo by Pam Norton)

And another senior citizen passed away this summer. Ulla Salzgeber's former top partner, Rusty, was euthanized at his last retirement home in Hungary. Rusty won everything there is to win in international dressage, including several WEG and Olympic medals. His last big appearance was at the Olympics in Athens in 2004, where he won Team Gold and Individual Silver. The gelding carried significant Trakehner blood through his dam Akra, a daughter of the Trakehner Aksents, with more old Trakehner blood on the bottm (Semper Idem). Rusty's tempi flying changes are unparalleled to this day.

Rusty and Ulla Salzgeber at the World Equestrian Games in Rome 1998 

8.1.2013 - In memoriam: Pr.St. Schöne Symphonie and Pr.St. Kaperied

Usually, stallions get all the attention, all the way to their ends, when we mourn over the loss of bloodlines, special personalities and a smaller or greater impact that an inividual stallion may have had on the breed overall. All too soon do we forget that without special mares, we have nothing. Two such special mares passed away just days from each other over the weekend of July 27th 2013. Strikingly, both were born in the German breeding district of Bavaria, and both come from families that have a long-standing history in this southernmost state in Germany. And while of them carried her fame to the New World, the other remained a Bavarian until her last day. So here are two stories of two very special mares that deserve recognition.

Pr.St. Schöne Symphonie (*1999 by Polarpunkt o/o E.St. Schöner Tag by E.H. Tenor - Kurfürst, bred by Dr. Andreas Wezel) was the Ib winner of her class at the Bavarian State Show as a 2yr old, and a year later, turned the order around by winning the Central Mare inspection. She was then selected for the Spring Approvals Sale in Leverkusen, where the author of these lines first spotted her in the flesh. At the time, my good friend from Texas, Kim Hunter, was building up her breeding operation and already had a great stallion (Tzigane). She had voiced the intent to find a high quality mare to expand her horse family. "Sym" as she soon became known, was exactly what I thought Kim wanted - a mare of excellent quality with three solid, good gaits and very high natural rideability, along with a good pedigree and most importantly, an impeccable mare family. Her dam was truly a VIP in Germany - dam of the approved FEI dressage stallion Showtime (a full brother to Sym), dam of the CCI** eventer Schalk, and dam of several exceptional brood mares with a truck load of titles (Schöner Morgen, Schöne Welt, Schöne Stunde, Schönheit, the list goes on), including mare performance test winners and dams of approved stallions and good sport horses. The greater family on the bottom expanded all the way to the Totilas-daughter Schwalbe, without doubt one of the founding mothers of the breed after WWII. I test-rode Sym at the sale in Leverkusen, absolutely loved every minute of it, and a day later she came home with me. Maybe this is the reason I really feel her untimely death now - she and I shared our lives for a good year, during which I prepared her for, and successfully showed her at the mare performance test in Kreuth, which made her a Verband premium. We also went to several shows together and she always came home with a ribbon. More than her quality, I admired her personality. This was the boss mare from head to toe! She did not lower herself to human standards, ever! I have very vivid memories of lengthy discussions in the forrest on trail rides when the obstacle in our way was a mud puddle - no queen gets her feet dirty! It must have been hard for her to spend a year with an event rider that actually took her out of the safe enclosure of the dressage ring pretty much every day. Sym was also well known for her rather dark humor, best seen when she "accidentally" ended up standing on a human foot - the human would scream and push and get really hectic while Sym's head slow turned sideway with an expression of pityful arrogance "what are you SCREAMING about, stupid?". Slow motion removal of her foot came next, and I think she really expected an apology from me for behaving so erratically .... I loaded Sym on the trailer that took her to her flight to Texas, and ever since her first days in the land of snakes and cowboys, I continued to be part of her life - thanks to emails, videos and smart phone messages from Kim. Her riding career ended, but her new career began and she produced a true legacy of her own, testament to her lines and that of her partner Tzigane for Kim - a fact I am very happy for. Her daughter Sayyida, bred by Kim and owned by Sean Tennant and the Carter family is showing at the CIC* level now, ready to move on. And Sym's last foal Semper Fidelis (aka Snapper - a trait inherited from mom!) is now a fully approved ATA stallion. Sym's life ended way too early with an agressive laminitis attack. I cried with Kim, 8500km away, and I also laughed with her a day later when she sent some videos of typical Sym behavior that she had stored away on her computer. A mare that connected people and continents, and for that I'll always be grateful. Godspeed Sym!!

I have less to share on the second loss of the weekend, although I knew her personally as well. Jutta Bauernschmitt's love of her life (her husband will forgive me), Pr.St. Kaperied - or "Schnecke" as she was known, had to be put down after she broke her leg at age 25. Kaperied was of similar royal Trakehner blood. By the Matador-son Pascal and out of E.St. Kasaried by E.H. Arogno - Schwalbenfreund, she was bred by Georg Leicht at the famous Leichthof in Bibelrid, and was Jutta's for as long as I can remember. She was the highest inspected mare of her crop in Bavaria, won her mare performance test and in 2009 (age 21!) won the Ic prize at the Bavarian State Mare show in the jumper division (!). Schnecke was a mare of classic Trakehner type, which she very faithfully passed along to her many foals. Several are still with Jutta, and the sire that were selected for Schnecke also reflect on the breeding philosophy that Jutta pursues: E.H. Parforce, E.H. Polarion, Houston, Abdullah *Pg*E*. Schnecke's personality was quite unique too, she was always friendly and really embodied what we try to describe with "nobility". Schnecke will be greatly missed at Jutta's barn. Condolences to you, Jutta, and good luck with her daughter Kipitten.

Pr.St. Schöne Symphonie Photo: Beate Langels

Pr.St. Kaperied Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

7.29.2013 - The International Trakehner Bundesturnier & Auction- all results online

All results including pedigree info are now online; please follow this link: Competition results.

Foal auction results are also available under the follwing link: Foal Auction.

Polartwister, highest priced foal in the auction by Oliver Twist - E.H. Michelangelo, bred by Trakehner SL. Photo by Stefan Lafrentz

7.26.2013 - The International Trakehner Bundesturnier begins!

As of yesterday, the International Trakehner Bundesturnier is on its way. The first afternoon of competition already produced the 2013 Trakehner Event Horse Champion, the 5yr old chestnut gelding Local Hero (by Zauberklang *E* - Sir Chamberlain), bred by Georg Hoogen and ridden by Jan Busch. Local Hero is a full brother to the approved "best jumper" Lombardi, who had previously qualified for the Bundeschampionat of the german Event Horse in 2012. And evnting is indeed family business here. The 2nd dam produced Holly Hepp's Rolex Kentucky placed Lester Pigott (by Sir Shostakobvich xx) and the third dam produced Marina Köhncke's Olympic eventer Longchamps (also by Sir Shostakovich xx).

Local Hero, photo by Stefan Lafrentz

The first class of the long weekend was a Suitbaility class for riding horses with cross country test (this is essentially a 1st level dressage test, followed by 4 jumps of at least 1.00m, and that followed by a short xc run all judged on rideability, scope, quality of gaits and overall appearance). This class was won by the 5yr old mare Candela Waluka (by E.H. Insterburg TSF - Guy Laroche), ridden by Anlina Waldmann. The pair scored a stunning 86%.

We are putting together results tables, which you can find with a convenient click here.

