Liberty Gold

[DownYonder]

Have any of you folks used Liberty Gold?

Your thoughts on the foals? What kind of mare works best with him?

[hansiska]

I've used him on a Lemon xx/Abhang III mare. Colt was phenomenal. But -- to be honest -- I don't think you could go wrong using LG on any mare. He added elasticity, suspension, and length of leg to my mare. Great disposition, too, although that may very well have come equally from the mare. I really think LG is a great and underused stallion.

BTW, the vets who collect him are wonderful to work with and very responsive when you need a shipment.
:D

[flyinghorse]

I have had three Liberty Gold foals out of two different mares...all fillies, and all very, very good natured. All three are very nice movers, and definite improvements on the mares. All have very similar hind quarters. They use themselves quite well, but they are somewhat on the cow-hocked side. I am absolutely a fan of their movement, disposition and ease of handling, but the conformation of the hind end....nothing else...could be better. Atractive neck/head, connection of head and neck, loin connection, front leg, etc..all very, very nice. Can't wait to see them go under sadlle. The oldest is 3 years, now, and has started ground work, and has proven herself to be uncomplicated.

Here are some pictures:

Here is the 2006 LG x Donnerschall filly, full sister the one below:

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn22/Flyinghorse11/lIBBY308.jpg

Here is the 2007 filly, that did well in the breed shows in 2008...out of a Donnerschall x Wilhelm Tell II mare:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn22/Flyinghorse11/LucyatRaleigh.jpg

And here is another 2007 out of a Dederick mare, that also did well in 2008 at the breed shows:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn22/Flyinghorse11/Lacyheadshot.jpg

I really like the personality and movement of the girls. I would definitely take a mare to him that already has a very strong back end conformation. I am hoping that at leat one or two of them will make Elite with AHS. The bay sold at 7 days old. I still have the two chestnuts, and plan on keeping the 2007 one, and adding her to my broodmare band.

I really do like Liberty Gold, and will probably breed to him again in the future!

Good Luck!

[DownYonder]

Thanks for the info. A friend is breeding a mare to him and we were wondering why we do not hear more about him and his foals.

[Oakstable]

Are there any other stallions standing in NA that won the stallion licensing and the 11-month performance test in Germany?

His dressage index score was 147.75 and overall score of 140.93.

I've never seen Hilton Farm participate in any forums so that is one reason for a lower profile... in a forum.

[hansiska]

Yes, he won his licensing, won his stallion test, then was imported and swept Devon that fall. Then it seems he's been retired to the breeding shed. He was ridden by Erin Sweeney and may have even been shown by her, but the stallion is not promoted beyond his scores (I guess his scores are all the advertisement he's going to get).

But look at the foals. Talley Ruhle has a filly she bred that won her foal inspection and which she won't part with -- at least the last I spoke with her. Linda Woltz bred her Warkant mare to LG and got a gorgeous stallion prospect (I've met him; quite a horse!) Lou Thompson (former head of AHS) bred two LG fillies and can't say enough about them.

I've not heard of issues with sickle hocks until now. I've seen pictures and/or video (or met) only about 10-12 LG offspring. I bred to LG based on the recommendation of people in europe and here who had seen the horse in person. They raved about him. After I bred my mare to him, I thought perhaps mare with a little bit of TB worked well with him, but, considering the mares others have bred to him, I don't think it's required.

[Oakstable]

I was just reading that Liberty Gold was closely followed by Locksley in the Hanoverian stallion licensing in 2003.

Both are Londonderry/Weltmeyer sons.

[Fairview Horse Center]

Hansiska, do you know what mares Lou Thompson bred to him? Does he still have the Whisper/Divan daughter? Thanks.

I don't believe Erin is at Hilton anymore. Not sure who is riding for them now.

