December 15, 2009

First Horse Sold to Switzerland

Our promising young dressage mare, DMJ D’YQUEM by Don Schufro out of our State Premium Mare WOITANA II by Weltmeyer, has just been sold to Switzerland. We congratulate the new owners and wish them the best of luck, success and joy with their new horse.

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December 4, 2009

Don Schufro Is Still One of the Best Breeding Stallions

The German Breeding Evaluation 2009 shows that DON SCHUFRO is still one of the best dressage stallions. With 171 points and a safety assessment value of 94% - which apparently exceeds the desired 90% - he is definitely one of the most reliable and valuable breeding stallions among the best ones on this list.

Since the last nine years DON SCHUFRO has been among the three best dressage stallions on this important German FN ranking list that 2009 all in all includes 3.870 warmblood stallions! 

Please find the new ranking list here: 

BREED VALUES 2009 - THE TOP 1% BEST DRESSAGE STALLIONS 

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December 1, 2009

Watch the New Videos of DMJ D'YQUEM

You are welcome to see the new videos of DMJ D'YQUEM performance in Verden last week here...

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November 27, 2009

Brilliant Performances of DMJ D'YQUEM in Verden

This week, our noble and excellently to ride 3 ½-year old mare DMJ D’YQUEM by first-class stallion Blue Hors Don Schufro out of our state premium mare WOITANA II (sister to Fidermark’s dam) was registered with the Hanoverian Studbook, and she completed the succeeding mare performance test in the Verden Niedersachsenhalle (GER) with an outstanding result.

The judge’s score sheet featured no less than 5 times the fantastic mark of 8, among them for her incredible rideability (by judge and test rider) and for her impressive canter. For this above-average result, she was awarded state premium candidate.

More information about the mare is available here…

November 19, 2009

Video of Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy

Please find below a video recorded last Christmas of the successful young dressage rider Louisa Lüttgen training her horses at home at the wonderful family farm “Gut Mödrath” in Germany. DMJ DREAMY by Donnerhall (bred by DMJ HORSES) is the chestnut mare with the white star. Please read more here...

November 2, 2009

First Video of DMJ D’YQUEM under the Saddle

Read more about this lovely 3-year-old mare by Don Schufro here…

October 30, 2009

New Photos of Our Foals

This week we took some new autumn pictures of our 2009 foals by Blue Hors Don Schufro. Please take a look here…

October 25, 2009

Colt Licensed at the Hanoverian Stallion Licensing in Verden  

We have the pleasure to inform you that our Don Schufro/Brentano II/Arogno offspring DMJ DANNEBROG was licensed at the Stallion Licensing in Verden (GER) and sold to the Celle National State Stud.

October 15, 2009

Bonifatius Wins the Stallion Performance Test

Bonifatius was licensed in Verden last year, and now he continues his promising career at the Celle National State Stud. Today, he led the field in the final test of state stud stallions. With an overall score of 133.43 points and 136.87 points on the dressage rankings, the Belissimo M-son highlighted his dressage qualities one more time, and with a difference of almost three points, he relegated the entire competition to lower ranks.

We are happy that one of our best mares are checked in-foal to this brilliant and highly-gifted  young stallion, and we are looking forward to his foal in 2010. For more information, please click on VPM CHERRY  - Estimated foaling date March 25, 2010.

October 7, 2009

State Premium Mare Beauty Bolera Is Confirmed In Foal to Don Schufro

We are already looking forward to 2010. Our highly-awarded, 20-year-old State Premium Mare BEAUTY BOLERA by Bolero has been confirmed in foal to the successful Grand Prix Stallion Blue Hors Don Schufro for 2010. Estimated foaling date: March 20, 2010.

Please read more about SPM Beauty Bolera and her offspring here…

October 2, 2009

Watch the Videos of the Stallion Candidates in Verden

Out of about 800 presented stallion candidates the committee of the Hanoverian Society selected 100 stallions for their licensing from the 22nd to the 24th of October 2009.

The breeding director Dr. Schade commented: "This collection convinces from a breeding and a sport horse market view. Here can the top horses of the future be aquired."

Videos of  the selected stallions can be seen here 

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September 28, 2009 

SPM Byzantina's Daughter Presented the Champion Foal in Alsfeld

Upon recommendation of the Hanoverian Society last year, the extremely noble daughter out of our SPM BYZANTINA, SPM LOVELY KISS by Londonderry, was bred to the last still living direct Grande-son and breeding representative of the Hanoverian G-bloodline, the Celle State Stud Stallion GALVANO, who unfortunately died in autumn 2008. 

GALVANO who won the Hunnesrücker Stallion Licensing and his Stallion Performance Test (show jumping and dressage rankings!) was a very special “last son of the important GRANDE”. Although not frequently used for breeding and despite moderate mating figures, he produced many top-class progeny.

The colt by SPM LOVELY KISS is therefore called GRANTANGO. He also descends – like GALVANO himself in his days – from the second last mating of his sire’s last breeding season and therefore, he is the last and youngest living, direct Grande-grandson.

Breeding Manager Dr. Schade and Mr. Brüning were the judges at the Foal Show for foals with G-bloodlines in Alsfeld. According to their judgement, the colt had a most brilliant appearance and fantastic movements with the result that they placed him at the top of the rankings. The Breeding Manager also expressed his hope to see him again in healthy condition in two years at the Stallion Licensing.

In the meantime, stallion raiser Heinrich Ramsbrock (GER) purchased GRANTANGO (please see the photos to the right), and we are looking forward to his future development with pleasure. 