7.25.2013 - Two Trakehner Gold medals at the 2013 NAYJRC

At least weekend's North American Young and Junior Rider Championships, once again held in Lexington, KY, two Trakehners and their young riders won Gold medals and helped to secure top spots for their respective teams. Junior rider Lindsey Holleger from Whigham, Georgia, rode her gelding Friedensfürst (by Donaufürst *Pg* o/o Feodamee von Krotenbach by E.H. Hohenstein, bred by Erin Brinkman, FL) to a Gold Medal in the Individual Dressage Championships with a final score of 70.974%. These two were also part of the Bronze medal winning Team for Region 3, where they produced the highest score for the team.

In the Freestyle Junior division, the individual Gold medal was won by Canadian Laurence Blais Tetreault with the former approved premium stallion Lowelas (by Hockey o/o Lugowen by Inster Graditz, bred by H.-E. Wezel from Gestüt Schralling in Bavaria) with a score of 71.525%. The same pair also produced the highest score for their team, winning another Gold medal in this prestigious event. While somewhat sad to see a stallion of this caliber gelded, it is wonderful news that young rider once again could rely on their Trakehners to take them to the top.

All photos: Allen MacMillen/MacMillen Photography

7.24.2013 - An introduction to Alicia Frese

We've been spotlighting some of our most devoted contributors in temrs of horse photography before, and it's time to switch country and continent and introduce you to a major talent Stateside - Georgia-based equine artist Alicia Frese. Those of you that are following the success of the Andrew Palmer Eventing Stables have probably seen Alicia's work already, but we still would like to point you in her direction in case you ever need some world class photography of your equines. We asked Alicia a few questions and here is her story in a nutshell.

Alicia Frese Klenk

Alicia got involved with horses because as she says "I have always loved horses". She began an eventing career in her 20's with Avalon, an Anglo Arab mare. Her dream was in fact to breed her to the ATA's late Veneziano, but sadly, she recalls that it just never seemed ot be the right time, and then the stallion was no more.

In 2001, Alicia began her professional photography career. And not too far away from horses - steel horses that is - her first focus was the Pro Cycling arena! As she says she then realized that she deperately wanted to get back to horses and in 2004, fate had that in the cards. A strange set of circumstances presented itself (right time, right place), and Alicia was invited to photograph a breed show. She never looked back and has been a solid installment at shows all over the country, from the local dressage tour to FEI horse trials and even the circuit in Wellington. When we asked what her speciality is, she says "hte breed work". Especially farm visits where the atmosphere is wonderful and low stress, the horses are at home, so they can be themselves and tend to show off their “essence” much more easily. Just as well you will find her at breed inspections. In 2010, she photographed the ATA convention and much of what she does is for the immediate marketing of the horse for sale or promotion. Her work was also recognized internationally. Alicia has won a  couple of awards at the international level through the Equine Ideal International Photo competition, which is no small feat!

And what is Alicia's special connection to Trakehners apart from that early dream of the Veneziano foal? She says she has "always loved Trakehners". She adds "They have such a neat history, and the people that I have met that own them have become some of my best friends and clients!"

So go and check out Alicia's fantastic images, here and on her website at www.aliciafrese.com, where you will also find more about testimonials, her schedules, how to book her and contact information. We want to conlcude with thanking Alicia for taking the time to provide us with her wonderful photography, and we hope to see much more of your famous Trakehner images in the near future!!

7.15.2013 - Neumünster calling!!!

It is never too early to get started for the upcoming event of the year - the International Trakehner Stallion Market in Neumünster, this year helpd from Oct 17th - 20th. We have began our preparations and plans for the travel group, and as always, invite you to come along for the fun, education and excitement that is NMS. Please check the following link, or chose from the menu to your left - Neumünster 2013!

 

A highlight in 2012: Stallion of the Year E.H. Connery with his young rider Dorothea Paar. Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

7.11.2013 - Trakehner Foal Auction in Hanover coming up!

The 2013 Trakehner Foal Auction is coming up quickly now. The Verband has made the list of all participating foals available and here is a quick rundown for you. The auction takes place during the International Trakehner Bundesturnier in Hanover in the evening of July 27th 2013.

colt by Oliver Twist - E.H. Michelangelo, bred by ZG Sahm-Lütteken, Pulheim, Germany. Photo: Ulrike Sahm-Lütteken

6.12.2013 - Central Mare inspections in Lower-Saxony

On June 8th, the breeding district of Lower-Saxony had its central mare inspection in Hanover and a good number of prospective premium candidates were turned out. Here is a quick view at the best mares. All images were taken by Beate Langels, thank you!

The Champion mare was Standing Ovations by Imperio - E.H. Consul, with scores of 8.5,7.5.7/9,9.5,8.5/8.5 for a total of 58.5 points. Reserve Champion was Herbstkönigin by Interconti, a full sister to the approved Herbstkönig, with scores of 8.5,8,7.5/7.5,8.5,8/8.5 for a total of 56 points. Other premium candidates included Donauliebe by Redecker, Alaska by E.H. Axis TSF, Trionischken by Brioni, Barani by E.H. Connery, Hella by E.H. Hofrat, a full sister to the NMS Champion stallion Häwelmann, Kataleya by Rheinklang, Barcelona by Krokant and La Luna by Oliver Twist.

5.31.2013 - More good news from Woodcroft Garuda K

German bred and British owned, Verband approved Woodcroft Garuda K (E.H. Münchhauen TSF o/o Gladness B by E.H. Angard) continued to impress with his recent show appearances. With his rider Lesley Peyton Gilbert, Woodcroft Garuda K placed 8th in the PSG Roosendaal CDI Holland with 68.13% and placed 4th in the Inter I Freestyle with 69.97%. The pair further placed 3rd at the UK National Winter Championships with 72.04% in the PSG Freestyle and 72.25% in the Inter I Freestyle. Grand prix seems to be just around the corner!

5.31.2013 - In memoriam: Renaissance Fleur TSF

A couple of weeks ago, the great Trakehner dressage mare Renaissance Fleur TSF was put down due to continued complications with her front foot. Renaissance Fleur TSF was bred and owned by Elke von Lingelsheim of Rondeshagen in Germany, and was a daughter of Rondeshagen's resident sire E.H. Tuareg out of Regatta by Seeadler. The mare was first presented in competition by Elke's daughter Silke Buck. She qualified the mare for the German Bundeschampionat. Subsequently, the ride was given to then German dressage team member Monica Theodorescu, a team Olympian and world champion at the time. The two formed a fomridable partnership and were beginning to leave a mark on the international dressage scene with numerous high placings and a win at the Dortmund World Cup qualifier, when the mare broke one front pastern following a freak accident. What would usually end a horse's life was not the end for Renaissance Fleur TSF. In several surgeries, veterinarians fused bone fragments and eventually the entire joint. The mare underwent a very long recovery and rehabilitation phase at home, but lived. Eventually, she became a mother of several foals, including a premium mare in Germany. The shock for the Trakehner community was palpabable when this great dressage mare experienced such a shattering end to her career - one that many hoped would lead straight onto the German team. Reni turned 21yrs of age - not bad for a horse that was given maybe 1 or 2 more comfortable years after her accident. Today, Monica is competing several E.H. Tuareg offspring that she bred at home and Renaissance Fleur TSF has daughters in the breed that will hopefully carry her bloodlines into the next generation. Godspeed Reni! Thank you Stephan Bischoff for your wonderful photos!