[Walnut Farm]

Thanks Kendra! the boy is being gelded today, as he didn't quite get as tall as we had hoped. But, will be a just as nice gelding.... I haven't heard of "too small" LG offspring, so go figure we got the only one, in the pretty black packet too! and temperement is very easy, he is 3 and still have no clue he is a stallion.

A bit of shame he is not showing, but.......such is life!

I think in general he adds suspension.

Linda

[Edgewood]

My friend has 2 full siblings out of a Diwan mare. Maybe she will post soon (she is a lurker mostly). The 3 yo filly was top foal at a large inspection and is 16. 1 h per my friend. Very pretty girl.

The 2 yo full brother never went to inspection (a teenager on a cell phone ran the stopsign and sideswiped the trailer on the way to the inspection!!). Luckily he came out of the damaged trailer unhurt. He is big though, my friend just measured him and he is 16.3 h behind as a coming 2 yo. I haven't seen him in person, but she says he is a really good mover and has a good temperment too.

[clint]

Both 2007 and 2008 Liberty Gold fillies were tops at the Starr Vaughn AHS inspection. Both of them were very nice with the one last year, out of a Diamont mare, having extraordinary movement. I didn't see the 2007 filly go, so I can't comment on her movement.

[Dressage_Diva333]

Both 2007 and 2008 Liberty Gold fillies were tops at the Starr Vaughn AHS inspection. Both of them were very nice with the one last year, out of a Diamont mare, having extraordinary movement. I didn't see the 2007 filly go, so I can't comment on her movement.

The 2007 filly was an exceptional mover as well :) I can't remember what mare she was out of though.

[houserabbitz]

Does anyone know if there have been any successful pregnancies with LG's frozen semen?

[Oakstable]

Bet LG is being used for an outcross with the Sandro Hit, Donnerhall and R line mares.

Too bad the owner's web site doesn't have a list of foals that have received top owners.

[DownYonder]

Thanks for the feedback. I too think it is a shame LG isn't being shown.

At any rate, we will see what my friend gets in the way of a foal. One thing is certain, it will be a redhead (the mare is chestnut). :lol:

[ahf]

I too think it is a shame LG isn't being shown.


Do you really think that showing would make a difference? I'm not convinced that the Fuchs would recoup anywhere near the cost of keeping a stallion in training/showing with additional breedings. Quite honestly, he should have kept him in Germany where he would have gotten five times the mares he gets here - without ever stepping foot in the show ring again after the 300DT. Everyone bitched about the Leatherdale's leaving His Highness in DE...I aways thought it was the best possible business decision they could make.

Would it have helped .....{redacted}

I think showing counts in the hunters. I think it counts in the eventers and perhaps the jumpers. Dressage breeding? Not at all.

LG is an outstanding stallion that we are wasting the priviledge of having here.

[Fairview Horse Center]

Do you really think that showing would make a difference? I'm not convinced that the Fuchs would recoup anywhere near the cost of keeping a stallion in training/showing with additional breedings. Quite honestly, he should have kept him in Germany where he would have gotten five times the mares he gets here - without ever stepping foot in the show ring again after the 300DT.

I don't really think the Fuchs goal has ever been to really market their stallions. They simply enjoy owning them. They are their pleasure, and even though their time is limited here, they can enjoy him more here than in Germany.

LG is an outstanding stallion that we are wasting the priviledge of having here.

I totally agree. The saddest part of that is that if he were black, he would be much more used.

He has a lovely temperament, and amazing gaits - ALL 3! At Devon, when he made his final congratulatory pass, after winning the Grand Championship, he hit the only thing I have ever seen to come close to a "10" trot. My friend and I both said at the same time, "there it is!" There is nothing more you could ever hope to see. That video is not even available, and the photos from Terri Miller at Devon are not used to market him. As a mature stallion, he is much better than the immature conformation photo on his webpage.

Kate, do you know what his jump is like?

[Oakstable]

Well, the "low key" marketing is indeed a puzzle.

I think Americans like chestnut with chrome and lots of it. At least I do.