SPM LOVELY KISS (please see the photo to the right) is still owned by SPM BYZANTINA’s successful breeder Katrin Knöss (Lauterbach). With GRANTANGO, she has now successfully bred a representative of the fourth generation of the foundation stock of SPM and Elite Mare KASARIED. 

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September 16, 2009

Colt Selected for the Hanoverian Stallion Licensing in Verden

DMJ DANNEBROG by Don Schufro out of our state premium mare BYZANTINA by Brentano II x Arogno (Trak.), now owned by the Danish stud Blue Hors, qualified for the 2009 Hanoverian Stallion Licensing. The event will be held in Verden (Germany) on October 22nd - 24th, 2009.

More information can be found here

September 7, 2009 

DOKR's Dressage Seminar in Warendorf on September 7 - 8, 2009  

Please find below the videoes from the German Dressage Seminar in Warendorf about training and judging young dressage horses (3-year-old to Grand Prix). The seminar is managed by the expert direction of the well-known dressage judges Christoph Hess and Dr. Dietrich Plewa.

• 3 and 4-year-old horses
• 5 and 6-year-old horses
• St Georg / Inter I
• Grand Prix for young horses - part I
• Grand Prix for young horses - part II

September 2, 2009

Federal Championships in Warendorf (GER) on September 2 - 6, 2009

You can follow the German Federal Championships in Warendorf LIVE here. More information can be found here and the running results here.

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August 29, 2009

Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas Win the Gold Medal in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the EDC in Windsor with a New World Record Score of 90.750 per cent - including 23 marks of 10! Please see the video below... 

August 27, 2009

Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival Win the Gold Medal in the Grand Prix Special at the EDC in Windsor with a New World Record Score of 84.042% 

Edward Gal (NED) and Moorlands Totilas win the silver medal with 83.042%, including 32 marks of 10 (please see the video below). Laura Bechtolsheimer (GBR) and Mistral Hojris win the bronze medal with their highest score ever of 80.083% and only the third individual medal awarded to Great Britain in the history of these championships.

August 26, 2009

August 25, 2009

Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships in Windsor/GBR

More information can be found here and the running results here. Also you can listen to Windsor Europeans Official LIVE Radio Station here.

Radio Times:

• Tuesday 25 August: 9.30am - 5pm (local time)
  
• Wednesday 26 August: 9.30am - 5pm
  
• Thursday 27 August: 9.30am - 5pm
• Friday 28 August: 8.30am - 5pm
  
• Saturday 29 August: 7.15pm - 11pm
  
• Sunday 30 August: 1.30pm - 5.30pm

TV Time: Eurosport Shows the Grand Prix Freestyle LIVE from Windsor

• Saturday 29 August: 19:45pm (local time)

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August 24, 2009

The Next Sales Horse Is Well Underway

Right now some of our young and promising dressage horses are prepared and trained for future tasks in the forthcoming show season, and we would like to present them here by and by. This month, we have the pleasure to show a new photo of our 3-year-old sales horse DMJ D’YQUEM (photo), who has just started her training under saddle in Germany.

DMJ D’YQUEM by Don Schufro descends from the high-performance dam line of SPM WOITANA (the sister of Fidermark's dam) from which many successful dressage horses descend as well. We are very happy about the development of this excellent and very well-moving mare. Her attitude to work and her eagerness to learn can hardly be topped. Please click here to read more…   

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August 20, 2009

Now Live Broadcast From Germany: 2009 Final of Champions Münster

Thursday, 20 August: 9:00 am - Grand Prix de Dressage - Result

(Repeated on Monday, 24 August: 19:34 pm)

Saturday, 22 August: 9:00 am - Dressage Grand Prix Final - Result

(Repeated on Tuesday, 25 August: 7:40 am)

Saturday, 22 August: 20:00 pm - Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle - Result

(Repeated on Monday, 24 August: 21:51 pm)

Sunday, 23 August: 9:40 am - Dressage Grand Prix Special - Result

(Repeated on Monday, 24 August: 22:54 pm)

More Information: http://www.turnierdersieger.de/

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April 18, 2009 

Brilliant and Very Elegant Fidermark-Cousin by Don Schufro

A mare’s birth is always something special, and it was no secret that we would be especially happy about a colt out of this valuable bloodline combination. Therefore, we were really pleased that on April 18, State Premium Mare WOITANA II (the sister of Fidermark's dam) gave birth to her foal. It is an extremely noble, 109 cm tall and gorgeous, long-legged colt by BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO.  

More photos of the colt is available under DMJ DEBUSSY. You are also welcome to see the famous cousin of our newborn colt, top stallion Fidermark, on the video below. Read more about the colt and his dam line here...

April 6, 2009    

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Placed at the First "Preis der Besten" Qualifier

The 2009 German show season has really kicked off now with the first important selection trial for German pony, junior and young riders in central Germany. At Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff's gorgeous stable Schafhof near Frankfurt (Germany), the first “Preis der Besten” qualifier of the season took place. The event also counts as an observation show for the nomination of the German A and B-teams.  

This first test was won by Louisa Lüttgen and HABITUS with 75,045% points, followed by Sanneke Rothenberger and DEVERAUX with 74,234%. Louisa Lüttgen also placed third with the nine-year-old DMJ DREAMY by Donnerhall out of WEGDEWOOD LADY from our breed with 73,063%.  

In the second test, the two young ladies continued their neck-and-neck race. This time, Sanneke Rothenberger placed first with DEVERAUX and Louisa Lüttgen second with HABITUS. Again Louisa Lüttgen and DMJ DREAMY became third in a very close competition.