 

Renaissance Fleur TSF and Monica Theodorescu at the 2001 Balve German Dressage Championships

5.28.2013 - Tabasco TSF wins again!

In the UK, the Houghton International Horse Trials took place this past weekend, with a big Trakehner victory. Ingrid Klimke once again won the CICO*** division aboard her Trakehner gelding Tabasco TSF (Heraldik xx - Heling), which she owns in partnership with his beeder, Karl-Heinz Schulenburg. The pair won the dressage and never let go after that - a final 41.8 points are an excellent result. And 3rd place in this big division was won by the Trakehner Lafranco TSF (Bulrush xx - Karon), owned and ridden by Bettina Hoy. That pair redeemed itself for the mishap at Badminton two weeks ago, where they had a stelar dressage round but faced trouble during cross country.

In the CCI* division of the same show, Bettina Hoy also rode her newcomer and youngster Seigneur Medicott (by Seigneur d'Allery xx - E.H. Finley M) to a 3rd place finish on her dressage score of 41.1 points. Seigneur Medicott is a branded Westfalian, but is a full Trakehner. Sadly, he won't be counted towards Trakehner WBFSH points simply because he's registered elsewhere.

At the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, VA, Canadian rider Haley Armstrong-LaFramboise placed 6th in the CIC** with Dejavu (Pyatt Charly - Aras an Uachtarain xx). The pair moved up from 15th place after dressage.

5.16.2013 - Central Mare inspections in Lower-Saxony North/West, East Germany South and North

Here are the results from the last three Central Mare Inspections in Germany, held in the two Eastern breeding districts as well as the Western district of Lower-Saxony North/West (around Bremen). We want to thank Stephan Bischoff for his wonderful images from Lower-Saxony.

In Lower-Saxony NW, the best mare of the show was not the Champion. Per rules, the Champion mare has to be born in that respective breeding district, and in 2013, the Champion mare was not also the best mare of the show. That honor went to the Imperio - E.H. Connery daughter Goodtimes, bred by the Poll family, who scored 59 points total (8/8/7.5/8,10,9/8.5). Champion mare was Angelina Jolie by Imperio with a total of 56.5 points. The Reserve Champion was Inside by Krokant with 55.5 points total. Other premium candidates included In Freiheit by E.H. Buddenbrock, Rihanna by E.H. Connery, Kronlilie by E.H. Gribaldi, and Greta by Oliver Twist. The best 4yr old and older mare was Pasion Perpetua by Kaiserkult TSF.

5.13.2013 - Trakehner action from last weekend: Marbach CIC***/*, Galway Downs International and dressage in Kurtscheid, GER

The International Horse Trials in Marbach, Germany, are among the most scenic and beautiful events in Europe. Staged at the famous State Stud of Baden-Württemberg with its rich history of Trakehner greatness (e.g. Julmond and Pregel were stationed here), it is only fitting that both major events of the weekend were won by Trakehners. Ingrid Klimke rode Tabasco TSF (Heraldik xx - Heling) to a first place finish in a strong field of 62 competitors. In the same division, Friederike Tophoff-Kaup placed Lady You TSF (Houston - Solo xx) on 12th position. Interestingly, this mare"s dam, Lady Solo, won the Trakehner Race in Mannheim two years in a row!

 

Ingrid Klimke's helm cam on course with Tabasco TSF. Listen carefully, and you'll hear her complimenting her horse after each jump!!

The CIC* was also a Trakehner affair. Michael Jung again won a CIC* aboard the approved Der Dante (Stravinsky xx - E.H. Hohenstein) and was closely followed by his student, Swiss Felix Vogg on the formerly approved Glenn Grant (E.H. Buddenbrock - E.H. Consul). No less than 7 Trakehners were spotted on the final victory round in this division!! Falk-Filip-Finn Westerich and Helena (Grafenstolz TSF - Pageno xx) placed 6th overall, fowlloed by Kerstin Annika Elsäßer and her Rhineland-branded part Trakehner mare Saphira (dam by E.H. Herzruf) on 9th place. Elmar Lesch, a member of the Trakehner stallion approval committee and the Bavarian-branded Prosecco (by E.H. Parforce) placed 10th. Swiss Clemens Santschi and Koenigspoker (Poker E - Frontal xx) placed 11th and Alfred Bierlein with the former NMS stallion candidate Indurain (Houston - E.H. Arogno) placed 15th.

In the second CIC* division, Sophia-Marie Stölzle and the Baden-Württemberg branded FBW Gin-Tonic (by Grafenstolz TSF placed 9th, and Julia Kappel and her Bavarian-branded, yet purebred Trakehner Twister (Tantriko xx - Hallodri) placed 13th. Jan Matthias placed Granulin (Grafenstolz TSF - Pageno xx) on 15th position - this horse is a full brother to the above mentioned Helena. And Swiss Tamara Acklin closed the list of placed horses with the former Top Eventers Auction highlight Light of Polaris (Grand Prix - Bouquet AA) on 16th position.

And to really top it off - even the CCIP* (a CCI* for ponies) saw Trakehner action. 2nd placed Camissa Nera is a daughter of E.H. Caprimond, and was ridden by Leonie Leuwer.

On the other side of the world in Temecula, California, the Galway Downs Spring Event was underway. The Open Intermediate division was won by Harry Houdini *Pb* (Tzigane *Pb* - E.H. Münchhausen TSF) with Sara Mittleider. The pair finished on their dressage score of 31.2 points.

In Kurtscheid, Germany, a number of Trakehners showed up in the rankings for various dressage classes. The approved Finckenstein (E.H. Latimer - Kennedy) and Rikke Svane (DEN) won the Inter II and placed 2nd in the Grand Prix. Also approved, Lord Luciano (Enrico Caruso *Ps*E* - Unkenruf *Pg*E*) and Terhi Stegars (FIN) placed 5th in the Grand Prix. In the Inter I Freestyle, Mon Baron TSF (E.H. Münchhausen TSF - E.H. Herzruf) and Willi Feltes placed 3rd, followed on 6th position by In Vita (E.H. Buddenbrock - Kennedy) with Veronique Walentiny and a 9th place for Bernardo (E.H. Caprimond – Flake) with Dr. Brittas Rathje. In the M** division, Iselle (E.H. Münchhausen – Velasquez) and Ann-Christin Camp placed 4th. In the S dressage class, the same pair also placed 5th, followed by a 6th place for Ornamento (Albarrano – Aspirant) with Jutta Zimmerman.

5.6.2013 - Badminton Horse Trials

Probably the hardest four star event in the world, the British Badminton Horse Trials, took place last weekend, and much to our enjoyment, a lot of Trakehner blood was represented. In the final standings, the highest place moose antler is TSF Karascada M (Heraldik xx - E.H. Anduc) with Kai-Steffen Meier, who showed once more what the heart of this little black mare is all about. Not made for dressage, the pair came in 59th after the first phase (57.3), but climbed the ranks to 31st with a fast, fault-free cross country round - this mare's absolute strength. they added a double-clear stadium round and ended up 23rd overall! TSF Karascada M is a home-bred horse for Kai, who brought her up through the levels from young horse classes to the top competition in the world.

Registered British Sporthorse Opposition Buzz (Fleetwater Opposition - Java Tiger xx) can also be considered a purebred Trakehner under Verband rules, and has been Nicola Wilson's steady and successful partner for many years. The pair scored 48.2 in dressage for a 24th place standing after the first phase, added only 0.4 time penalties in the cross country phase, but unfortunately had a bad day during stadium with another 16 points for a total of 64.6 and a 30th place overall.