Liberty Gold is almost a solid chestnut. He has a star.

I'd like to be impressed by his movement but I can't find any video on line.

I agree with Kate, they should have left him in Germany. American breeders would use his frozen if he stood in Germany.

I read that Londonderry got 800 mares in one season. One has to wonder how many mares LG gets ... 10-15? Dunno.

As far as chestnut, the Weltmeyer color is extremely prepotent ... almost more so than any typical chestnut. At least it seems that way to me.

GOV leans strongly to the dark colors but the Hanoverian Verband could not slight the redheads.

And thanks to the Holsteiners, the greys have their own following.

Sally

[Winsock]

Hello Everyone,

I have been riding LG since Xmas. Hilton Farm's barn manger, Sarah Martin, is doing the best job she can to try and promote him. Unfortunalty, LG's owner does not have any interest in having him compete. Keep checking back with the website because we are in the process of creating a video. He is a wonderful stallion and if more people would just get past his color, they would see he is one of the best Hanoverians in this country. By the way, he does get a lot of mares each year considering the lack of advertising.

[Kenike]

What's wrong with his color? It's not like he's some off-the-wall, weird color! I think he's lovely!

[clint]

I really hope that LG's connections will be more responsive, and I don't think it is necessary for him to compete. There are plenty of very nice stallions who rest on their 100 d.t. laurels and do very well at stud. It is nice to know a stallion can train on and do well, but that isn't a guarantee they will sire superior foals. When he was first imported, I tried to contact his owners/managers about breeding, and after receiving no return emails or calls, I gave up. Since then, I have looked on his website but there has been nothing new, no foals to see, and after my initial disappointing foray, I lost interest. I have seen two of his offspring, both impressive. If he is going to be promoted, consider me back in the hunt. ;)

[Dressage_Diva333]

I like Liberty Gold quite a bit, I didn't have any trouble getting in contact with his manager to get his video and some more information on him. Personally, chestnut is not my favorite color, but I wouldn't use that on the deciding factor to breed, or not to breed to him. Weltmeyer, Londonderry, and Quaterback are all chestnuts, and you bet they get a ton of mares each year. They only color that I won't breed to is grey. I think that his foals are his greatest marketing tool. I had never heard of Liberty Gold before seeing the 2007 filly that was top foal at the AHS Inspection at Starr Vaughn.
I agree that he doesn't need to show, there are many stallions in his postition; Fabuleux never competed after coming to the US, and he is a superb stallion, his offspring and conformation/movement speak for themselves, and he gets a good number of mares each year as well.

I'm using Rubino Bellissimo as an example, he's got a good show record for sure. Is that why I bred to him? No, it was just a bonus. He suited my mare well, and is a quality stallion that produces quality offspring. There are many stallions with incredible performance records that I'm not dieing to breed my mares to. LG scored very well at Adelheidsdorf, and it doesn't bother me that he doesn't have a show record a mile long.

Now for stallions that were tested in the US, I think it's more crutial for them to have a show record... but that's opening a whole new can of worms, so I'll stop there.

[DownYonder]

Do you really think that showing would make a difference? I'm not convinced that the Fuchs would recoup anywhere near the cost of keeping a stallion in training/showing with additional breedings. Quite honestly, he should have kept him in Germany where he would have gotten five times the mares he gets here - without ever stepping foot in the show ring again after the 300DT. Everyone bitched about the Leatherdale's leaving His Highness in DE...I aways thought it was the best possible business decision they could make.

I think showing counts in the hunters. I think it counts in the eventers and perhaps the jumpers. Dressage breeding? Not at all.

LG is an outstanding stallion that we are wasting the priviledge of having here.

I wasn't thinking in terms of recouping the investment, I was thinking that it seems since he is such a nice horse, it would be fun to see him out showing, and interesting to see how far he could go. It's just a bit of a shame that he is being kept at home and not out fulfilling his potential.

