Hunter Stallions... who are they? [Archive]

Surrey

Jul. 11, 2007, 08:03 PM

Sorry for lack of details! I can't seem to figure out how to post a photo, so I'll go with a description:

I have a 16'1" TB mare who is approved ISR/Oldenburg. It is not important to me to be able to register the foal. She is a great mover but only an okay jumper (can get rather flat and doesn't hike her knees like I'd like her to!)--so I need a stallion with a great jump. She has a long neck, beautiful head, and great shoulder/front end, but could do with some improvement on her hind end. I'm mainly looking to improve her jump... I imagine the hind end I'm looking for will come along with a better jump.

Sorry I can't provide a photo... my computer skills are failing me!

gortmore

Jul. 11, 2007, 08:07 PM

Von Burgraff is a young stallion that just started showing up here. He has shown at two of the A shows in the 3'3" Pre-greens and was champion at each show. At one of the shows, possibly both, he won every class of the division. He has a really good jump and is a good mover. He is plain bay, about 16.1 or 16.2hh and has a good temperament. By Burgraff and out of, I think, an Ahorn mare.

ParadiseFarm

Jul. 11, 2007, 08:39 PM

Both lovely warmbloods that did well at WEF this year....

2Dogs

Jul. 11, 2007, 08:55 PM

Hunter stallions - well, we all are waiting to see the maturation of some of the young stallions out there. Many of the new ones have very young babies on the ground, so it is a wait and see game. There are some very nice ones!!

I adore Sir Caletto - he jumps the moon and has a great temperment.
I enclose a picture of my filly by him - as a very dusty 2 year old and video of her at a local show - first time out as a two year old - she is out of a Mielenstiefel (Matcho)/ Brentano mare.

time will tell!

From the stats, the wonderful now deceased stallion Rio Grande sure has put some fantastic offspring on the ground!! He is still available frozen I believe!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=c_D6kIUd5pA

RheinlandPfalzSaar

Jul. 11, 2007, 10:09 PM

I definitely have to second Alla Czar, Balta Czar & Chaleon! I think someone mentioned Don Alfredo as well??? Just the Best is another that needs to be mentioned... My Le Mode baby is shaping up to be quite the little hunter prospect as well. There are so many wonderful choices out there, which makes things a lot of fun! Good luck and keep us posted on who you choose!!!

Anna

genevieveg17

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:02 AM

There are quite a few nice hunter stallions out there.
I have had foals by Just The Best, Paparazzo, Sir Caletto, Escapade that have all been very nice hunter types.
I am breeding to Popeye K, Don Alfredo, Sir Caletto and Zarr this year with the hopes of getting a fabulous hunter crop next year.
If you are looking for a little color Zillionair has sired some foals that are winning on the line and I had an amazing Radikal (a pinto son of Rotspon) colt last year that was a freak of a hunter mover!
Red Wine is a newly imported stallion that will begin showing in the fall. He is one I will be watching since I am a sucker for black with chrome!
Good luck with your decision and happy stallion shopping.
Genevieve

genevieveg17

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:10 AM

Here are a few photos of my foals by the stallions listed above.
An Escapade, a Sir Caletto, a Radikal and a Paparazzo.

fish

Jul. 12, 2007, 06:32 AM

I strongly recommend Cunningham (Cassini I x Iorella, by Contender). He's obviously bred to jump, and is himself compiling a phenomenal record as a hunter with gorgeous form over fences: he's presently 1st in the country in the Green Conformation Division, 3rd in the 2nd Year Greens, and 10th in the Regular Conformation Hunters after only 4 shows at 4' (3 championships, including one at the Oaks in which he won every class). He not only has the spectacular jump and amazing scope promised by his breeding, but is gorgeous enough to win the vast majority of his models, and moves well enough to have won hacks against the likes of Westporte and Charade (winner of the hack at Devon), too.
2 Cunningham foals have been born on my farm with another due next March. Not only are the owners (myself and one of my friends) very pleased, but our vet has been impressed enough to breed his G.P. jumper mare to Cunningham, too. It's been about 15 years since I've been this high on a horse, or had one so completely validate at the shows my high opinion of him. (I found him and bred to him the first time when he was newly imported at 4 and joke with his owner that I couldn't be more proud if I owned him myself.)
Good luck in your search. Your mare sounds as though she's very nice and should give you a lovely baby.

Celebrity

Jul. 12, 2007, 07:53 AM

There are some great suggestions so far! I also like Rafaello as a hunter stallion. He is gorgeous, a great mover and jumper, and his babies are beautiful!

florida foxhunter

Jul. 12, 2007, 08:00 AM

talloaks

Jul. 12, 2007, 08:08 AM

I love A Fine Romance!!! WE have a wonderful filly by him this year, she is so brave and athletic but so sweet and easy.

nsm

Jul. 12, 2007, 09:05 AM

Ironman, while he was a jumper, he is distingushing himself as a hunter sire. Currently he has been #1-#2 on the USEF leading sire list for Hunter breeding.

Nancy

Majestic Gaits

Jul. 12, 2007, 09:23 AM

The Dutch have a nice hunter studbook now and easy to register the foal from a TB mare. You can check out the list at www.kwpn-na.org For frozen semen Corland has been doing really well with producing hunters and also Silverstone.

Kathy
www.majesticgaits.com

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 09:42 AM

I am going to add my 2 cents as usual, and tell you to check out some "up and coming" stallions that I personally think will help build a great foundation for future stars in and for the hunter ring..... :yes:

Aside from the great ones already mentioned, check out these guys. The SO's will be happy to help you in any way they can.... And I advocate ALL North American stallions!:D

Westporte
Zarr
Escapade
Black Tie
Zillionair
Loerke

I am really excited about these boys!

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:09 AM

I will add a third vote for Balta Czar, a son of Alla Czar by Zeus. Balta Czar also has a full brother, Aslan who is a dynamite mover. They are in Kentucky.

Also: Jupiter by Zeus and Cardinal846 also by Zeus.