Bettina Hoy and Lafranco TSF (Bulrush xx - Karon), a Badminton firsttimer, had a very good dressage with 46.3 points for a 18th place after the first phase, but very sadly had a fall at fence 7 of the cross country run. The pair was eliminated.

A similar destiny was in store for Kai Rüder and the French stallion Le Prince du Bois. He is a son of the British-bred Trakehner Yarland's Summersong (by Fleetwater Opposition) and started on a solid dressage score of 47.8 (23rd place). A stop at the water coomplex resulted in Kai Rüder's decision to retire on course.

5.1.2013 - Central Mare inspection Schleswig-Holstein

Traditionally on may 1st, the Trakehner Verband in Germany opens its mare inspection season in Schleswig-Holstein. This year, the crop of young mares was exceptional, and no less than 50% of all mares presented were nominated for the premium title, after completion of their mare performance tests under saddle. The new champion mare scores 61 points - a new record for the Verband in Germany. Below are some images, thanks to Imke Eppers, along with pedigree info and scores on the mares on the final rings in the 3 yr old and 4yr old&older divisions of the inspection.

4.29.2013 - Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA), Sopot CIC*** (Poland), Dressage World Cup Finals (Sweden)

Lots of good high performance news for the Trakehner community this weekend. At the Rolex Kentucky CCI****, Seacookie TSF (Helikon xx - Onassis *E*) and his rider Williams-Fox-Pitt (UK) came home on their dressage score with one of only 9 time and fult-free cross country rounds and a double clear stadium finishing 2nd on 46.2 points total. The even was won by Andrew Nicholson (NZL) with Quimbo (41.0). Third place also went to Andrew Nicholson, this time on Calico Joe (52.8).

In Poland, Austria's Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Glock's Landregen (Gipsy King - Intervall xx) finished 4th in the CIC*** at Soport just outside Danzig. The pair began with 55.7 points in dressage, added 4 time points during the cross country course, which is known for its high standards and demanding nature, and added one rail during stadium.

At the finals of the Dressage World Cup series in Gothenburg, Sweden, Sidsel Johansen and Schianto (E.H. Gribaldi - Schwadroneur), a 3/4 Trakehner (branded Danish warmblood) finished 9th overall. Their Grand Prix gave them a score of 69.878% (9th) and their freestyle brought in 75.393% (again 9th).

4.23.2013 - New approved stallion in Germany

At a private approval site close to Oldenburg, the Trakehner Verband stallion commission recently approved the 4yr old stallion Zauberlord (Lord Luciano - E.H. Friedensfürst), bred by Simone Bell and owned by Dr. Wilfried van Rossem/BEL. The stallion is a maternal half brother to the approved Zauberdeyk and Zauberruf (ATA). Zauberlord was first presented in Neumünster as a 2yr old, but was not approved. He was kept intact and started under saddle. As a 3yr old, he qualified for the Bundeschampionat of the German Riding Horse, placed high in the Finals at the Bundesturnier in Hanover and passed an excellent 30 day test with an overall score of 8.15. His approval now is only a logical step after he has already demonstrated very high rideability and dressage potential despite his young age. Zauberlord will be standing at stud with Gestüt Kastanienhof, a stud specializing in German Riding Ponies, where he will continue his under saddle career with Jule Coldewey.

Zauberlord as a 2yr old. Photo: Beate Langels

4.22.2013 - Fairhill International, Radolfzell Horse Trials and dressage in Luxembourg

In Maryland, Trakehners had a great weekend at the Fairhill Horse Trials. Allison Springer and her new mount Copycat Chloe (by Stiletto *Ps* - Alezan Dancer xx) placed 4th in their first CIC***. In the CIC** division, Trakehners won 3rd and 4th place: Lindsey Beer and El Paso GS (by Heling - Apache GS) placed 3rd, with Lis Lillikin and her Masterpiece (E.H. Buddenbrock - E.H. Leonardo) following in 4th position.

In Germany, the show in Radolfzell started under ok weather conditions, but after dressage was done, during the night, first rain and then snow began to fall and the riders were confronted with a serene, yet rather bothersome closed snow blanket on the morning of cross country day. The organizing committee then quickly switched all stadium rounds from Sunday to Saturday, hoping for better weather. And that hope was rewared, so cross country rounds were run on Sunday. Still, one can imagine the conditions were less than ideal and a number of horses was withdrawn, among them several Trakehners. In the end, Michael Jung once again won a CIC* onboard the approved Der Dante (Stravinsky xx - E.H. Hohenstein). In the same division, Ben Leuwer placed 3rd with Grafenwert (Grafenstolz TSF - Heraldik xx), followed by himself on his trusted Cappuccino TSF (I-Punkt - Memelruf) in 7th position. Glenn Grant (by E.H. Buddenbrpck - E.H. Consul) and his new rider Felix Vogg placed 9th. Three other Trakehners ended up in the money: John Meinen and Graf Georgenburg (by handryk - E.H. Grossist), Plolish.bred Anam (by Grey AA - Hamlet Go) and Sana Siltakorpi from Finland as well as Austrian Rebecca Gerold with Dakota (by Tolstoi - Pour le Merite) completed the impressive list of Trakehner representation at this event! In the CIC** division, the Verband Premium mare Lacorna (Cornus - Native Guile xx) and Kai-Steffen Meier placed 10th.

In Luxembourg, two Trakehner stallions did well in the Grand Prix dressage rounds. Terhi Stegars and E.H. Axis TSF (by E.H. Sixtus - E.H. Angard) won the Grand Prix as well as the Grand Prix Freestyle. And Terhi also rode Lord Luciano (by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E* - Unkenruf *Pg*E*) to his first (short) Grand Prix victory at the CDN show in Beaufort and placed him 2nd in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

4.19.2013 - Competition compilation

Here is the TI summary of recent sport events from around the world!

Eventing: The approved Der Dante (Stravinsky xx - E.H. Hohenstein) and his rider, European, World and Olympic Eventing Champion Michael Jung won the CCI* in Fontainbleau, France, on their dressage score of 35.9 points. In the same division, the former approved stallion Glenn Grant (by E.H. Buddenbrpck - E.H. Consul) and his new rider Felix Vogg placed 9th. In the CIC***, Kai-Steffen Meier and his TSF Karascada M (by Heraldik xx - E.H. Anduc) placed 10th (54.6 poimts) and are now nominated for the four star event in Badminton. In the CIC*, Austrian Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati rode Glock's Landregen (Gipsy King - Intervall xx) to a 25th placing.

Tabasco TSF (Heraldik xx - Heling) and Ingrid Klimke placed 2nd in the CIC** Bredeneek (54.9). Ingrid actually also won this class on her Olympic partner FRH Butt's Abraxxas, another Heraldik xx son, and also placed 3rd on the former Bundeschampion FRH Escada. More eventing news came from Kamp-Lintford, where Ben Leuwer placed 3rd with Grafenwert (Grafenstolz TSF - Heraldik xx) in the CIC* division. The 7th place in this class was taken by Sam, a Rhineland-branded 3/4 Trakehner by Sapros - Stan the Man xx with Ricarda Berkenheide.