And I agree on the color part. I happen to love chestnuts - it's my favorite color - but most people in the dressage world prefer black and dark bay.

[DownYonder]

Hello Everyone,

I have been riding LG since Xmas. Hilton Farm's barn manger, Sarah Martin, is doing the best job she can to try and promote him. Unfortunalty, LG's owner does not have any interest in having him compete. Keep checking back with the website because we are in the process of creating a video. He is a wonderful stallion and if more people would just get past his color, they would see he is one of the best Hanoverians in this country. By the way, he does get a lot of mares each year considering the lack of advertising.

Thank you for posting! Can't wait to see the new video!

[frisky]

I don't personally care for Londonderry, but I short the short video clip posted on horse-gate for his licensing several years ago and I thought he was stunning. That's the only video clip I've seen though.

[Indy-lou]

As a mare owner, a stallion with a performance record is nice, but not a requirement for me to be interested in using him. Many stallions don't handle the dual stressors of the show ring and the breeding shed. But I do look for stallions that are at least being promoted in some way, so that potential buyers are familiar with the stallion. Interesting posts here, LG sounds like he deserves another look.

[ahf]

I wasn't thinking in terms of recouping the investment, I was thinking that it seems since he is such a nice horse, it would be fun to see him out showing, and interesting to see how far he could go. It's just a bit of a shame that he is being kept at home and not out fulfilling his potential.


Well, at any rate Chris - I think you deserve kudos for posting this and raising awareness.

[Oakstable]

I wonder if the AHS could provide a list of LG site champions.

[YankeeLawyer]

But I do look for stallions that are at least being promoted in some way, so that potential buyers are familiar with the stallion.

To me this is the real issue. There is a very lovely filly by LG in my area which has been for sale for over 1 year. As a breeder, that worries me. I only have a small program, and I choose stallions that I believe (1) further my breeding objectives, and (2) produce marketable offspring. I will not breed to stallions that do not meet both of these criteria, and it is harder to get people excited about a youngster if they are totally unfamiliar with the sire. And some buyers will not consider youngsters unless the sire and dam had a performance record (though I believe that is less true in the dressage market, provided the youngster shows aptitude for the sport, in part because it is easier for buyers to evaluate dressage talent in the babies).

[YankeeLawyer]

I wonder if the AHS could provide a list of LG site champions.

I would think so. One could also maybe start a thread requesting that people post any vids they have of their LG kids on youtube.

[graystonefarm]

I've always admired LG. Lovely stallion.

[Mardi]

Talley Ruhle has a filly she bred that won her foal inspection and which she won't part with -- at least the last I spoke with her.

Foal inspection for what registry.

thanks.

[Oakstable]

I've started a separate thread for LG offspring.

[Donella]

I don't personally care for Londonderry, but I short the short video clip posted on horse-gate for his licensing several years ago and I thought he was stunning. That's the only video clip I've seen though

You know, we bought a mare in foal to Londonderry a few years ago. At that time, yes, I thought he looked nice but not spectacular. He just never jumped out at me much but of course his production record is outstanding. Anyways, this last fall my mom and I went to the Hanoverian stallion liscencing and went to Adelheidsdorf where Londonderry was stabled. We saw ALOT of famous (and up and coming) stallions in those two weeks but Londonderry was a real standout. Both my mom and I could not get over how spectacular he is in real life. The presence that horse has! Wow! He is now absolutely one of my favorites!


As for the showing aspect; well, its nice if they get out but after seeing what the stallions have to do for the 100 DT, I don't think that I neeed much more convincing when a stallion places well or wins the testing. It is VERY demanding , both mentally and physically. Any horse that comes out on top in such rigourous trials is a GOOD horse. Seriously.

I would also like to use LG but have found getting ahold of the owner to be challenging. Sorry, but that just ruins it for me. We are in Canada and the last thing I need when my mare is ready to be bred is a SO that cannot be located.

[Kinsella]

Foal inspection for what registry.

thanks.