Zeus horses are smart, easy learners, and both my Zeus grandkids keep the cleanest stalls you would ever want to see! Gives you more time to ride :)

grayfox

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:57 AM

I like Escapade, Rio Grande, Westporte, Just the Best, Escudo I and II, Edison and Redwine.

monami

Jul. 12, 2007, 11:14 AM

Pablo has many out there showing as does Escudo I (if you can use frozen) and Escudo II

Leland

Jul. 12, 2007, 11:38 AM

More info for my paper:

thanks

so I see stallions that have a hunter show record, some with jumper and dressage show records, and many named with offspring on the ground - (would love to pictures of the Cunningham offspring and the Zeus sons if anyone can direct me or post!!!!).

a few of the stallions listed I can find neither performance nor offspring records? What makes them hunter stallions?
thanks

monami

Jul. 12, 2007, 11:41 AM

a few of the stallions listed I can find neither performance nor offspring records? What makes them hunter stallions?
thanks

Good question! List the ones the you are speaking of. It may be that they are to young to have offspring in the ring or it may be that there "type" is suitable for hunters.

Leland

Jul. 12, 2007, 11:52 AM

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:12 PM

Cardinal846 has sucessfully competed in Working Hunter and was a GP jumper on 3 continents!

Alla Czar has been the top hunter breeding stallion for 5 years, and his offspring are also successful showing as hunters.

Balta Czar has shown hunters; has a winning hunter breeding offspring, and also a winning Performance Horse (DSHB)

Aslan is younger and his foals haven't shown yet

Jupiter is a proven show hunter. "Chef Jade" on the board has a lovely hunter mare by Jupiter as well as a gorgeous yearling from that mare, who recently did well in Hunter Breeding.

Redwine is a recent import...they don't do hunters in Europe :) He sure looks the part of a hunter sire!

monami

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:14 PM

I don't know about Zillionaire or Radikal and have no idea how they move or jump.

Redwine is newly imported so his foals would be limited to those he had in Germany where they do not do hunters.. There are several Rotspons out there showing in the hunters and my understanding is that this stallion has a GREAT brain and looks to have a good jump. He will be showing in the fall so we will see what happens.

BUT I think many breeders miss the mark when they don't look at the marelines (she truly is more then 50% of the equation) and they do not look generationally at the mare and sire lines. Also people often assume that because stallion "x" is this or that that the foal will be as well. Often times he may not reproduce those qualities or you may just get the dam or the grand dam that poops up.

For example look at the stallion Pablo (just choosing him because he is in North America) he is a good example of a stallion that you can look backwards and forwards generationally (he is the sire of Pablito and Paparazzo)

Also often times the horses out there winning in the hunter ring are by sires that are competing and/or producing in dressage or jumpers. They are bred to perform not just a breeding based on a nice jumping photo on some glossy add. OK of the soapbox :-)

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:18 PM

Glad you made me look further -
however, the ones I was curious about are:

Van Gogh B ( I see he is young!) -
Zillionaire - I see he has a few "hunter breeding" babies - any older in hunters?
Radikal I now see was injured so no performance opportunities - how judged a hunter stallion?
Redwine - cannot find any performance history or offspring info - appears to be 7 so assume there are offspring somewhere? Seems to have a relation to the above stallion via Rotspon. Is Rotspon a hunter stallion?

For the hunter types to be shown in the hunter ring.... horses that travel long and low are preferred to the more upright types preferred for dressage, eventing etc....
The stallions I prefer seem to produce lovely hunter types coupled with a mare that is of the same type. Like I have said a TB / WB cross is my favorite.

2 others come to mind as well Cielo B and Beste Gold. :winkgrin:

genevieveg17

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:26 PM

If hunter breeders stuck with tried and true stallions we would all still just be trying to get mares bred to Alla C'zar , Schoenfeld and All The Gold.
I think it takes a little imagination and some risk in trusting your eye with the young stallions. I will breed to a couple 'unconventional' stallions each year with the hopes of getting a hunter. I like Rotspon in a pedigree for hunters. I think it has proven to be successful. Regardless of Radikals performance record he sired a fabulous hunter foal for me last year. I was so impressed I am repeating the cross.
If you are going to stick with stallions that have a show record in rated hunter divisions then you need to cross Don Alfredo, Paparazzo, Escapade, Black Tie, Rio Grande (a grand prix jumper) and Zarr of your list. Even though quite a few of these stallions have talented offspring out there competing successfully the stallions did not. Some stallions are just to young to have offspring old enough to be competing unless it is in the hunter breeding.
I would not rule out any of these stallions just for lack of a 'show record'
As breeders we need to trust our eye and go with your instincts once in a while.
Lets face it breeding for the hunter ring is a bit of a crap shoot. You can breed two very successful hunters and still end up with an average foal.

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:36 PM

I would not rule out any of these stallions just for lack of a 'show record' As breeders we need to trust our eye and go with your instincts once in a while.
Lets face it breeding for the hunter ring is a bit of a crap shoot. You can breed to very successful hunters and still end up with an average foal.

I for one am glad there are breeders like you out there. You do all the hard work. If it wasn't for people like you "taking a chance", the HB breeding world would be boring. :cool:

grayfox

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:42 PM

Very well written post Monami and Glenhill. Time will tell on some of the stallions but unless we want a very small gene pool as breeders I think we have to keep trying new stallions.

Fairview Horse Center

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:46 PM

Nevada is producing lovely hunters, and several Hunter judges have bred to him, and purchased his youngsters. Nevada himself has only been shown a few times each year locally, but has always placed well. His youngsters have an incredible easy going temperament, even out of hot, difficult mares. Many amateurs break their own. His offsping have shown sucessfully on the line, o/f and u/s including wins and championships at Recognized shows.

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:52 PM

I am very excited about Red Wine. He looks like he's got alot going for him... what a jump! I can't wait to see his babies next year.
We are very lucky to have so many breeders doing such a good job. :yes:

spacely

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:59 PM

Very well written post Monami and Glenhill. Time will tell on some of the stallions but unless we want a very small gene pool as breeders I think we have to keep trying new stallions.

Ditto. Sometimes you have to think outside the box.

I also want to add Chaka Kahn to the list. I have a filly by him this year who is lovely & Grayfox has an outstanding 2 yr old filly who is to die for. I expect to see both girls in the ring in the future. He's all too often over looked IMO. He showed in both the jumpers & conformation hunters & did very well.

Van Gogh B ( I see he is young!) - His first crop hit the ground this year.
Zillionaire - I see he has a few "hunter breeding" babies - any older in hunters? He has babies old enough to be in the ring, but I do not believe any have actually made it to the ring. Silver Bells has one (a yearling) who is doing very well on the line.
Radikal I now see was injured so no performance opportunities - how judged a hunter stallion? I haven't seen him, but I saw Genevieve's colt last year who was the absolute hack winner. It was smart to repeat the breeding. Lovely colt!
Redwine - cannot find any performance history or offspring info - appears to be 7 so assume there are offspring somewhere? Seems to have a relation to the above stallion via Rotspon. Is Rotspon a hunter stallion? He was just imported but I have met him & he will definitely be hunter producer. Fantastic temperament, lovely mover & just a nice, nice boy. I cannot wait to see him in the ring this fall.