In the UK, Belton Park was a good turf for Trakehner eventers. Bettiny Hoy brought back her top horse, Lafranco TSF (Bulrush xx - Karon) with a slow, confidence building round in the CIC*** (13th place). In the Intermediate division, Polly Jackson rode Weisser Riese (E.H. Parforce - Sascha), a maternal nephew of Windfall *Pg*, to a 8th place finish.

In the US at the Ocala Horse Properties CCI**, Jessica Phoenix placed the former approved stallion Patras VR (Carino *E* - Habicht) 5th with a solid round. At Twin Rivers in California, Harry Houdini (Tzigane *Pb* - E.H. Münchhausen TSF) and Sara Mittleider place 2nd in the Open Intermediate division. And the new pair Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe (Stiletto *Ps* - Alezan Dancer xx) placed 2nd in the Open Intermediate Division at the Southern Pines Horse Trials in South Carolina (37.6).

Dressage: In Walldorf, Germany, a number of Trakehner and part Trakehner dressage horses were seen in the top places of various classes. To name a few: Woltair TSF (E.H. King Arthur TSF - Polarpunkt) and Diane Erpeling (LUX) placed 3rd in the Inter II and won the short Grand Prix. The approved 7yr old Amadelio (E.H. Lehndorffs - Lauries Crusador xx) and Dorothee Schneider took home their first ribbon from their first S level class - 4th place.

Quite as string of impressive results came in for the descendants of the former NMS Champion K2 (now gelded!) - his son Boeve's K3 Noir (dam by Schwalbenherbst) won the Inter I class with Linda Verwall at the shows in Denekamp/NL and Gorssel/NL. The approved K2 son Prinz K3 (dam by E.H. Hohenstein) and Mikael Ketelsen began their upper level career in Denmark at the Danish Warmblood DAys in Herning with a debut at Prix St. Georg level, and the K2 grand son Placido Domingo (Dorkas - E.H. Hohenstein) is probably one of the most exciting younger Trakehner dressage horses in a long time! What a legacy for the Angloarabian bloodline of Upan la Jarthe AA!

Olympian Helen Langehanenberg and Cote d'Azur (by E.H. Cadeau - Patricius xx) placed 4th at the Inter II division in Herford-Schwarzmoor in Westfalia. The former NMS champion Le Rouge (Pret a Porter - Tycoon) placed 2nd and 3rd in two S classes at the dressage show in Vechta with Paula de Boer. In Bavaria, Night Moon (Silvermoon - Induc) and Sonjy Sprenger placed 9th in the Grand Prix Special in Landshut.

Show Jumping: The approved Der Dürer TSF (Waitaki - Trafaret) and Michael Jung won the S* show jumper class at the Hofgut Kaltenherberge.

4.19.2013 -Stallion News

Grand Passion (Oliver Twist - E.H. Polarion), former NMS Champion stallion and French National Young Dressage horse Champion, who sold at the PSI auction to France, has returned to Germany - as a gelding! The big moving bay is now with Olympian Dorothee Schneider in Alzey, but will no longer be available for breeding. His hormones were in the way of a performance career, and he was gelded. out of his first foal crop, he sired the approved premium stallion Private Passion.

Herzog TSF (E.H. Tambouri - Inkognito), the former Bundeschampion of the German Event Horse, and Gestüt Ganschow's East German S level show jumper stallion Dramatiker (Bardolino - Altan II) have left Germany - for China!! The two Trakehners were sold as future performance horses and as foundation stock for an emerging warmblood breed in the Asian country. Dramatiker presented his first approved son in Neumünster with the chestnut Glücksruf.

Holunder (Polargeist - Kurfürst), the NMS Champion from 1981, has passed away. The stallion was bred at Gestüt Webelsgrund and was the grand son of the only purebred Arabian in the breed that managed to start his own stallion line after WWII, Dämon ox. Holunder sired a number of good daughters and sport horses for all disciplines. His offspring are especially popular among amateur riders for their easy-going personalities and trainability. Holunder himself passed an excellent 100 day test in class I (129 point) and successfully competed in dressage at 4th level. Unfortunately, Holunder moved around quite a bit during his active career (no less than 10 different stations from 1984 to 2002 before he found a final, loving home with Brita Zeiner in the South German State of Baden-Württemberg.

E.H. Hofrat (E.H. Gribaldi - Guter Planet) was recently approved for the KWPN breed. He is now stationed at the van Uytert stallion station, the former home of E.H. Gribaldi.

Showmaster (Kostolany - Ibikus), the international Grand Prix dressage stallion, has left Germany as well. The 23yr old was sold to Hungary from his life-long home, Gestüt Hämelschenburg. Showmaster enjoyed a successful dressage career with Christian Pläge, and is a maternal half brother of Schwadroneur, Sans Souci and Stradivari.

Showmaster, age 22, at gestüt Hämelschenburg. Photo: Beate Langels

An introduction to Philipp von Bassi

In our series about famous Trakehner equine photographers, we now present Philipp von Bassi. Philipp is well known for having developed a whole new "look" with his studio photography of horses (and people, and dogs, and ...).

Philipp von Bassi - it's all about the light!

Philipp taught himself how to operate a camera and has been an addict of photography since his youth. Horses were there from the beginning - his sister's horses lived right next door and the local riding club also had its headquarters in the vicinity. In fact, Philipp says that "horses, for me, are the allegory of esthetics". Philipp describes his early photos as snap shots at best - but they got better with time. And soon, horse owners were asking for his service. And while he studied engineering, the photography became a vertiable income to cover costs of his student life. Philipp also spent his weekends as a photophrapher for hire at horse shows.

Yet, eventually that just didn't do it for Philipp anymore, and he quit performance photography all together. "It was always the same", remembers Philipp, "horse over jump, horse in dressage ring, horse in extended trot - it really became a blur to me and I lost interest". Without really knowing what he was doing, Philipp developed an idea that would set his photos apart from others, and capture more of the essence of horses. And quickly, the idea of studio photography was born. With that, Philipp had a way to define his own light, his own pose and environment. His own ambition was to show horses as best as possible - and the results are now emerging.

When asked about his special talent, Philipp says that "I think I can really find the inner peace and tranquility that horse photopgraphy requires - you need time and endless patience to get the one good shot. I think I am pretty good at connecting with all different types of horses quickly. In fact, even those horses that are descibed as spooky and shy, very quickly shine in my studio setting and seem to enjoy their time in the spotlight".

And in case you wonder where this 6th sense for horses comes from .... "Philipp" is Old Greek for " friend of horses". What else can we say?

Philipp is available for individual and group sessions and will travel anywhere in the world. please contact us if you wish to find out more.

In memoriam: E.H. Tuareg

The 2000 Trakehner Stallion of the Year, E.H. Tuareg, has passed away at age 27. Tuareg was the third approved son of one of the bree's best mares ever, the famous Herzbube-daughter Tilsit III from Gestüt Panker. His sire Radom, a Mahagoni - Kassius son, was an accomplished S level dressage horse with Donatus von Hessen. Approved in Neumünster in 1988, Tuareg was acquired at auction by Elke von Lingelsheim and the Canadian Hollenbach family. He was first developed as a young dressage horse by Silke Buck, and then relocated to Gestüt Immenklimt and Klaus Martin Rath, where he ewas further trained and shown successfully at Inter I level. After Mr. Rath left Holsteiner, Tuareg relocated to Gestüt Gröhnwohldhof, where he was stationed for several years.