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March 25, 2009 

A Planned Foal Was Born  

On March 23, our valuable state premium mare BYZANTINA gave birth to a noble, 106 cm tall lovely filly by top-class stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO.

The liver chestnut filly DMJ DIVA DIAZ will certainly have a lot of the same impressive type and the same fantastic movements as her full siblings DMJ DIVA DIOR and the promising stallion prospect DMJ DANNEBROG. The ground-coveringbasic gaits, combined with the unique, pleasing Trakehner expression, are anchored in the dam line and cannot be denied.

We are very happy that dam and foal are in perfect health and that the filly is developing impressively. Please find more photos within a few days under DMJ DIVA DIAZ.

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March 9, 2009 

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Win Their First Advanced Level Dressage Test

At the beginning of March, the Bayer Leverkusen rider’s club gave the starting signal for the show season 2009. Outstanding dressage riders presented their brilliant horses in three advanced level classes.

Besides many experienced and well-known riders like Nicole Glaser-Käppeler and Anna-Katharina Lüttgen from the Rhineland L-team, there were also lots of younger riders like Annabel Frenzen, Louisa Lüttgen, Thea Felicitas Müller, Ann-Kathrin Platzer and Tara Schneider from the D-team gathering on the equestrian grounds in Leverkusen.  

In this ambience the successful junior rider Louisa Lüttgen (GER) and our home-bred nine-year-old Donnerhall-daughter DREAMY (out of WEDGEWOOD LADY) completed their first advanced level dressage class, and they won the competition right away.  

In 2009, Louisa Lüttgen aims to concentrate on the junior division, but it was her intention to participate at one advanced level class in preparation for the show season. And her decision was crowned by success, congratulations from our side. Read more here…

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February 22, 2009

We Are Eagerly Anticipating Two Foals by Blue Hors Don Schufro

Next month, two foals by the well-known first-class stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO out of two of our best state premium mares, BYZANTINA and WOITANA, will be born.

DON SCHUFRO was licensed in 1996. Following a fifth place at the Federal Riding Horse Championships under Felix Tiemann (GER), he completed his stallion performance test in 1997 as reserve champion, winning the dressage assessment with 154.93 points. In 2004, he became Danish Vice Champion under Andreas Helgstrand (DEN) and in 2006, he ranked second at the Aachen Nation’s Cup and at the World Cup freestyle in Neumünster.

DON SCHUFRO won World Cup qualifiers, and he earned more than 30 victories and placements in Grand Prix-classes at important tournaments like for example in Aachen, Bremen, Wiesbaden, Lingen, Neumünster and Nörten-Hardenberg. His fantastic balance sheet was completed in 2008 with the victory at the Danish Championships as well as by the team bronzemedal and the 11th place in the individual competition at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong (see photos).

DON SCHUFRO presented 18 approved sons, among them Grand Prix Stallion DIAMOND HIT, LAURIE I+II and the champion of the Danish Stallion Licensing and stallion performance test, DON ROMANTIC.  

Two DON SCHUFRO-daughter’s were awarded champion mare at the Elite mare show of the Oldenburg Breed Society in two succeeding years, REBELLE in 2007 and WEIHEGOLD in 2008. He presented three times the “Mare of the Year” in Denmark, and more than 20 mares were honoured with medals, four of them with the gold medal.

His daughter DONNA ASANA is a successful international dressage horse under Lone Jorgensen (DEN) as they won 7 Grand Prix-classes in 2008, ranking now 21st on BCM world rankings. You are welcome to watch the video of DON SCHUFRO below and to read more about the coming foals here…

December 20, 2008

DMJ Lagoni Continues His Training with Martina Hannöver-Sternberg 

Our promising four-year-old Lauries Crusador xx-offspring DMJ LAGONI now continues his training with the well-known instructor and Grand Prix-rider Martina Hannöver-Sternberg (GER).

Martina Hannöver-Sternberg apprenticed with Herbert Rehbein on Grönwohldhof before she started to work on the Vorwerk Farm in Cappeln/Germany. Among others, she competed with the famous stud stallion Rubinstein and apart from various Grand Prix-successes, both won the prestigious Nuremberg Cup Final.  

In 1999, Martina Hannöver-Sternberg started her own training business and in the meantime, she has been introducing many horses to Grand Prix-sport.  She earned various high placements at German Championships. As she had been training the Portuguese dressage team for years too, she enjoys an excellent reputation as trainer and instructor worldwide.

During this time, Martina Hannöver-Sternberg also trained our Rubinstein-offspring DMJ RUBENS (see the photo). Together they won and placed at various national and international classes at advanced dressage level. Please read more here…      

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November 21, 2008:

Don Schufro Is Still One of the Best Breeding Stallions

The German Breeding Evaluation 2008 shows that DON SCHUFRO is still one of the best dressage stallions. With 176 points and a safety assessment value of 93% - which apparently exceeds the desired 90% - he is definitely one of the most reliable and valuable breeding stallions among the best ones on this list. The stallions Belissimo M, Münchhausen and the Don Schufro-son Diamond Hit have also proven their qualities as reliable and valuable stallions. To get more information about our Don Schufro-progeny, please click here...

The stallions that rank at the top of this overall German assessment are always of great interest to breeders. The German Breeding Evaluation 2008 includes 3687 dressage stallions. Stallions with a breed value of 151 and better belong to the top one percent. 

The safety assessment value is very important to judge the breed values correctly. It is a percent value that describes and summarizes the quantity and quality of information available for each stallion. Breed values are only published in the Yearbook Breeding if the estimated overall breed value is based on a safety assessment value of at least 70% and on own performances of at least five offspring.