STF

Jul. 12, 2007, 12:59 PM

Our stallion has a few starting their work in the hunter ring. Would he happy to give you names and reference to their riders and trainers.
Pics of two different offspring of his below -
Have fun stallion shopping!
:)
:cool:

Chef Jade

Jul. 12, 2007, 01:07 PM

Thanks, sporthorsefilly!

I adore my mare by Jupiter, and her colt by Popeye K. I think if I bred again, Paparazzo would be my choice. I love Sir Calletto, as well. :yes:

My mare (oh, god I just sold her, can I still call her mine?):cry: Jade (http://pets.webshots.com/album/540748275aTGLol)

And my colt: Popular J (http://pets.webshots.com/album/559343256bcMbOS)

Leland

Jul. 12, 2007, 01:12 PM

ha ha - whoever said "crap shoot" sure is right on! I have had a heck of a time compiling any info:
As in:
how many mares bred?
how many "good" versus "average" foals? and what type of mare seems to produce "good or better"?

who decides what is a "good" versus "average" hunter foal? Can you track offspring into the performance ring? (okay, I know the answer to that is a "no" but it is "changing")

who decides which stallion is a "hunter" stallion? If no specifics and no inspections - except for the newly created Dutch registry - don't you think it would have to be either via performance or offspring? Or is that crazy? what am I missing? Some of you seem to say just by looking at a stallion, with none of the above, you can tell? are excited? why?

Does it matter? (tell me now, I can toss the thesis topic LOL!!!)

ps - I do think Pablo and Rio Grande fit. And the ATG thread was interesting too ie enough offspring to get a picture.

monami

Jul. 12, 2007, 01:40 PM

With Hunters there are so many "layers". Many times the ultimate A/O horse is not the same as the top hunter in the pro-divisions. Same with the horses showing on the line.

In NA and in the Hunter ring we have a HUGE base of amateur riders so sometimes the horse with all the talent will never get there because they do not have a pro on their back. Many of the horses with a freakish jump have a peek in them and/or their jump is too much for an avg. rider.

The biggest challenge is to have beauty, talent and brains in 1 package.

DownYonder

Jul. 12, 2007, 01:47 PM

Here are the current top 20 Performance Hunter sires, according to the USEF rankings.
1. Cheenook – Holsteiner (Caretino / Romantiker)
2. Cassini – Holsteiner (Capitol / Caletto II)
3. Alla Czar – Dutch WB (Zeus / Legaat
4. Voltaire – Hanoverian (Furioso II / Gotthard)
5. All the Gold – Hanoverian (Gepard / Wettstreit)
6. Corland – Holsteiner (Cor de la Bryere / Landgraf I)
7. Rio Grande – Hanoverian (Raphael / Windhuk)
8. Zeus – Selle Francais (Arlequin / Matador)
9. Alcatraz – Holsteiner (Aloube Z / Ronald)
10. Escudo I – Hanoverian (Espri / Arkansas)
11. Contender – Holsteiner (Calypso II / Ramiro)
12. Abdullah – Trakehner (Donauwind / Maharadascha)
13. Corrado I – Holsteiner (Cor de la Bryere / Capitol I)
14. Narcos II – Selle Francais (Fair Play III / Tanael)
15. Aristos B – Dutch WB (Onyx (Hecotr du Manoir) / Ghill Manor
16. Come Back II – Holsteiner (Cor de la Bryere / Landgraf I)
17. Calato – Holsteiner (Capitol I / Landgraf I
18. Espri – Hanoverian (Eiger / Diplomat)
19. Hemmingway – Holsteiner (Leandro / Romantiker)
20. Ramiro – Holsteiner (Raimond / Cottage Son xx)

I’m curious to know which of the above boys actually showed as a hunter. Most of them were/are European based, so I suspect not too many of them ever set foot in a hunter ring. Can we make a list?

Other U.S. based stallions on the list - Pablo (Westphalian by Pilot / Matrox) is on there in 29th place, as is Freedom Z (Hanoverian by Furioso II / Ramiro) in 38th place, and the newly imported Oldenburg stallion Landfriese II (Landadel / Manstein) is listed in 44th place. Art Deco (Dutch WB by Samber / Trait d’Union) is also on there but I didn’t count to see where he falls in the rankings. He is followed further down by Don Alfredo (Hanoverian by Don Juan / Archimedes).

I don’t see Popeye, Cunningham, Escapade, Westporte, or Paparazzo but most likely because they are too young to have many get showing.

Hunter Breeding stats will probably reveal an entirely different set of names.

La Gringa

Jul. 12, 2007, 02:01 PM

My favs are

Just the Best
Sir Caletto
Popeye K
Sailor's Spirit (by Popeye K)

and of course Albarez by Alcatraz (#9 on the list) ( but yet to be proven in the show ring, but he has breeding and type to do it)

There are many up and comings that are sure ones to watch!!

RheinlandPfalzSaar

Jul. 12, 2007, 02:06 PM

I will add a third vote for Balta Czar, a son of Alla Czar by Zeus. Balta Czar also has a full brother, Aslan who is a dynamite mover. They are in Kentucky.

I get chills when I watch Aslan's video on the website... he is such a gorgeous horse.

Anna

monami

Jul. 12, 2007, 02:07 PM

To the OP when people trow out a name of a "hunter" stallion I think the follow up question should always be "why"? :-)

Bugs-n-Frodo

Jul. 12, 2007, 02:09 PM

I know nothing about this but, Genevieve, that Paparazzo foal that you posted is :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: LOVELY!

Please return to your regularly scheduled chat about hunter stallions.

spacely

Jul. 12, 2007, 02:23 PM

I know nothing about this but, Genevieve, that Paparazzo foal that you posted is :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: LOVELY!

Please return to your regularly scheduled chat about hunter stallions.

Amy, the Paparazzo & Escapade are true 1/2 sisters (out of the same mare). They are both lovely. I believe the Paparazzo is in So Cal showing on the line, but hopefully Genevieve will chime in.

Just the Best is another great hunter producer.