AHS

[Fairview Horse Center]

I would also like to use LG but have found getting ahold of the owner to be challenging. Sorry, but that just ruins it for me. We are in Canada and the last thing I need when my mare is ready to be bred is a SO that cannot be located.

You will never get to speak to Liberty Gold's owner, as he lives in Germany, but Hilton Farm managers are are easy to communicate with. (I know, I used to be one) ;)

[Oakstable]

Since the owner lives in Germany, he doesn't understand how different it is for mare owners to shop for stallions.

Most of us never see the stallions we use. I haven't seeny any since Heike shut down her operation but I had bred to Feiner Stern, Coromino and Routinier when they were in Valley Center.

In NA, mare owners are dependant on really good marketing materials taking full use of a web site and online videos. And top quality photography.

Sally

[Fairview Horse Center]

Liberty Gold's owner is more concerned about the bottom line, than increasing numbers of breedings. Most things like a performance career, and big advertising campaigns don't pay in this country.

He is a wonderful stallion.

[YankeeLawyer]

Liberty Gold's owner is more concerned about the bottom line, than increasing numbers of breedings. Most things like a performance career, and big advertising campaigns don't pay in this country.

He is a wonderful stallion.

Some stallion owners also do not want to risk that a less than stellar performance could mar the stallion's otherwise very good reputation, or risk injury (though I doubt these are the factors at play here). It is really a shame no one has video of his Devon performance - are we certain about that though? Show videographers typically keep video for 10 years or more. Maybe Hilton could obtain it.

Another way to increase awareness of a stallion's quality is to promote and compete the offspring (which of course raises the issue of tracking records ; )). In the meantime, hopefully the happy owners of LG kids will tell lots of people about them!

[Fairview Horse Center]

I don't remember if Lu Spinks was still videoing Devon then, but she only kept it for a year. I believe Erin videoed his morning class from the stands - not sure how good her camera was, but his best, as with most Devon Champions was at the end of the day. I don't think she was videoing at that point. She was just enjoying, and breathing a sigh of relief - as per your other comment about reputation. It was a risk taking him to Devon, and his people would have been devastated if he had not won.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I think his biggest problem is one that is pretty basic. Liberty Gold got a lot of breedings his first year. People run to breed to the latest and bestest. Novelty. Then, not so much. They have moved on to the next superstar. It's a fashion show. :(

[feather river]

the ones I have seen are beautiful types, but a bit hot. I would only use an older style mare that needs some"blood".

[Fairview Horse Center]

the ones I have seen are beautiful types, but a bit hot. .

That would really surprise me. I would find it very hard to believe that did not come from the mare.

He was so incredibly quiet and easy going at Devon. Definitely one of the quietest stallions I have ever seen there. That is why it was even more amazing that he won. Most of the winners are leaping out of their skin, snorty and blowing to be up enough to show their gaits to win, but he was relaxed, and easy, and STILL had that phenominal trot.

The hotter, more modern stallions have that very intense eye, and LG's eye is soft and puppy dog like.

[YankeeLawyer]

I think his biggest problem is one that is pretty basic. Liberty Gold got a lot of breedings his first year. People run to breed to the latest and bestest. Novelty. Then, not so much. They have moved on to the next superstar. It's a fashion show. :(

Agreed. But such stallions can enjoy a resurgence in popularity once those ones from the initial breedings are under saddle (that is when I start seriously considering the stallion). I believe that occurred with Rotspon, for example.

[Fairview Horse Center]

But such stallions can enjoy a resurgence in popularity once those ones from the initial breedings are under saddle (that is when I start seriously considering the stallion). I believe that occurred with Rotspon, for example.

I am hoping that happens with mine too, now that his babies are winning under saddle. :winkgrin:

[YankeeLawyer]

I am hoping that happens with mine too, now that his babies are winning under saddle. :winkgrin:

I am sure it will. I actually had your boys in mind when I made the point about offspring being able to bring glory to their sires; that is what made me think of that. There is more than one way to skin a cat ; )

[Fairview Horse Center]

Thanks! It is a much harder road, but unless I win the lottery, (not likely since I don't "play") ;) we just have to take that longer path.