Stallions published for the first time in the German Breeding Evaluation are of great interest to breeders, too. The Oldenburg stallion Sir Donnerhall (born in 2001) heads the list. In this closing year, his first offspring turned three years old. The same applies for Dancing Dynamite (born in 2001) and Real Diamond (born in 2001).

Also new among the best dressage stallions are the former double world champion of young dressage horses, the Westphalian stallion Damon Hill (born in 2000), Farewell III (born in 2000), Jazz (born in 1991) and premium stallion FREESTYLE (born in 1996), a close relative of our state premium mare WEDDING ROSE.  

BREED VALUES DRESSAGE 2008 – TOP 1% 

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October 6, 2008:  

It Has Been a Very Successful Year for DMJ La Perla

Last autumn, we decided to have our three-and-a-half-year old Londonderry-daughter DMJ LA PERLA trained and prepared for the Hanoverian Studbook registration and mare performance test in Germany. DMJ LA PERLA is a mare with a perfect character, easy to handle and fantastic to ride. Her development over the winter was excellent, and she accomplished her basic training far away from home without any problems.

In spring 2008, DMJ LA PERLA was presented for Studbook registration and mare performance test purposes in Filsum in the northwest of Germany. At her Studbook registration, the judges awarded outstanding scores for her exterior and six times scores of 8 and two times 9 for trot, impulsion and elasticity. Her perfect presentation was crowned by the fantastic overall score of 8.

At the succeeding mare performance test, DMJ LA PERLA scored 8 for rideability. She also competed at the Mare Show in Dötlingen were she ranked fourth among 41 competitors in total in the division of 4-year-old mares.

When DMJ LA PERLA returned to our stud in Denmark in June, she was bred and checked in-foal to first-class stallion HOHENSTEIN – a combination we are looking forward to with pleasure.

In the meantime, the experienced Danish horse breeder Bente Nielsen (see photo) and her son purchased DMJ LA PERLA, and she is already registered in the highest studbook class of the Danish Warmblood Society. For more information about this incredible mare and her well-known relatives, please click here….

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September 8, 2008

Solière Successful at the Federal Championships

The impressive four-year-old stallion SOLIÈRE by Sandro Hit out of the sister of our state premium mare WOITANA competed at the prestigious Federal Championships in Warendorf. The successful music producer Paul van Dyk is the owner of the stallion out of the victorious Fidermark-line, and he was presented by the experienced rider Eva Möller. The gorgeous, shiny black stallion ranked fifth in the final.

One month before, SOLIÈRE (bred by Sandra Neff) achieved two convincing victories at the Hanoverian Riding Horse Championships for four-year-old stallions, staged on the occasion of the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden.

In Warendorf he scored 8 for trot and canter. “An extremely beautiful and expressive trot although he missed the last suppleness today,” was the judges’ final statement. SOLIÈRE presented a well-balanced walk, always maintaining the rhythm for which he scored 7.5. Judges’ wish there could have been a little more forward drive from the shoulder. “Beauty and perfection of his conformation can hardly be topped,” confirmed Bruno Six, and SOLIÈRE scored 9 for his nearly perfect exterior and 8 for the presentation of his trainer.

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August 18, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Earn the Bronze Medal

at the German Junior Championships

The horse country of Lower Saxony has always been a popular address for equestrian fans. And it was the same from August 15 to 17, when the rider’s stadium in Hanover hosted the German Junior Championships. All participants are the best ones of their individual age groups, and the winner’s lists of the last two decades show: Those who win a medal in this competition will compete for the National Team at national and international shows in the future.

Louisa Lüttgen and her European Championship horse DREAMY out of our breed were among the 42 junior participants. With final scores of 70.333%, 70.667% and 74.900% at the three qualifiers, the successful junior rider earned the bronze medal at this year’s Junior Dressage Championships.

All results and video clips of the second and third qualifier can be found below. Witness the performances of all participants or move the time bar on the time axis to the time indicated below and enjoy the excellent and fascinating presentations of Louisa Lüttgen and DREAMY. More pictures here...

Results of the three qualifiers: 

First test - Second test - Third test /freestyle - Final results 

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July 21, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Win Gold and Silver

at the European Championships in Portugal

The German junior riders won the gold medal at the European Dressage Championships in Portugal. Prize of the Best-champion Louisa Lüttgen on DREAMY and Sanneke Rothenberger on PASO DOBLE contributed considerably to this victory. It was a neck-and-neck-race between both German riders at temperatures around 105°F. With a final score of 73.65%, the best result of the day, Sanneke Rothenberger pipped her team colleague Louisa Lüttgen who achieved 73.55%.

The two German junior riders Louisa Lüttgen and Sanneke Rothenberger continued their exciting duel from the team test in the individual test for the European Championships. Finally Louisa Lüttgen and the eight-year-old Donnerhall-daughter DREAMY earned the silver medal with a final score of 74.3%, again only just beaten by the duo Rothenberger and the 13-year-old gelding PASO DOBLE with 74.85%. The final canter change was the decisive factor as Louisa Lüttgen and DREAMY failed to accomplish this move. To see all the results and reports from Eurodressage, please click below. To get more information, please click here…   

Results  -  Team Test  -  Individual Test  -  Freestyle (Photo) 

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July 2, 2008 

Press Release - Pferdeforum 07/2008 Reports:

"Oldenburg Sport Horse in July"

Victory at the qualifier with 70.45%, victory at the freestyle final with 73.75% - DREAMY and Louisa Lüttgen made a clean sweep at the Warendorf Prize of the Best-event – despite torrential rain. Now the duo is shortlisted for the European Junior Dressage Championships. “It was perfect right from the very beginning,” Uwe Heckmann remembers, when the only 12-year-old Louisa Lüttgen from Kerpen and the Oldenburg liver chestnut mare met the first time in 2003 at the Oldenburg auction training. The now eight-year-old Dreamy is fondly called “Hilde” at Gut Mödrath in Kerpen, and together with Louisa Lüttgen who already successfully competed at pony classes, both made their successful debut at junior level this year. At the opening competitions for the Prize of the Best, they were already the measure of all things.