Marieke

Jul. 12, 2007, 03:38 PM

(I have to pick up my mom from airport, so very quick :D)

VanGogh has his first foals on the ground and all owners are thrilled with them! I had many rebreeds and returns, also from vets!

I haven't had him tested yet, but he could be homozygous for black as he had 28 bays, 8 blacks, 1 paint (HA!). Some of course will turn grey, these are just the base colors. All have his hind end pretty much, most of them have his face, and neck. He doesn't pass on his shoulder (which I also think is his weakest point). All have legs up the wazoo, and will probably be tall horses. He defenitely seems to ad height. All have his temperament, various degrees of laidback, even out of some difficult mares.

Legs, height, temperament and butt, that is what he passes along!

One filly sold after 10 days to a top hunter trainer for 30k. I couldn't believe that!

Proof is in the pudding, so I hope they will all do well, once they get ready under saddle.

Now I'd better run to get my mom :D

Ladybug Hill

Jul. 12, 2007, 03:56 PM

The stallions that I know and love are:

Westporte--very nice movement and has been consistent on adding substance and movement and temperament.

Fun and Fancy Free--TB--large with a great canter and a pretty jump. The classic TB hunter.

Aaron's Gold--TB--a relative unknown but siring nice hunters and hunter breeding champs. Beautiful movement, huge (17 hands with the biggest bone on a TB I have ever seen), very very good temperament, and BLACK.

Don Alfredo--I have yet to use him, but he is on the short list. Very nice movement and jump and well known for siring hunters.

Just The Best--proven over and over.

Nevada--also proven, although small, sires bigger. Good bargain.

Redwine--I do his webpage and I think he is stunning. He JUST arrived. Can't wait to see the foals. I think Jill bred quite a few mares to him this year but they will be late foals for next year.

Zarr--one of the best, but maybe just a bit hotter. A lot of people breed TB mares to him, but I am wondering if the best cross isn't a WB/TB mare. He does seem to sire more substance than himself.

Empire's Power--marketed as a pony hunter sire, but he has a lot of TB in his pedigree and is a fabulous mover and conformation pony. I would love to see some bigger WB mares bred to him. I think his owner may be breeding a Aristos B mare to him.

I am sure I have missed a couple here. Feel free to email me at christolar@comcast.net to be directed to any of the webpages of these stallions.

Chef Jade

Jul. 12, 2007, 04:00 PM

PineTreeFarm

Jul. 12, 2007, 06:13 PM

One gripe about the USEF rankings is that it doesn't take into account the number of offspring showing. I'd rather see some sort of average per showing/registered offspring. Though then one "freak" of nature could skew the ratings as well. There is no easy answer there! :no:

While it is true that one great scoring offspring can impact the standings the top 15 on the list are almost always going to have multiple produce showing and winning at a high level.
If you look at individual sires over a long enough period you find that many stallions repeat on the list year after year, sometimes with only one horse to their credit for a particular year but over time there will be several winners.
What does cause problems is the point system for Adult Amateur and Childrens Hunters. Those divisions are always rated C so sires who produce that type of horse will always have a lower rating as the ranking is just the total of the recorded offspring's points. I guess the rationale is that those divisions are 3'. Points at an A or AA show in Junior Hunters can be 5 times the value of a childrens hunter class at the same A or AA show.
But the interesting thing is no matter what method you use to rank the sires the top ones in the existing list show up in the top group of any reasonable custom ranking.

Samotis

Jul. 12, 2007, 06:22 PM

I just bred to Roc USA. He doesn't have a huge performance record himself but his oldest offspring are 6 and 7 and 1 has already won the Jumper futurity at 4 and last year a really fancy 4 yr old did very well in the IHF with an ammy. The babies I have seen are big boned, smart and very laid back. Many of them were in the 2yr ihf undersaddle and were dead quiet! He has Idocus and Galoubet in his blood. I was a little skeptical because his performance record wasn't great and that he doesn't move very "huntery", but all the babies I have seen have beautiful movement! I think he is one to look at. They are very ammy friendly which is what I wanted! He is big, so not for every mare, but for my little 15.3 mare, he was perfect!

I really like Black Tie too. I am keeping my eye on him!

Who is this Red Wine? Does anyone have a link to his sight? I have not heard of him yet.

spacely

Jul. 12, 2007, 06:30 PM

Redwine (http://www.grayfoxfarms.com/redwine.htm)
Grayfox's new stallion. I've met him. Lovely, lovely boy & one to watch for sure. He'll be in the ring with John French this fall.

spacely

Jul. 12, 2007, 07:00 PM

I have not bred to him. He's only been out of quarantine a few weeks.

MagicRoseFarm

Jul. 12, 2007, 07:29 PM

For the hunter types to be shown in the hunter ring.... horses that travel long and low are preferred to the more upright types preferred for dressage, eventing etc....
The stallions I prefer seem to produce lovely hunter types coupled with a mare that is of the same type. Like I have said a TB / WB cross is my favorite.

2 others come to mind as well Cielo B and Beste Gold. :winkgrin:

Over 50% who have bred to Beste Gold, have bred to produce Hunter Types, even though he has only been shown under saddle in Dressage. However , he did win his first Hunter Breeding Class as a foal ( out of 14 ). His oldest offspring for the Hunter ring are now 3 , and started EASILY under saddle, some by their AO. ( he has one 4 Yo Dressage Type). His pedigree is full of successful Hunters, including Beaujagold( 3/4 sister) Enough Said(Dam's sibling who never lost a model, and won tons of Green Conf Championships), and Ruxton. Both Abundance and Grusus produced many good 3'6" and 4' Hunters over the years dating as far back as the late 1970's.

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 08:58 PM

I just came across a stallion named Deja Bule B. This is a HUNTER stallion in every sense of the word... :yes:
He stands at Rising Star Farm... and there is a fabulous picture of him jumping. I don't know how to post pictures... maybe the owner can.
Check out the trot....
http://s117.photobucket.com/albums/o52/stavisky/?action=view&current=DejaBlueBPM.flv

BTW... Beste Gold's offspring look very "amateurized". I competed against one all Spring.

risingstarfarm

Jul. 12, 2007, 09:19 PM

Awwww, Blue is my baby.

Here he is jumping at his stallion inspection.

He's been such fun and I look forward to his career in the hunter ring.