Tuareg was a first rate mare producer - many of his daughters have had tremendous impact on the production of good sport horses within the Trakehner breed. But Tuareg really stood out as a top dressage horse sire, with over 150 competing offspring. He was certainly never a highly popular stallion in terms of total numbers of foals produced, but a significant percentage of his offspring competed at advanced levels, up to international level. Avalon (U. Salzgeber), Romancero (N. Sayn-Wittgenstein), Sotheby's (K. Schulze-Bergmann) and of course Renaissance Fleur TSF (M. Theodorescu) are just a few to name.

Tuareg leaves his approved sons Königsmark and Kancun for the breed, and hopefully this valuable sport horse line will be continued in the future.

E.H. Tuareg at age 25. Photo: Stephan Bischoff

Competition news from around the world

The eventing season is underway in the US. The two-weekend event series at Ocala Horse Properties (Winter I and II) took off on the weekend of Feb 9th 2013. Iin the Open Intermediate-B division, Jonathan Holling and his Downtown Harrison (by Il Sixtino - Silver Buck xx) placed 5th with clear stadium and cross country rounds. Halimey (by Askar AA - Pardon Go), the newest addition to the ATA stallion lineup, won the Open Training-C division on his impressive dressage score of 19.6 points. Halimey is teamed up with Michael Pollard, who also owns him through the Halimey Syndicate LLC and stands him at stud in Georgia. In the same division, Komik (by Windfall *Pg* - Kalluster) and Alexandra Knowles placed 3rd with 28.6 points.continued his impressive introduction to American competition.

Just a week later at the same competition series, Halimey moved up to Preliminary - and won again! With overall 27 points, Michael and his new mounts stayed clear of Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr. and his Chesterland's Image. In the Advanced division, Jonathan Holling and Downtown Harrison came in very strong with a 2nd place after dressage (26.9) and clear stadium, only to withdraw before cross country since he was only running a combined test this weekend. Equally impressive was the dressage score for the ATA approved Inamorato (by E.H. Buddenbrock - Fontainbleau) with Andrew Palmer. The pair topped the leaderboard with 25.2 points in the Intermediate Rider division. They maintained 1st place with one rail during stadium, but had an unfortunate stop xc, which dropped them to 10th place overall. Jennifer Carter and Sayyida (by Tzigane *Pb* - Polarpunkt), the full sister to ATA approved Semper Fidelis, placed 10th after dressage (40.5) in the Preliminary Horse division, added one rail in stadiu, and had a solid xc run to move them up to 8th place overall (55.7 points). And another approved ATA stallion placed in the Preliminar

Downtown Harrison photo: Tim Holekamp

E.H. King Arthur TSF photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Halimey photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

y Horse division: Tatendrang (by Onassis *E* - Avignon II) and Andrew Palmer finished 7th on a final score of 41.7 points.

At South Carolina-based Paradise Farm, more Trakehners were out competing. Young up-and-coming Beau Guimond rode Otter (Carino *E* - E.H. Consul) to a 3rd place finish in the Preliminary Rider division, adding two rails and 6.8 time points to his 38.6 dressage score for a total of 53.4 points. And Morgan McCue won the Training Rider-B division with Abecca (by Hilton GS - Always Run Lucky xx) on 35.1 points total.

On the West Coast at Fresno County Horse Park, Kristi Nunnink showed Astro (by Baron Verdi - Amethyst) in the Intermediate/Preliminary division and finished 5th overall with a total of 57.2 points after adding one rail and 12.4 time points to their dressage score. This was stil good enough to move them up one spot. And another Trakehner win was achieved by LuLu Shamberg with Amarna (by Amethyst - Avignon II) in the Training division for Juniors and Young Riders - the pair finished with 34.5 overall points.

All the while in Europe, Trakehners were out in dressage shows. At the CDI Neumünster, Verband president Petra Wilm showed her former NMS Champion E.H. King Arthur TSF (by E.H. Buddenbrock - E.H. Consul) again after a long break. The pair placed 7th (65.319%) iin the CDN Grand Prix and 5th in the CDN Grand Prix Special (67.125%). A most impressive come-back! In the international tour, Terhi Stegars (FIN) and E.H. Axis TSF (by E.H. Sixtus - E.H. Angard) were once again praised for their elegant and light performance, finishing 14th in the Grand Prix (67.468%) and 11th in the Grand Prix Special (71.150%).

Trakehner Spring Approvals and Stallion Show in Münster-Handorf

Two Trakehner stallions were approved at the Spring Approvals on Feb 9th 2013. Sir Easy (*2008) by Easy Game out of Sommernacht IV by E.H. Tuareg - Inselkönig - Traumulus, bred by Heinrich Röttger, Lübeck and owned by Reinhard Nagel, Munich, already passed his 70 day test. Also approved was Grimani (*2010) by E.H. Gribaldi out of Gioia by E.H. Monteverdi TSF - E.H. Polarion - Camelot, bred by Konrad Ranzinger from France, and owned by Gestüt Heinen-Issum. Grimai begins his breeding career at Gestüt Ferienhof Stücker, the former home of Goldschmidt and Lowelas.

A photo and video report of the stallion show is online. Please follow the link here.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Münster-Handorf Approvals and Stallion Show 2013 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

In memoriam: Peron Junior and Cavalleri xx

Two stallions recently passed away. Late in 2012, the E.H. Sixtus son Peron Junior had to be put down. Peron Junior was bred by Otto Wawrik of Bavaria, Germany, and as the name implies, was closely related to the 1996 Olympic dressage medalist Peron *Pg*. He was raised by Peron's breedcer Hans Ernst Wezel, and was approved in Neumünster in 1997. His dam was Pallas Athene III, a daughter of Athlet. The 3rd dam on the dam side was Peru II, dam of said Peron, the Olympian. Peron Junior was last owned by Roby Jomé and Carlo Walentiny, Hesperange (LUX) and didn't breed actively since 2007 due to his performance career. Peron Junior was a highly successful FEI dressage stallion, and celebrated his biggest successes with Pascale Sax. Peron Junior's genetic background was especially throroughly bred for performance - Habicht three times (!), Kassius, Ibikus, and Donauwind *E* and with Arwa and Peru II two of the most successful mares of the entire breed made up the pedigree of this successful stallion. It is certainly a pity that his breeding career was limited due to the remote location of his first stations, and his availablility via frozen semen only since 2007. nevertheless, Peron Junior produced the Verband approved Cosmopolit, who found a much too early end in the barn fire at Tylord Farms, and the Danish approved Blanc Pain, a FEI dressge stallion fpr Gestüt Pallerhaff (LUX). Hopefully, the latter will find full Verband approval based on his performance career evebntually so that this interesting consolidation of outstanding Trakehner performance lines in dressage and show jumping/eventing does not disappear.

Also gone is the New Zealand-bred TB stallion Cavallieri xx. Bred by the Vela family, Cavallieri xx came to Europe in 1995 and remained in Swiss ownership with Dr. E. Bodenmüller until his death. This son of Gaius xx out of Beychevell xx by Uncle Remus xx - Shifnal xx was a member of the TB-7 Darcy's Black Legged Royal Mare Family and belonged to the Fair Trial sire line (via Eclipse xx). He raced from ages 2-5 with notable group I wins and a handicap of 100.5kg (total ernings approximately 380,000 NZ Dollar). More interestingly for warmblood breeders, the stallion competed in dressage, eventing and show jumping at advanced levels after his relocation to Europe. That certainly stood made him a one-of-a-kind stallion anywhere. Cavallieri xx found rather late entry into the Trakehner breed after he was leased to the State Stud in Marbach, but is a known and solid eventing sire - his offspring out of European warmblood books appear at advanced levels now, and several also compete at S level in dressage. Cavallieri xx has approved sons/grand sons in the Baden-Württemberg and with First Flight Spirit also in the Trakehner breed.