Dreamy’s real name is “Dreamy DMJ”, and in 2003, she was awarded state premium candidate.

Two more dressage horses descend from Dreamy’s dam Wedgewood Lady. One of them was also sold at the Vechta auction, the other one is the Oldenburg premium mare Cherry DMJ (by Blue Hors Cavan). Wedgewood Lady is full sister of the three approved stallions Weissmüller, Wedgwood (both advanced dressage level) and Weizenjunge (elementary dressage level), as well as half sister of the medium show jumping horses Gina and Glenburnie (both by Goldfasan).                   

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June 23, 2008

Andreas Helgstrand and Blue Hors Don Schufro

Win the 2008 Dressage Championship in Denmark 

Following three convincing victories at the Danish Dressage Championships 2008, it became clear that favourite Andreas Helgstrand and BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO would win this competition again. Standing ovation and thunderous applause accompanied the popular duo when they left the arena in walk on a long rein the last day after they completed their powerful and impressive freestyle presentation. Beauty, precision and the skill to accomplish even difficult dressage exercises as easily as possible – these are the most important features of the 15 years old, extremely successful breed stallion.

“Don Schufro is simple incredible, he is a true gentleman. It moved me to compete with him again,” said Andreas Helgstrand at the following press conference, and he added: “Today’s victory with Don Schufro means a lot to me. It is simply unbelievable to win the Danish Championships with such scores – it reveals the true quality of this fantastic horse!”

The duo won the Grand Prix with 76%, the Grand Prix Spécial with 77,5% and the Grand Prix freestyle with 79,65%. They had an overall advantage of almost 15%, followed by the second Natalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein on Rigoletto and the third Anne Van Olst on Exquis Clearwater.

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June 16, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Nominated for

the 2008 European Championship

Four weeks after the Prize of the Best-event, Germany’s best young dressage riders met again in Warendorf. 11 young riders and 10 junior riders competed to secure the tickets for the European Championships in Azeitao/Portugal.

The selection consisted of two partial tests. The young riders had to complete a S*-level Prix St. Georg dressage test and a S*-level freestyle, the junior riders a dressage class and freestyle at M**-level.

Following two convincing victories at both partial tests, junior rider Louisa Lüttgen (GER) and our homebred, eight-year-old Donnerhall-daughter DREAMY qualified for the European Dressage Champion-ships from July 14 to 20, 2008, in Portugal. For more photos and information, please click here… 

Results first partial test    –    Results second partial test

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June 9, 2008

Impressive Comeback for Don Schufro in Lingen

Following a break of almost 1½ years, Andreas Helgstrand (DEN) and BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO presented an impressive performance in Lingen. With a final score of 72.83%, they convincingly won, followed by Klaus Husenbeth (GER) on PICCOLINO with 70.87% and Kristy Oatley (AUT) on QUANDO QUANDO with 70.33%.

“When entering the arena, I was wondering whether this was reality, do I really start with DON SCHUFRO? I am completely happy. Perhaps I could have shown a more risky performance, but it is already not that easy to beat Don Schufro if he makes no mistake,” said a completely satisfied Andreas Helgstrand immediately after the ride.

The next day, Anky van Grunsven (NED) won the Grand Prix-freestyle on PAINTED BLACK with 80.50%, followed by Andreas Helgstrand on BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO with 75.05% and Jan Brink (SWE) ranking third with 74.75% on BJØRSELLS BRIAR.

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May 19, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Win the "Prize of the Best" Championships

The “Prize of the Best” competition in Warendorf is one of Germany’s most important tournament for young riders. Every year at the end of May, the top-class young German riders meet in Warendorf to compare their performances and to compete at the first selection for this year’s European Championships.

On Saturday, Louisa Lüttgen and our homebred DREAMY by Donnerhall out of WEDGEWOOD LADY ranked first at the dressage qualifier for junior riders. With a final score of 70.45 points, Louisa Lüttgen was the only one to hit the score of 70% although she only just recently changed from pony sport. 

On Sunday, the eight-year-old DREAMY had her freestyle debut. To the music of the Rocky-films, both achieved 73.75% and earned not only another champion’s ribbon, but also an award Louisa did not achieve during her successful pony career, the black-red-golden rosette for the Prize of the Best. For more photos and information, please click here…

Saturday's result - Sunday's result - Overall result

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May 5, 2008

Unique Dressage Pedigree

On May 4th, our highly awarded state premium mare BEAUTY BOLERA by the fantastic Bolero gave birth to a gorgeous colt by the victorious Grand Prix stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO.

The colt, DMJ DON BOLERO, is an outstanding, markedly noble and very leggy colt (108 cm), true to type, with a highly interesting and unique dressage pedigree!  

His granddam is the sister of the famous Grand Prix dressage horse WESERPERLE S who won the gold medal at the European Championships 1998 in Hickstead under Ellen Schulten-Baumer (GER).  

We are grateful that the birth went well and that the foal is developing wonderfully. More information can be found here…

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April 21, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Successful in Kronberg

Louisa Lüttgen (GER) and DREAMY  by Donnerhall out of WEDGEWOOD LADY successfully completed another tournament.