Silver Bells

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:03 PM

Claim to Fame is the most proven pinto Warmblood stallion in the Hunter Ring!! He's won conformation classes at Devon......HITS....and Championships with professionals and his "older adult amateur" (me!!)

For me, this is what's it's all about... having an amateur horse at the end of the day!

This board is a constant reminder of how successful so many of you are... it's very hard to single out a "perfect" stallion.

kaye

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:44 PM

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:58 PM

I know most people feel that breeding for Hunters is a "crap shoot". We have not found that to be true if you breed to a truly pre-potent stallion. Just The Best stamps his foals with all the looks and attributes of perfect hunters. He proved himself in the 4' Hunter ring and his foals prove it where ever their owners take them. No, he does not appear high on the USEF Hunter Sire list....his foals are so easy to ride that most of them end up being ridden by their owners who are only comfortable in the unrated divisions. That hurts his point standings but it makes for very happy owners who come back to him time after time. He is always near (or at) the very top of the Hunter Breeding Sire standings because he produces correct, beautiful foals with exceptional movement....and they all jump in great style with plenty of scope to go on as far as their riders can go.

Regina DiNovi

Jul. 12, 2007, 10:58 PM

Another opinion:

I love my fillies from Don Alfredo & Westporte. Everything I could ever ask for & the stallion owners were wonderful to work with.

There are so many lovely stallions to pick from. Have fun shopping.

chalkhorse farm

Jul. 13, 2007, 12:22 AM

Ragtime is a stallion that has won many championships in both Regular Working and Regular Conformation Hunter rings. He has a two year old that has won 5 out of 5 Best Young Horse in the hunter breeding in 2007. H e has produced a yearling that has won Best Young horse in Ohio and 4th at Devon and Upperville in 2007 . He has been competitive in the jumper ring and his foals are obtaining premium scores at inspection.

Silver Bells

Jul. 13, 2007, 07:08 AM

Thank you to ALL SO's who care about and understand the limitations of some of us amateurs! :yes:

I second that! :D

ponygirl

Jul. 13, 2007, 08:50 AM

I also put a mare to VanGogh B. She is by Final Pool, did the hunters and the jumpers. VanGogh is young but his breeding and mare line sold me on him. That as well as his jump and looks :)

RheinlandPfalzSaar

Jul. 13, 2007, 11:27 AM

Redwine (http://www.grayfoxfarms.com/redwine.htm)
Grayfox's new stallion. I've met him. Lovely, lovely boy & one to watch for sure. He'll be in the ring with John French this fall.

OMG! He is gorgeous! I can't wait to see his babies.... so he doesn't have any on the ground?

Anna

Janeway

Jul. 13, 2007, 12:22 PM

Question about Redwine: (and let me preface by saying he is beautiful!)

Is he or is he not a little chunky looking? I am not a conformation expert, but he looks a bit heavyset - can someone else tell me if that is just him, or is he perhaps just a "good-doer" ;) at this stage in life? I can see though that he has quite a stallion crest already, which might be contributing to my impression.

Because I look at him, and can not picture an elegant hunter over fences, so it surprises me that many say he will be a hunter and sire of hunters.

Please educate me on what I'm missing!

Fairview Horse Center

Jul. 13, 2007, 12:40 PM

Question about Redwine: (and let me preface by saying he is beautiful!)

Is he or is he not a little chunky looking? I am not a conformation expert, but he looks a bit heavyset - can someone else tell me if that is just him, or is he perhaps just a "good-doer" ;) at this stage in life?

Please educate me on what I'm missing!

Well, Popeye K is not light, and he is doing pretty well ;)
http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2382488200063130970lCdbFW

It does seem to me a bit of a role reversal. The hunters are getting heavier and heavier, while the dressage horses are getting lighter and lighter.

spacely

Jul. 13, 2007, 12:47 PM

I will try to answer, but hopefully Grayfox can chime in. Redwine has babies on the ground in Germany. He was owned by the Mecklenberg State Stud. I know Grayfox is working on getting pictures.

He's not a tank, but not weedy either. For me, he's just what I'd want, not too heavy but not too light. I think he's going to do well on a lot of different mares. Those pics were taken while in quarantine & I do not know how much work he'd been in prior. You'd have to see him in the flesh to understand what I'm saying because I can't explain it any better, but he's not a sherman tank. Just right IMO.

He'll definitely produce hunters. He's got what it takes, a great temperament, lovely jump, good movement (not the hack winner but I bet he'll get a piece). Of course, there are other attributes that make a good hunter & those are just a few, but he's got the necessary ingredients. If you read through this thread, many of our hunter sires are not hunters themselves.

DownYonder

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:01 PM

For those that don't know - the Mecklenburg State Stud is WAY up in the far NE corner of Germany (was part of the former East Germany). It's sometimes difficult to get info or photos from there, unless you go there yourself (and it's a good little drive - well over 3 hours from the heart of Oldenburg, for instance).

Also - WB stallions that are easy keepers can put on a LOT of weight in quarantine, esp. the ones with very mellow temperaments - they don't fret off the pounds like a more high strung stallion.

Although Redwine's sire Rotspon often throws some heavy-bodied horses, I suspect that Redwine himself will do quite nicely here, esp. when paired with lighter mares with a high percentage of "blood."

DownYonder

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:03 PM

And for those that are wondering about USEF hunter breeding stats - here is the current list of top sires for hunter breeding:

1. Ironman – Oldenburger (Inselfuerst / Wienerwald)
2. Zarr – Trakehner (Hennessey / Schwalbenzug)
3. Just The Best – Dutch Warmblood (Octrooi aka Best Of Luck) / Close Watch xx)
4. Sir Caletto – Hanoverian (Sandro / Caletto)
5. Paparazzo – Hanoverian (Pablo / Debutant)
6. Roc USA – Dutch Warmblood (Idocus / Galoubet A)
7. Corcovado – Holsteiner (Coriander / Koenigspark)
8. Sky Blue Walker - Quarter Horse (Cloud Walker / Purple Pigeon xx)
9. Escapade – Hanoverian (Escudo I / Graf Grannus)
10. Escudo I – Hanoverian (Espri / Arkansas)
11. Chaleon – Holsteiner (Calido I / Caletto I)
12. Nob Hill - Thoroughbred/Trakehner (Duke Of Reva / Castle Magic)
13. Guaranteed Gold – Thoroughbred (Milkies Desire / Gold Apollo)
14. Baccarat - Selle Francais (Quidam De Revel / Esma De Fondelyn)
15. Alla Czar - Dutch Warmblood (Zeus / Legaat)
16. Hennessey – Trakehner (Seigneur / Flaneur)
17. Zillionair – Thoroughbred (Issue Of Gold / Milkie)
18. Czechmate – Holsteiner (Carthago / Alme)
19. Consul - Dutch Warmblood (Nimmerdor / Purioso)
20. Orleandro – Holsteiner (Oglio / Landgraf I)
21. Art Deco - Dutch Warmblood (Samber / Trait d'Union)
22. GP's Krugerrand – Thoroughbred (Glitter Please / Unknown)
23. Mongoose – Thoroughbred (Broad Brush / Cox's Ridge)
24. Beste Gold – Hanoverian (Belucci / Grusus)
25. Cabalito – Hanoverian (Cordoba / Aderlass)
26. All The Gold – Hanoverian (Gepard / Wettstreit)
27. Proven Jade – Thoroughbred (Jade Hunter / Kinsman Hope)
28. Grand Cru – Hanoverian (Grand Garcon / Absatz)
29. Mynos – Mecklenburger (Mytens xx / Diskant)
30. Cor Noir – Holsteiner (Cor De La Bryere / Marmor)
31. Rio Grande – Hanoverian (Raphael / Windhuk)
32. Donnersohn – Hanoverian (Donnerhall / Archipel)
33. Scimitar – Hanoverian (Silvio I / Calypso II)
34. Native Regent – Thoroughbred (Vice Regent / Ruthie's Native)
35. Grannius II – Hanoverian (Graf Grannus / Unknown)
36. Argosy – Hanoverian (Aalborg / Veritas)
37. Pistols And Roses – Thoroughbred (Darn That Alarm / Princely Pleasure)
38. Lieutenant Kije – Holsteiner (Laurinn / Carolus I )
39. Aram - Dutch Warmblood (Nimmerdor/ Uppercut xx)
40. Budweiser - Dutch Warmblood (Burggraaf / Voltaire)
41. Jones Hall - Thoroughbred, (Joe's Lin / World Traveller)
42. Acord III – Holsteiner (Ahorn Z / Calypso I)
43. Ariadus – Holsteiner (Acord II / Latus II)
44. Donavan – Hanoverian (Derwisch / Argentan)
45. Riverman – Holsteiner (Redfort / Landego)
46. The Titleist (aka Fuerst Gotthard) – Oldenburg (First Gotthard / Inschallah AA)
47. Mountain Pearl - Irish Draught (Mountain View / Bantry Pearl)
48. Glenlara - Irish Draught (Enniskeane Pride-/ Ben P

Janeway

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:05 PM

Yes, I love Popeye K! Maybe the difference is I've seen him jumping so I can see why he is a hunter (plus I've seen pics of offspring). Redwine just looked really chunky to me.

But then I always thought that winning hunter Ozcar looked like a giant overweight pony, so maybe I'm not such a good judge! :winkgrin: I tend to think of the ideal hunter looking like Just The Best - lean and elegant.

I have read the whole thread Spacely! Its been interesting. Particularly the list of top sires which was made up of almost entirely major European jumping stallions. I was surprised there weren't more of the big names I think of like All the Gold, Just the Best etc. (although Trish Quirk just explained a good reasoning behind that).

DownYonder

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:15 PM

Here is something else to consider.

Many youngsters sired by N.A. based stallions end up with Amateur owners – and as Trish pointed out, many Amateurs are content competing at local shows. By contrast, horses sired by stallions in Europe are usually bought by professionals, either as a resale or for a specific client. The professionals are going to try to make sure those horses compete at the big recognized shows, because that is how they bring in more clients looking to buy.

Fairview Horse Center

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:32 PM

Another thing to consider is that many competitors are content showing in just a few Recognized shows per year. They are not going for points, and see no reason to pay to record their horses. No Recording, no points.

Paperwork just does not seem to matter to so many. I just found out this morning that one of my youngsters, now 5, has changed 4 owners due to school, job, divorce, and now resale prospect. His originial Dutch papers, and all others are still in my name, although at least they have been handed off. <sigh> He is undoubtably the best dressage moving Nevada youngster I have ever seen, with full siblings sold to both Dressage and Hunter Judges. I hope he finds a home!?!?!

spacely

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:33 PM

Yes, I love Popeye K! Maybe the difference is I've seen him jumping so I can see why he is a hunter (plus I've seen pics of offspring). Redwine just looked really chunky to me.

Difference of opinions. To my eye, PK is a tank. I know he's a big boy, but he's a little on the heavy side for me (we're not talking hunter fat either;)). I wouldn't kick him out of my barn:winkgrin:, but it does take a specific type of mare to cross well with him. Most don't take that into consideration & breed for the name which is why I don't consider him a great producer (yet, but that is changing). I have 2 mares who would cross well with him, but I'm not rushing out to do it. Now, I'd put Redwine to any of my 3 mares & I bet it would work just great. Redwine is nowhere near what PK is in terms of tankiness (is that a word?) JMHO. However, I'd breed to PK's sire Voltaire in a hot second.:yes:

coriander

Jul. 13, 2007, 01:45 PM

Like Spacely, I think Popeye K is a tank, and I've seen him up close. Great jump, pleasant horse, but he'd have to have just the right mare for me to want to breed to him. Whereas I fell instantly in love with Redwine from his photos - having not met him as I'm not in his area - and could see a broader range of mares going to him and giving me the type foal I want. Now I just need some mares!!! It is so much in the eye of the beholder...

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 13, 2007, 02:18 PM

I agree with Coriander, Popeye is fabulous but only with the right mares. Spacely, Popeye looks like a tank to me too! But look what he can do with a TB mare = Sailor's Image!

Redwine is gorgeous and would go well with any of my girls. Has anyone noticed that he is probably SABINO! He has white on his lower lip...a dead giveaway!

Rotspon throws some very lovely offspring, I've competed against some! Redwine has MATCHO AA an Anglo Arab as his maternal grandsire...check him out, he gets very high praise for rideability! I would bet Redwine is one very smart boy with lots of showy pizazz!

Don't most studs look chunky by age 7?

maple_brook

Jul. 13, 2007, 02:33 PM

I will be heading back over to Germany in a few weeks and will be going to the Mecklenberg area to try to get pics/video of Redwine off-spring for Jill. So hopefully there will be off-spring info shortly. Although the mare base in the Mecklenburg region is very different from the US mare base, so that needs to be kept in mind.