Peron Junior and Pascale Sax

Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Copycat Chloe sold to Allison Springer

Allison Springer Eventing announced that Kelly Pugh's 11yr old three star Trakehner mare Copycat Chloe (by Stiletto *Ps* Copy’s Dancer xx by Alezan Dancer xx, breeder: Christy Riley Edwards) has been acquired as a new mount. Kelly and Chloe had a great career in the junior and young rider divisions so far, including the gold medal with the individual young rider eventing title in 2010 at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships. Allison Springer knows the mare from coaching Kelly for over a year, and is stated saying "After last summer, I evaluated myself and what I needed to be successful moving forward. Above all else, I need a talented group of horses to help fulfill my goals. Chloe is a very special horse, with a fantastic jump and everything it takes to go to the top. I am thrilled to add a horse of this caliber to my program and grateful to Kelly for giving me this opportunity.” Allison Springer of Upperville, VA, has enjoyed a long and successful career in eventing in the US. She was an alternate for the 2012 US Olympic team, placed 6th at the 2012 Burghley CCI***, was the best placed American at that same year's Rolex Kentucky CCI**** and won the Red Hills CIC*** in 2011, just to name a few accomplihsments of the past years. The addition of a top performing Trakehner to her string of successful horses is not only a big win for Allison, but certainly for the Trakehner community worldwide. Best of luck Allison and Copycat Chloe!!

Copycat Chloe with Kelly Pugh

Photo: Timothy Holekamp

Trakehner Rendezvous in California

On March 9th 2013, the owners of the newly ATA approved Virginian Sky (by Best before Midnight - Limbo xx), Germany's Fontana Syndikat and Natalie Rooney of Four Star Farm, are hosting an official introduction of their stallion for interested in breeders on the West Coast. The event will be held at Four Star Farm's new location in Woodland, CA. Everybody is welcome! For more information, please visit the dedicated website of Virginian Sky.

Several Trakehners approved in Hanover and Westfalia

The three dressage stallions Amadelio (by E.H. Lehndorffs - Lauries Crusador xx), Herbstkönig (by Interconti - Timber) and Schwarzgold (by Imperio - E.H. Consul) were approved for the Hanoverian Warmblood breed today. And in Westfalia, the Trakehners Hirtentanz (by E.H. Axis TSF - Kostolany) and Berlusconi (by E.H. Axis TSF - E.H. Friedensfürst) were approved. Further, Westfalia also approved a Dutch-bred son of the former Trakehner Champion stallion and international Grand Prix sire E.H. Gribaldi.

List of stallions for the Handorf Stallion Show, Feb 9th 2013

The following stallions will be presented either in hand, under saddle or over jumps at the upcoming Münster-Handorf Stallion Show, Feb 9th 2013:

Abendtanz, All Inclusive, Amadelio, Amourano, Avatar, Berlusconi, Canzler, Der Dante, Der Dürer TSF, Donauruf, Dürrenmatt, Easton, Elfado, Fairmont Hill, Fly Society xx, Glücksruf, Guardian, Herakles, Herbstklang, Herbstkönig, Herzensdieb, Heuberger, E.H. Hibiskus, Hirtentanz, Icare d'Olympe AA, Il Divo xx, Imhotep, Iskander, Ismahn AA, Kiton xx, Le Rouge, Marseille, Millenium, Polarzar, Said ox, San Silviano, Sarkander, Semper LT, Thalys, Touch my Heart and Windsor.

Der Dürer TSF

Herzensdieb

Le Rouge

Photos: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Hans Magers (1947 - 2013)

In the morning of January 28th, fellow Trakehner breeder and enthusiast Hans Magers lost his long battle with cancer. Hans passed away at his beloved home, the Wöllriederhof in Bavaria, Germany. Many knew Hans as a most outspoken, direct and very knowledgeable person who was not afraid to swim against the tide to make his point. Hans loved Trakehners for all his life, and the breed and especially the breeding district in Bavaria owes much to him.

Himself a successful upper level event rider on several Trakehners, Hans also provided a home to a number of outstanding broodmares and the Trakehner Elite stallion Parforce (by Habicht out of Punchestown Lady xx by Wily Trout xx, breeder Jörg Freiherr von Imhoff). Parforce was born in 1982 and still lives at Wöllriederhof today - who would have thought that he would outlive his biggest fan and best friend? Parforce's pedigree, which in essence is the combination of two international eventing stars, is a synonym for much of Hans' efforts to maintain the breed on a performance-proven background. He was a vivid critic of some "modern" developments in horse breeding, and has a substantial following among breeders in Germany. For that, and his unique personality, Hans will never be forgotten. Godspeed!

Hans in Neumünster 2008 on "his" victory lap after Parfoce became Elite (the stallion was not attending!)

Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Cote d'Azur TSF unbeatable

The 9yr old Trakehner mare Cote d'Azur TSF (by E.H. Cadeau - Patricius xx, breeder + owner: Margit Eisner) proved to be unbeatable at the K+K Cup in Münster, Germany, during the weekend of January 27th. The charming mare has been trained and presented by German Olympian Helen Langehanenberg from her youngster days and has a more than respectable record. As a 7yr old, she won multiple S class tests in Germany, easily moved on to the FEI tour in her 8th year, and won the Trakehner Dressage Cup Finals in Neumünster last October. At the K+K Cup, one of the more prestigious shows during the winter season in Germany, the duo won two important classes, namely the Friday S* level calss (for 7-10yr old horses) with 72.105%, 3 points ahead of 2nd placed Patricia von Merveldt with the Hanoverian Komet., and the Saturday finals in the Youngster Dressage Tour, a S** level (Inter I) with 72.105%, a good point ahead of Helen's London 2012 Team mate Dorothee Schneider with the Oldenburg Fackeltanz.

At the same event (CDI Münster), two part Trakehners stood in the spotlight in the Big Tour. Nadine Capellmann won both the Grand Prix (74.979%) and Grand Prix Special (75.958%) with Girasol, a Baden-Württemberg branded daughter of E.H. Gribaldi. And Emma Kanerva from Finlan presented Heimliche Liebe, a daughter of E.H. Hohenstein, placing 4th in the Grand Prix (70.511%). The younger, approved Trakehner stallion Finckenstein (by E.H. Latimer - Kennedy) and his Danish rider Rikke Svane, who had a stellar 2012 seasoon at Grand Prix, finished this big class with 61.660% - certainly under their potential, but this is a big international field and the team is still young.