At the selection contest on Schafhof in Kronberg (Germany), a qualifier for the “Prize of the Best” in Warendorf, both were in top form. With 71.8%, both ranked second at the opening competition, only five points behind the favourite pair Sanneke Rothenberger (GER) and Deveraux.

On the next day the second qualifier was even better. They achieved a convincing victory with 72.8% (24 points in advance!). In this respect, Louisa Lüttgen praised “the fantastic character of DREAMY”. Read more and see the pictures here... 

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April 7, 2008

Absolutly Gorgeous 

We have awaited the birth of our lovely premium mare CHERRY`s first foal full of anticipation. She is one of the very few offspring by the successful Grand Prix stallion Blue Hors Cavan - read more and see the pictures and videos here.

Finally, on April 7, after a little more than three additional weeks she gave birth to an absolutely gorgeous, well-shaped and impressively moving, 111 cm tall colt by LAURIES CRUSADOR XX. We have the pleasure to inform you that both are doing well and that the colt is progressing wonderfully.

Photos and video of the colt is available under DMJ LAS VEGAS.  

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March, 2008

Louisa Lüttgen and Dreamy Victorious in Austria

Top-class horses and countless international dressage stars from more than 20 nations are competing at the 8^th International ***CDI/CDIYJ Dressage Horse Show in Stadl-Paura (Austria). Among them are Olympic champion Ulla Salzgeber (GER) and the exceptional, already 61-year-old Swiss dressage grand dame Christine Stückelberger.

39 competitors from 11 nations participated at the FEI Young Riders’ Dressage Team Test. The young guests from Germany presented outstanding performances in the arena and at the end, they celebrated their fourfold victory.

Especially Louisa Lüttgen (GER) impressed the jury with two fantastic rides. The young rider celebrated a double win with her horses Habitus 10 (72.333%) and on our own bred, only eight-year-old DREAMY (70.50%) by Donnerhall out of WEDGEWOOD LADY. Although Louisa Lüttgen and DREAMY were scared about a falling flower pot while entering the arena as first duo of the test, both achieved an impressive third place at this first individual class.

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December 2007

Practial Trainee in the Royal Stables 

This autumn, the daughter of a good friend of mine had the chance to spend two weeks as practical trainee in the Royal Stables in Copenhagen. It is an absolute exception, because normally, the Royal Stables do not allow students to do traineeships there. 

Camilla wrote about her experiences during these two weeks, and I’m pleased to publish her fascinating story on my website. It is a great a thing and deserves to be furthered if young people become active to foster their career and to fulfil their dreams. Well-done, Camilla!

Camillas Story:

A horse is a horse – even if it is wearing a crown !

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November 2007

Blue Hors Don Schufro Still at the Top

Every year, the breeding evaluation is determined for more than 3.500 riding stallions by the currently latest model to calculate this figure. It is the 7th time in a row that BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO leads this world famous German FN dressage ranking. 

• DON SCHUFRO by Donnerhall 181 points
• BREITLING W by Bismarch 171 points
• MÜNCHHAUSEN by Hohenstein 171 points
• HIS HIGHNESS by Hohenstein 166 points
• FLORENCIO I by Florestan I 164 points
• BELISSIMO M by Beltain 162 points
• DIAMOND HIT by Don Schufro 162 points
• DON PRIMERO by Donnerhall 161 points

October, 2007

Valuable New Member in Our Group of Foals

We have the pleasure to present a new foal in our broodmare stable. It is a bay filly, descending from the successful, top-class Hanoverian line going back to the Schumann-daughter S449, bred by Dr. Max Schulz-Stellenfleth in Germany. The famous stallions Brentano I + II, Garibaldi I + II, Wolkenstein I + II and Wolkentänzer as well as the extremely successful advanced level dressage horses and stallions Beauvalais (in the photo Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (ESP) and Beauvalais), Believe It, Bao Bao, Beltain, Lauterspieler and Little Big Man descend also from this damline. Above mentioned privately owned stallion Wolkentänzer is a half brother of our noble filly by Lauries Crusador xx out of state premium mare Cäcilie by Cavalier/Bolero. We are very happy about our new promising youngster.

October, 2007

Top Stallion Prospect by Don Schufro x Brentano II

These are video recordings of our four months old, very promising colt DMJ DANNEBROG by the successful Grand Prix-stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO out of our valuable state premium mare BYZANTINA by Brentano II. On the occasion of the Danish Stallion Licensing in Herning in 2006, DON SCHUFRO was awarded Stallion of the Year. In the same year, he also presented the most expensive riding horse and the most expensive colt at Danish Elite auctions. Apart from that, his offspring won the 2006 Danish Dressage Horse Championships and the 2006 DSA-final of five-year-old dressage horses. In 2007 DON SCHUFRO is for the third time the sire of the champion mare of the Danish Elite Mare Show in Vilhelmsborg. BRENTANO II won his stallion licensing, he competed at the Federal Championship final and was trained up to Grand Prix-level. Due to his incredible dressage inheritance qualities, he was awarded “Hanoverian Stallion of the Year 2003”. Please read more about DMJ DANNEBROG.

September, 2007

Andreas Helgstrand Exceeds 5 Million Downloads on YouTube

In less than one year, Andreas Helgstrand and Blue Hors Matiné have exceeded more than 5 million downloads at YouTube. Users all over the world have frequently downloaded his fantastic ride at the freestyle final of the World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 2006.

“It is incredible,” Andreas Helgstrand says, and he continues: “I would do a lot to experience these moments once again. And should I not succeed, then this was certainly the best experience of my lifetime.” Enjoy the fascinating presentation once again and find more information here...