Redwine is most definitely a sabino and possibly rabicino(sp?) with white flecks of hair in his coat. He is very easy going (he received 10s for his character during his performance tests) and was un-phased by anything during import/quarantine. He has good form over fences and has good jumping ability. I can't wait to see him in the ring this Fall!

spacely

Jul. 13, 2007, 02:49 PM

I agree with Coriander, Popeye is fabulous but only with the right mares. Spacely, Popeye looks like a tank to me too! But look what he can do with a TB mare = Sailor's Image!

See, I think PK crosses well on the right type of WB mare & very few TB mares. JMHO. I think it's Sailor's Spirit you are thinking of though, but that is a cross that worked well on a TB mare. Also HSGF has had 2 fabulous PK babies out of her TB mare & I think one more on the way. Fantastic cross, but again, on a certain type of mare.;)

Redwine is gorgeous and would go well with any of my girls. Has anyone noticed that he is probably SABINO! He has white on his lower lip...a dead giveaway!

He is most definitely sabino & rabicano. If you look at the pics - on his right shoulder & neck there is a lot of roaning. It almost looks like sweat or something, but it is in fact white hair. It's hard to see in the pics, but in the flesh there is no mistaking it. I see lots of chromey babies in his future!:yes:

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 13, 2007, 03:01 PM

Oh I do love Redwine...I'm feeling a buzz already...Sabino, Rubicano. Yes, yes, yes :) :) :) CHROME!!!!!!!!

Yes, Spacely, it was Sailor's Spirit...told you I was getting high on all this Redwine :)

spacely

Jul. 13, 2007, 03:15 PM

:lol: ;) Calm down sporthorsefilly. Take a deep breath.:winkgrin:

Chrome aside, Redwine is a lovely, lovely boy & I can't wait to see his first US crop next year. I don't take chrome into account when I breed because it does not matter to me, but it sure is a nice bonus.:cool: I bred 2 solid bays last year & got a filly with a big star & short sock this year. I was pleasantly surprised.:yes:

Glorybee

Jul. 13, 2007, 03:21 PM

anyone have a link for Just the Best?
Just saw a video of top 100 hunter rides (post in hunters/jumpers) with a little stallion named Jupiter... anyone seen or heard of him? Looked really consistent, and steady. A bit on the small size, but my mare is 16.2 and getting wider every day. She is a beautiful thoroughbred mare - travels long and low - good mover, good jumper. perhaps a bit long backed. typic tb legs and feet... breeding suggestions?

spacely

Jul. 13, 2007, 03:33 PM

Just the Best (http://www.tishquirk.com/) Lovely, can't say anything bad about him!

Jupiter (http://www.dornataintor.com/stallion.html) is lovely but is small & doesn't put size on his babies. If I had a 17+h mare, I'd use him, but wouldn't risk it on anything smaller unless it was a perfect cross. JMHO.

Ragtime (http://Chalkhorsefarm.com) might be one to consider.

RheinlandPfalzSaar

Jul. 13, 2007, 04:23 PM

By any chance did Scott Hoffsetter show Jupiter? I seem to remember a few years back seeing him riding a gorgeous chestnut that was a bit on the small side... I think his name was Jupiter?

Anna

Glorybee

Jul. 13, 2007, 05:11 PM

NOt sure about Jupiter and Scott Hoffsetter. A friend pointed out jupiter's video the other day... Ragtime I like, and westporte too... we are watching a few hunter stallions for both mares. For my Tb mare, a stallion with great (easygoing) temperment wouldn't hurt....:winkgrin:

CuriosoJorge

Jul. 13, 2007, 05:21 PM

Scott Stewart rode Jupiter, back in the day when he was owned by Lindsey Phoebus.

CBoylen

Jul. 13, 2007, 07:24 PM

Don't forget Magical. Everyone that I know that has one has been very happy with them. We have two in the barn, my Touch of Magic: http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2750944170050057682hjDwwp and Shannondell Farm's Milo: http://www.annegittins.com/scripts/store/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=86_-_NCHJA_Annual_2007/Pre-Green--Wed&image=NCHJA07_015.jpg&img=12&tt=&tfile=tn_NCHJA07_015.jpg .

Clarion

Jul. 13, 2007, 07:40 PM

I haven't read through this whole thread, but has anyone suggested More than Luck? He stands with Tish Quirk along with Just the Best, and is also by Best of Luck. He had a successful career in the upper level jumpers and then moved to the hunter ring where he was a Regular Working and Conformation champion. I think last year, may have been his first year standing, but I'm not sure. I have a colt by him this year--great conformation, lovely mover, and sweetheart temperament. (He's on our website, if you want to see what More Than Luck produces.) He's going to make a beautiful hunter. I will definitely breed to More than Luck again.:)

Also a big fan of Just the Best. I've got a colt by him this year that I am also thrilled with. He was supposed to be bred for sale, but he's not going anywhere;)

coriander

Jul. 13, 2007, 09:08 PM

Also a big fan of Just the Best. I've got a colt by him this year that I am also thrilled with. He was supposed to be bred for sale, but he's not going anywhere;)

I saw him on your website and I can see why. :eek: Wow.

Clarion

Jul. 14, 2007, 01:03 AM

Thanks, coriander!:)

Silver Bells

Jul. 14, 2007, 09:07 AM

I saw him on your website and I can see why. :eek: Wow.

Clarion, He is very handsome! :yes:

Clarion

Jul. 14, 2007, 04:58 PM

Thanks Silver Bells!

Jul. 15, 2007, 12:01 AM

Thanks Clarion. You are right, the More Than Luck foals are fabulous. They are still young but look really special. Hap Hansen's good Grand Prix mare Amerika 007 just had a beautiful filly by More Than Luck. She looks a lot like your colt....that translates to "beautiful, correct and athletic with a great temperment." They are breeding her back to him for 2008. Easy to see why.

spacely

Jul. 15, 2007, 12:04 AM

Hap Hansen's good Grand Prix mare Amerika 007 just had a beautiful filly by More Than Luck

This was one of my favorite mares while she was on the circuit. Any chance you have a picture of the filly?

Jul. 15, 2007, 12:10 AM

So far, I only have the foaling night photos. I've been too busy to breathe. I did tell everybody today that we have to do photos of her as soon as we finish the show we are doing now. That means it has to be Monday because we ship to the next show on Tuesday.