[hansiska]

Lou Thompson's two LG foals are out of All-Round Perfect (Anhaltier E/ Portofino). The Portofino grand-dam got a 9.5 on her MPT. (AHS) I expect the older of these two would be going under saddle next year.

As for communication, I also had some trouble at first, but I learned that you have to actually pick up the phone and call Hilton Farm. It's well-staffed and I found people very receptive to my inquiries once I'd gotten the ball rolling. Old Dominion Equine, the vets who handle LG's collections and shipments, were absolutely top-notch. As long as you do them the courtesy of keeping them posted on your mare, they'll bend over backward to get you your shipment. My older mare had clearance issues and a lingering infection and the OD vets were glad to call my vet to talk about the best course of action.

I'm glad to see so much interest in LG. While it would be ideal to see him shown, I realize that might not be in the owner's plans. I see no reason, however, that he couldn't be marketed better. I see no ads for him and, frankly, "we're working on a better video" is something I'd expect to hear if I were looking at a lower level prospect, not a top-notch breeding stallion. And I absolutely believe he's a top-notch breeding stallion.

[Oakstable]

Actually the owner may understand this market better than it looks on the face of it.

If he markets heavily, he gets every Tom-Dick-Harry mare. But otherwise he gets the mares owned by the serious investors who really research the bloodlines and the testing results in Germany.

[flyinghorse]

My oldest LG filly is three this year, and has begun her ground work, and has been walked around under saddle. So far, so good, and fairly uncomplicated. Her dam was pretty opinionated, and I feel that he is a definite improvement in all areas. I am really looking forward to the two two year old fillies starting next year. Since she has matured, the three year old's back leg conformation has improved (as she "widened," her back leg straightened quite a bit...not so cow hocked after-all) The other two are quite narrow and definitely immature looking. I am hoping as they mature and widen up a bit that their back leg will also improve, as well...still just absolutely love the LG fillies, regardless!! They are certainly sweet and people oriented.

One of the '08 fillies sold at 8 days old, and her owner is still in the total adoration phase, as she is super, super sweet and easy to deal with as a two year old.

www.emeraldspringequestrian.com

[Mozart]

Actually the owner may understand this market better than it looks on the face of it.

If he markets heavily, he gets every Tom-Dick-Harry mare. But otherwise he gets the mares owned by the serious investors who really research the bloodlines and the testing results in Germany.

I think this is a very good point.

[DownYonder]

Actually the owner may understand this market better than it looks on the face of it.

If he markets heavily, he gets every Tom-Dick-Harry mare. But otherwise he gets the mares owned by the serious investors who really research the bloodlines and the testing results in Germany.

SOs can reduce inquiries from bargain hunting mare owners and casual backyard breeders by publishing a high stud fee,while still offering discounts for premium/elite mares and/or mares with exceptional performance credentials. Also, marketing a stallion helps market his foals. That reassures breeders with nice mares who are breeding to sell as it's a lot easier to market a foal by a stallion with name recognition than one without.

Liberty Gold is sadly dropping from the consciousness of many mare owners in this country because of the lack of marketing and lack of performance credentials. I have recommended him to several breeders I know, but they instead elected to use different stallions that ARE being promoted because they feel it will be easier to sell those foals.

[clint]

SOs can reduce inquiries from bargain hunting mare owners and casual backyard breeders by publishing a high stud fee,while still offering discounts for premium/elite mares and/or mares with exceptional performance credentials. Also, marketing a stallion helps market his foals. That reassures breeders with nice mares who are breeding to sell as it's a lot easier to market a foal by a stallion with name recognition than one without.