August, 2007

Louisa Lüttgen and DMJ Dreamy (FN: Dreamy 6)

Louisa Lüttgen (GER) and DORNIK B won the 2007 European Pony Dressage Championships with the record-breaking, highest ever result of 77.35% (the previous record was 76.97%).

This is not the only outstanding success of the only sixteen-year old, extremely promising young rider. She also was on the winning team in 2005 and 2006 and is today celebrating her third gold medal. It is the last year for Louisa Lüttgen on the pony circuit; next year she will start at junior level.

But she already made her first experiences this year when she won a third level dressage test with the seven-year-old Donnerhall-daughter DREAMY (see photo) out of WEDGEWOOD LADY by Weltmeyer out of our breeding stock.

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July, 2007

Blue Hors Cavan Said Goodbye

It was an unforgettable, moving moment when BLUE HORS CAVAN took leave at the gala show of the 2007 stallion licensing of the Danish warmblood society. During his active sport career, CAVAN had a tremendous influence on Danish dressage sport, first with Lars Petersen, then with Andreas Helgstrand. He won totally 49 Grand Prix events, four Danish championships and eight World Cup qualifiers. And he competed at various European and World Championships, Olympic Games and World Cup finals. Now Andreas Helgstrand rode the gorgeous, 17-year-old CAVAN one last time, in front of the same audience and in the same dressage ring as 14 years ago when CAVAN started his fascinating career in Herning.

When Andreas took the microphone, the spectators were deeply moved by his words: „… CAVAN, you are the best training horse one can imagine. With all the valuable experiences we both have made, I should visit you every morning in the stable to do you proud. Thanks so much that I was the one who could experience this fairy tale. You are a true friend.“

Today CAVAN enjoys his retirement on the huge pastures of Blue Hors. He spends the days with a companion, lots of lush grass and with view to the other pastures with the stars of tomorrow. He loves running around, he takes pleasure in life and from time to time, he shows the youngsters how to do a perfect passage. 

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June 2007

Top Stallion Prospect by Don Schufro x Wolkentanz II

We have the pleasure to present a video of our 14-weeks old stallion prospect DMJ DONTECITO by Grand Prix-stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO out of our highly awarded state premium mare WEDDING ROSE by Wolkentanz II. There are more than 2800 riding stallions listed in the breeding evaluation of the German National Equestrian Federation FN, and BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO leads this ranking for the sixth time in a row. The photo on the right side shows Johannes Westendarp and WOLKENTANZ II. In 2006, both earned various victories and placements at Prix St. Georges and Intermédiare I-level. Besides, WOLKENTANZ II achieved highest scores for type and dressage skills so that he ranks at the top of the 15 best stallions in the “Hanoverian Yearbook Stallions 2007”.

May 2007

Wedgwood Lady Does Not Live Any More

It was hard for us to part from our 18-year-old WEDGEWOOD LADY by Weltmeyer, bred by the well-known horse expert Harry Possin from Germany. In our thoughts, she will always be in our mare herd. We will never forget her exceptional personality and her unique character. She was a horse to rely on completely – even in especially stressful situations. 

It was touching how she looked after her offspring, even in the end when she had to cope with pain. Many well-known riders and stallion raisers appreciated her high-quality, eagerly working offspring. We will try to continue and to foster this valuable line with her daughter DMJ CHERRY by Blue Hors Cavan – we deeply miss WEDGEWOOD LADY.

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May, 2007

Blue Hors Cavan Mare In-Foal to Lauries Crusador XX

Our BLUE HORS CAVAN-mare DMJ CHERRY is checked in-foal to the 22-year-old, exceptional thoroughbred stallion LAURIES CRUSADOR xx (photo). He is regarded as being the most successful contemporary dressage thoroughbred stallion with a fantastic prepotency. He passes on an utmost of elegance and expression, light-footed and ground-covering trot movements as well as his uphill canter. I myself love this English thoroughbred stallion and I am convinced that the riding horse breed cannot do without a continuous thoroughbred influence. Performance thoroughbred stallions add the necessary „steel“ to the warmblood breed. Without the thoroughbred, the warmblood would certainly lose its performance potential, its toughness and would slowly resemble cart horses. A sound brood mare is the best basis for using thoroughbred stallions successfully, and with these mares, you will be able to produce any type of horse. And I believe in the clever combination of different bloodlines true to the motto „blood to blood“. Countless exceptional horses have already proven this theory.

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April 26, 2007

The Swallows Bring Good Luck

On April 26, when the swallows returned to our stable, our valuable state premium mare BYZANTINA gave birth to a noble, 106 cm tall lovely colt by top-class stallion BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO.

The liver chestnut colt DMJ DANNEBROG will certainly have the same impressive type and the same fantastic movements as his full sister DMJ DIVA DIOR. The ground-covering basic gaits, combined with the unique, pleasing Trakehner expression, are anchored in the dam line and cannot be denied.

We are very happy that dam and foal are in perfect health and that the colt is developing impressively. Please find more photos under DMJ DANNEBROG.

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April, 2007

A Planned Foal Was Born

It was an incredible pleasure for me that my 18-year-old state premium mare BEAUTY BOLERA by Bolero gave birth to her filly DMJ DONNA DANICA (photo at the age of 18 hours) by BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO: I have been waiting a very long time for a filly out of this bloodline combination! The 108 cm tall foal has the same gorgeous colour, type and constitution as her promising (now 2-year-old) full brother, the stallion prospect DMJ DUBAI. SPM BEAUTY BOLERA is again completely taken up by her motherhood. It is such a pleasure to watch these first bonds of love – they are the most valuable moments in life! Thank you, Bolera!