She is really gorgeous. You won't believe how much she looks like Clarion's colt....but she is feminine and he is wonderfully masculine.

Of course, once I get the photos I will have to send them to someone else to post 'cause I don't know how. And I want Clarion to re-do my website...mine has lots of lovely photos but it is not well organized or at all up to date. Help!

Clarion

Jul. 15, 2007, 12:17 AM

I would love to see the photo of that filly too! As for the website, TQ, sorry I didn't design mine, I am not nearly that artistic. If you look at the bottom of the pages, you'll see Circuit Designs did my site. I simply take the pages she designed and plug in the new info; I'm a chimp when it comes to the website stuff, I can only repeat what has already been done. I wouldn't begin to know how to design a site; you need TALENT for that.:lol: The woman who has Circuit Designs is extremely reasonably priced though; I would recommend her.

spacely

Jul. 15, 2007, 12:21 AM

Tish, you can email pictures to me & I can put them in an online album & link to them. I love that mare & I'm dying to see her filly.

For website design, I'd recommend Chris Tolar (aka Ladybug Hill here). She has done a fabulous job on several posters sites & will do a more formal one for me this fall.

Regina DiNovi

Jul. 15, 2007, 08:45 AM

I agree with Spacely. Chris Tolar (Ladybug Hill) is fabulous. She did a wonderful job on my site.

Spacely- beautiful foals.

Silver Bells

Jul. 15, 2007, 08:22 PM

I agree with Spacely. Chris Tolar (Ladybug Hill) is fabulous. She did a wonderful job on my site.

Spacely- beautiful foals.

Gina & Stacey... when you're right... you're right! Chris Tolar does a great job, and she still survives after I get finished driving her crazy with changes and updates. :eek:

VirginiaBred

Jul. 15, 2007, 08:28 PM

Nob Hill

http://www.nokomisfarm.us/id1.html

Jul. 16, 2007, 01:01 AM

I'd love to talk to Chris about the web site. Will take photos as soon as I have minute of my own. Thanks for all the good suggestions.

Ladybug, can you send me an e-mail to talk about web sites? HorsesUSA@aol.com. Thanks!

grayfox

Jul. 16, 2007, 08:14 AM

Ladybug Hill did my website. I love her work!

Nob Hill is beautiful, I wonder when Winston will be starting his breeding career. He is also gorgeous.

photos by Draygonfyne

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 16, 2007, 08:40 AM

Virginia Bred thanks for the link to the Nokomis farm Stallions! Nob Hill and Winston are both Gorgeous! Anyone looking for hunter sires, should look closely at them.

Galileo1998

Jul. 16, 2007, 11:30 AM

I breed for hunters and have bred two mares to Westporte this year, one to Pablo and one to Redwine :)

Silver Bells

Jul. 16, 2007, 11:36 AM

I breed for hunters and have bred two mares to Westporte this year, one to Pablo and one to Redwine :)

Good choices. :yes::yes::yes::yes:

VirginiaBred

Jul. 16, 2007, 03:38 PM

LadyBug Hill also designed my website. She is great! :)

stillpointfarm

Jul. 16, 2007, 03:43 PM

Of course Kiev is my favorite, I bred GromKiev and owned his sire Groms an imported jumper from Russia and his dam Isella. Groms has proven himself in producing sensational amateur friendly show hunters, jumpers and field hunters with enough talent for the pros in the best company.

Kiev placed very well at the WEF 2006 Green Conformation Divisions, ribboning in all of his classes and second everytime time out in the model against Scott Stewarts Compliment, which is an outstanding acomplishment, Reserve Champion at the Keswick Horse Show.

Kiev's brother Gargaren just won the Centennial Championships with a junoir in the irons against 64 other competitors from across the country including Canada and all had to all qualify the year before. Gargaren has gotten a lot of press and has been written up in the Chronicle, Horse and Field Sports, In and Around Horse Country, and Covertside.
One of his sisters does the amatuer jumpers and another Roxanna does the adult amatuers 35+ division.

Kiev is proving to us in the quality of his offspring that he will carry on in his sire, Groms' tradition of producing the same temperment and talent.
I've attached photos of a few of Groms' offspring and GromKiev's offspring so you can see the consistency from father to son and to his son's offspring.

Carolyn
http://www.stillpointfarm.net

lauriep

Jul. 16, 2007, 03:48 PM

That is Junior showing him as a young horse in one of the pics, and he has nothing but great things to say about the stallion. Conformatioin, movement, jump, temperament, he liked everything about him.

A friend of mine has a 3 y.o. by him who she says is the quietest horse she has ever been around. He has also done very well on the line in HB, shown by his owner, NOT A PRO! So, it CAN be done!! LOL!!

Hunter_Rider

Jul. 17, 2007, 08:36 PM

I agree- Nob Hill is outstanding!! What a gorgeous mover!!!

Ladybug Hill

Jul. 17, 2007, 10:49 PM

Nob Hill is beautiful, I wonder when Winston will be starting his breeding career. He is also gorgeous.

photos by Draygonfyne

I approached Diana Dodge at Upperville this year and asked her again (I had called her last year also) about Winston. He is truly one of the most stunning horses I have ever seen. I felt a bit odd approaching her because I consider her "horse royalty". She said he needed a bit of a career before going to stud. I think a lot of the traditional TB type breeders did not mix career with stud duties. I respect her for getting a solid career before promotion. She is a classy lady.

I also like Magical. He is beautiful! But some of his offspring seemed a bit "spicy".

Like so many of the stallions mentioned here. Wish I had 100 acres and 20 good mares to try them all out!

monalisa

Jul. 18, 2007, 01:04 PM

I bred my Hanoverian horse show mare 2 years ago to Rio Grande after doing much research into hunter stallions.

I would suggest that you speak with breeders specifically, not the stallion owners.

I gathered much insight from talking to experienced breeders who had bred to many of the horses mentioned in this post.

What has not come up, though, is just because it is fantastic horse, does not mean that it will throw those same traits CONSISTENTLY to the mare. That is what I did not realize, as a real novice, and is what truly makes a great stallion.

My hard work and due dilligence paid off, as I have a fabulous yearling who appears to have many traits from mom and dad (if I could clone my mare I would)!

So I urge you to talk with experiened breeders, see what insight they can give. They told me many things about many stallions that I would have never known, things that a a stallion owner would not tell you. These people are in the trenches and do it all the time, so they know, after seeing 100's of babies come through.