Liberty Gold is sadly dropping from the consciousness of many mare owners in this country because of the lack of marketing and lack of performance credentials. I have recommended him to several breeders I know, but they instead elected to use different stallions that ARE being promoted because they feel it will be easier to sell those foals.

Well said. That is exactly the way I feel about LG and his promotion or lack of it.

[Winsock]

Lou Thompson's two LG foals are out of All-Round Perfect (Anhaltier E/ Portofino). The Portofino grand-dam got a 9.5 on her MPT. (AHS) I expect the older of these two would be going under saddle next year.

As for communication, I also had some trouble at first, but I learned that you have to actually pick up the phone and call Hilton Farm. It's well-staffed and I found people very receptive to my inquiries once I'd gotten the ball rolling. Old Dominion Equine, the vets who handle LG's collections and shipments, were absolutely top-notch. As long as you do them the courtesy of keeping them posted on your mare, they'll bend over backward to get you your shipment. My older mare had clearance issues and a lingering infection and the OD vets were glad to call my vet to talk about the best course of action.

I'm glad to see so much interest in LG. While it would be ideal to see him shown, I realize that might not be in the owner's plans. I see no reason, however, that he couldn't be marketed better. I see no ads for him and, frankly, "we're working on a better video" is something I'd expect to hear if I were looking at a lower level prospect, not a top-notch breeding stallion. And I absolutely believe he's a top-notch breeding stallion.

When I say we are working on a video, I mean the manager and I are trying to convince the owner to update the website with a new video showcasing is talent. It is looking promising, but we are trying the best we can. Mr. Fuchs simply enjoys owning nice horses. I guess every stud fee he gets is a bonus, not an income like most of us stallion owners.

[hansiska]

When I say we are working on a video, I mean the manager and I are trying to convince the owner to update the website with a new video showcasing is talent. It is looking promising, but we are trying the best we can. Mr. Fuchs simply enjoys owning nice horses. I guess every stud fee he gets is a bonus, not an income like most of us stallion owners.

That would be great. I know LG has an ideal ife, but I agree with Clint and DY -- his potential just isn't being reached because he's underused. But, I've known people who've worked for Mr. Fuchs and understand where you're coming from too.

I do my best to let people know that my experience in breeding to LG was very good, in terms of communication, timely shipment, and the resulting foal (one of the best I've bred!). Personally, I'd love an LG broodmare one day!

[Kaluna]

While I understand the owner's perogative as a horse owner to enjoy his horses, I'm mystified why he owns and sent such a nice horse to the US rather than keeping him in Germany where he can visit. Not that this is bad, I just can't understand it.

I've followed his career since he was imported and I've revisited his site many times to see what he has done. It is too bad he isn't marketed better. Personally, I like a stallion with a show record. It indicates that he is trainable and sound to withstand the work - not just an uber elastic youngster who can make it through a lower level test. Breeding a horse who can score 75% at First level is not my goal. LG might be a Olympic GP prospect who can be ridden by a child but as a mare owner I may or may not be interested in spending $10K and a year of a mare's life to roll those dice. If I know nothing about a stallion's trainability, soundness and his offspring, breeding becomes an even bigger risk.

Honestly, it is not as simple as "good breeders will breed to him regardless of his poor marketing". I believe that given the odds of breeding, there is more than one good stallion for each mare. Most good breeders want to eventually sell their youngsters or at least want that option open. Few breeders breed as a hobby. Unfortunately, even the most mediocre horse can sell to "the market" if it has popular names in the pedigree and/or is imported and/or the stallion just won something popular. I recommended LG to a couple of large breeder friends and neither wanted to take the risk to breed to such an unknown. I also chose not to despite the fact that I love this stallion.

[Oakstable]

I totally agree that there is a choice of suitable stallions for a given mare.

The deal breaker or maker can sometimes be the "support" given by the SO to the mare owner. High on the list is visibility of the stallion in competition OR in marketing.

[Oakstable]

Any progress on marketing materials for Liberty Gold?