More information under DMJ DONNA DANICA

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April, 2007

Silvia Iklè (SUI) Qualified for Las Vegas, But...

The Dutch Anky van Grunsven (NED) and SALINERO are still at the top of the World Dressage Rankings, followed by Isabell Werth (GER) and WARUM NICHT, Andreas Helgstrand (DEN) with BLUE HORS MATINE and Isabell Werth with SATCHMO.

Silvia Iklé (SUI) and SALIERI CH rank fifth which is their hitherto best position at this ranking. And the duo qualified for the World Cup Final in Las Vegas (USA). But Silvia Iklé will not travel to the gambler’s city, not only because her horse SALIERI CH does not like air transports. „With regard to the European Championships, I will not participate at the World Cup Final. Perfect performances in Turin are absolutely necessary for the Swiss team, because it’s our last chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Hongkong. In this show season, I have focused on the European Championships,“ explained the rider from Zurich.

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March, 2007

2007 National Stallion Show in Herning, Denmark

Please feel free to see our photos and share some personal moments from the National Stallion Show on the links below. The photo to the right: Andreas Helgstrand and BLUE HORS ROMANOV by Rohdiamant (the full brother of Rubin Royal).

PHOTOS:

DRESSAGE - FREESTYLE PRIX SCT. GEORGE

PHOTOS:

PERSONAL MOMENTS AND THE CHAMPION STALLION HOTLINE 

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March, 2007

2007 National Stallion Show in Herning, Denmark

Please feel free to see our promotion photos and share some personal moments from the National Stallion Show on the videos below.

March, 2007

2007 Palm Beach Dressage Derby

Susan Jaccoma and the nine-year-old stallion HARMONY´s WEISSMULLER (the full brother of our WEDGEWOOD LADY) took home a blue at the Intermediaire I. The pair’s winning score of 71.25 percent was also the highest score at the Saturday FEI-competitions.

Susan Jaccoma is not only happy with the score, to her great delight, she has also contributed to the winning reputation of Harmony Sporthorses. “I was thrilled with the score,” she said. “The horse really doesn’t make mistakes in the ring. He’s super and the whole ride was really fun. When it feels fun, you know in the back of your head it’s good. His greatest strength is his character. He’s a kind, willing, stallion who tries hard. The only thing keeping him from moving up to Grand Prix is his age.”  

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February 27, 2007

The First Foal of the Year Was Born

It is a pleasure to inform you that on February, 27, our highly awarded state premium mare WEDDING ROSE by Wolkentanz II gave birth to the first foal of the year - an enchanting dream prince!

It is a gorgeous, (110 cm) tall and very leggy colt, true to type, by the champion stallion and Grand Prix winner BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO.

We are grateful that the birth went well and that the foal is developing so wonderfully. Photos of the top foal are available under DMJ DONTECITO.

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February, 2007

"Hoofprints Upon Our Heart" by Carole An Lee

Please find attached a breathtaking story that really touched my heart from the author Carole Ann Lee’s life about how love and patience transformed a starved and abused horse into a champion - and a beloved member of the autor’s family!

Carole Ann also told me that; “The real reason for writing AJ's story was mainly to release the pain in my heart. As mentioned, his story has been published several times in various magazines.  I've never charged a fee for his story and never will.  Instead, my wish is that AJ's story will carry a message to the world. That, instead of looking the other way when people know an animal is being neglected or abused, they will do something to help. If even one horse, or any animal is rescued from suffering because of AJ's story, my purpose has been met … ”

Last summer AJ`s story was chosen best to represent the human-animal bond in the USA! It is a pleasure and a great honour for me to present the beautiful and heartbreaking story of AJ - wonderfully told by Carole Ann Lee - here ...

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February, 2007

Record Resultat for Don Schufro in Neumünster

Isabell Werth (Germany) and her 11-year-old WARUM NICHT FRH won the Grand Prix freestyle at the World Cup Dressage Festival in Neumünster. The previous day, they were victorious at the Grand Prix-competition. With a result of 83,60%, the Grand Prix Special gold medal winner of last year’s World Championships was the unbeaten winner at the freestyle.

Andreas Helgstrand (Denmark), the darling of the audience, and BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO ranked second. With 79.55%, they established a new personal record. 

„He was simply fantastic, and the audience was out of its mind with joy,” Andreas Helgstrand said. This time, he presented a completely different freestyle. Alexandra Korelova (Russia) and BALAGUR ranked third with a final score of 77.50%.

Video - MyVideo

Anderas Helgstrand and Don Schufro - Dressur World Cup Kür

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January, 2007

Great Honour for Christine Stückelberger (SUI)

Christine Stückelberger is certainly the most successful Swiss Olympic rider of all times. On the occasion of a Gala Evening in Munich (Germany), she was awarded the „Silver Horse“ for her lifework.

During her sport career, Christine Stückelberger won gold medals at Olympic Games, World and European Championships as well as various national championships. Today she is an active breeder and is regularly holding seminars and clinics. Last year, the American Monty Roberts was awarded the „Silver Horse“.

Link: 

http://www.eurodressage.com/news/focus/foc_stuckelberger.html

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January, 2007

Still at the Top: Fidermark

FIDERMARK, Grand Prix-Winner, Federal Champion and reserve winner at the stallion licensing in 1994, is once again the unquestionable leader of the prize money statistics of NRW stallions of his age-group. He achieved this fantastic result almost without considering the show jumping results and prize moneys of his offspring. 

Video - YouTube

Marlies von Baalen (NED) and the stallion Fidermark