Cote d'Azur TSF with Helen Langehanenberg at the Holstenallen in Neumünster, 2012. Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Trakehner Verband Spring Approvals 2013

On the weekend of February 8th and 9th, the Trakehner Verband hosts its annual Spring Approvals and Stallion Show in Münster-Handorf, Germany. Please follow the link below for a quick glance at the stallion catalog (approvals) and stay tuned to TI for more updates over the next couple of weeks.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Münster-Handorf Approvals and Stallion Show 2013 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Approved 2011: Herzberg

Approved 2011: Ismahn AA

Approved 2011: Russian Deal

All images: Jutta Bauernschmitt

An introduction to Dr. Peter Richterich

Over the course of the next few weeks, we want to introduce you to the photographers we regularly feature here on TI. Without good images, the internet would be a dull place. Photos, especially in the equestrian communities, truly make all the difference. All the more are we grateful to the handful of great artists that very generously share their archives with us - and ultimately you, our readers. Photography is work, and for many, the job that fills the plate and puts gas in the tank. We have agreements with some photographers to use images - that does not mean that you can go, copy and paste around the web. Please respect the work of others!

First to go in January is Dr. Peter Richterich from Essel in Germany. Peter is a veterinarian, and a true "fixture" at the big Trakehner events in Germany. Apart from his demanding job, Peter focusses a lot of energy on providing the Trakehner community with first rate photos from various shows, mostly breed events. He is also the author of a number of well-written articles on horse breeding, care, and management that have been featured in several journals, also the monthly Der Trakehner in Germany.

Dr. Peter Richterich

Peter owns several highly decorated Trakehner mares and is an active breeder in the Trakehner Verband. Take a moment to browse his beautful homepage and meet St.Pr.+Pr.St. Santa Fee (by Freudenfest), St.Pr.+Pr.St. Santa Karissima (by Kasimir TSF) and Pr.St. Kambra (by Kasimir TSF): Trakehner Richterich.

A gifted webmaster, he also created several websites including his own which you can find at Trakehner Richterich, as well as a new concept for the care and management of breeding stock, to be found here: Equine Concept.

Here are some of Peter's photos that we have featured over the years. And to Peter we say THANK YOU for being so supportive and helpful for such a long time. It's always a pleasure to work with you!

Garuda K on the way to Grand Prix

The approved trakehner stallion Garuda K (by E.H. Münchhausen TSF - E.H. Angard - Unkensee, bred by Gestüt Kapellenhof, Heinsberg, owned by Bernadette O’Sullivan, stationed at Woodcroft Stud in the UK) placed well at the CDI Drachten, the Netherlands, Jan 4th-6th 2013. Under Lesley Peyton Gilbert, he finished the Prix St. George with a 14th place and 65.631%. In the Inter I, the combo placed 4th with 65.87%. Garuda K was approved by a German commission in the UK for worldwide acceptance, and also performance tested in Germany as a young sire, and carefully developed for a dressage career in the UK. He combines two noteworthy dressage lines in his pedigree, and both sire and dam sire actively competed at FEI level. The mare family of E16D Gletscherfahrt xx (Leyer - Bad Orb) is rather small within the Trakehner breed, but well-represented by good performance horses (e.g. Graphit, S level dressage).

Garuda K at the NMS Gala Show. Photo: Jutta Bauernschmitt

Our sales section is open!

As of January 9th, we have re-opened our exclusive sales section here at TI. Please use the menu to your left hand side here to access a fine selection of riding horses, mares, youngsters and more. We hope you find this service useful and informative.

Trakehner stallions news from Europe

Occacio (by E.H. Cadeau - E.H. Angard) is back in business. The stallion had not been send to a 70 day test, instead, the owners had opted for the hardest way of approval - the performance ring. And after fulfilling all requirements (at least 5 places 1st-3rd at S level), the stallion owned by Jan Murmann and ridden by Denny Bartel for his home station, Gestüt Krotenbach, is now fully approved again. From his earlier breeding activities, Occacio had already produced the popular approved Herbstbach, a National Riding Horse Champin who sadly passed away after a colic attack only 5yrs old.

Back in breeding: Occacio by E.H. Cadeau. Photo: Philipp von Bassi

Pamir ox (by Penthagonn ox - Ibrahim ox) suddenly died during breeding at his home, the State Stud of Marbach in South Germany. Pamir ox was not used much, but has produced two inspected main mare book daughters as well as a number of excellent riding horses. His two Arabian sons Said ox and Dschehim ox are both approved for Trakehners as well and will hopefully help to establish this much needed and high quality Arabian blood in the breed. Dschehim ox is also trained to S level dressage and was recently also approved for the Hanovarian breed.

Passed away in 2012: Pamir ox. Photo: Dr. Peter Richterich

Prince Patmos (by Patmos - Kostolany), the 2008 NMS Res Champion, has been sold. The stallion presented his first approved son out of his first crop in NMS in 2012, Marseille, and is now stationed in Bulgaria where he fills the big steps left open after the passing of Preussenprinzin 2011. Marseille was sold at auction to the US, so this line is probably gone from Germany for a while.

Hirtentanz (by E.H. Axis - Kostolany) has a new co-owner. His breeder, Veronika von Schöning, bought back one half from David Beattie, USA. Hirtentanz also left his station of the past years at Gerard Gelings and is now stationed and in training in Westfalia at Hof Kretschmer, the old home of the international Grand Prix dressage stallion Insterburg TSF.

Symont (by E.H. Monteverdi TSF - Kostolany) has left the Kretschmer stallion station in Warendorf and is now back at his owner's stud, Team Nijhoff in the Netherlands. Symont is already sire of an approved son, Gestüt Hämelschenburg's impressive young Grand Corazon.

Königsee (by Interconti - E.H. Tambour), who was the most expensive non-approved colt in NMS 2012, is now approved. His breeder and owner at the time, Dr. Elke Söchtig of Gestüt Elmarshausen, took advantage of the appeal approval process where a different commission will reevaluate a formerly non-approved stallion. Königsee is now approved for the Trakehner breed, and will be stationed at Gestüt Elmarshausen. The stallion is now owned by the Lorentzen & Schriber GbR from Potsdam close to Berlin.

Newly approved: Königsee by Interconti. Photo: Dr. Peter Richterich

Shavalou (by Freudenfest - Exclusiv), premium stallion of the approval 2003 and bred and owned by Gestüt Hämelschenburg has been leased to the State Stud of Neustadt/Dosse and will be stationed in East Germany in Wust for the 2013 breeding season.

Gadsby (by Karon - E.H. Consul) has to be put down after a pasture accident in 2012. The 1989 stallion spent many years stationed in Bavaria at Gestüt Seeon, and had been sold to the Rhineland for the past years. Gadsby was well known for his outstanding temperament and appeared often in TV productions and the print media whenever a "gilr needed a horse". He also produced a number of very good brood mares, among them the two State and Verband premium mares Heuschrecke and Isola Isodora.

Linné (by E.H. Herzruf - Hyalit), the 16yr old bay stallionhas been gelded for a riding career. The stallion left the breed with the M level dressage horse Mayong, who is approved. Mayong will spend the 2013 season at a new station as well, he is now stationed in Tönisvorst in the Rhineland.

Lions-Club (by Ferrum - Matador), bred by the Weinmann family from Neuenstein and owned by Karin Leissing, is no longer active as a breeding stallion, Already 23 yrs old, the impressive liver chestnut had a successful S level dressage career. Originally approved in NMS as a youngster, he was never presented for a performance test but instead developed in competition. He re-entered the breed very late only a few years ago. Limited breeding numbers will keep his influence small, yet he did manage to produce two M level dressage horses so far, Jazz Club and Lion d'or.

Wishing everybody all the best for the New Year 2013!

Two Trakehner colts of truly international descend: born in Finland to American and Polish as well as English bred parents!

Photo: Pirjo Majurin