Trakehner stallion suggestions please

[Molly Malone]

The mare looks uncannily like Titulus, although this isn't surprising. But she's dark bay.

her pedigree

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/contessa79

Very nice mover. I have yet to jump her but she apparently was in the hunter futurities as a youngster. She has produced a very nice, well mannered/tempered foal by Riverman.

How about Zarr? Would Titulus be too much line breeding? Tzigane?

[Sonesta]

I adore Tzigane! We have used him several times on our Knabstrupper mares with wonderful results!

[Canadian Starz]

Prinz Habicht has some pretty impressive foals on the ground, and is himself a pretty impressive fellow with exceptional temperament.

Sorry about the link error.....however that is the one I have used before, and what is also in the Sport Horse Directory.....BUT apparently fallen into different hands??????? (Sorry for the Less than Adult Education!!)

Contact for his owner is: dbrown001@sympatico.ca

[Molly Malone]

um - your link, is um - well,,,, pornographic.

[VirginiaBred]

um - your link, is um - well,,,, pornographic.


That it is!!!!! :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Wayside]

:lol:

I think this is the correct link: http://www.whisperingpinesstable.ca/Pages/Prinz_Habicht.htm

[FMulder]

Hi

the most exciting Trak stallion at the moment is Grafenstolz, who is available now in the US via Judy Yancey http://www.wwwarmbloods.com/salesdir/yancey/news.php

We was the 2004 World Young Horse Eventing Champion, and is the only horse in history to qualify as a 6YO for the Bundeschampionat in Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing (he won the eventing with an average score of 9.5). He was at PSG as a seven year old and won a puissance class two years ago with a height of 2.00 metres.

His frozen semen is very high quality.

We're waiting to hear if he will get his "elite hengst" status from the Verband in October.

if you want to see more about him and see a video www.frenchstallions.org

he gives super movement, jump, looks and temperament.

[FatCatFarm]

Maren of this board maintains Trakehner's International which is an extremely informative site: http://www.trakehners-international.com/. Then of course there is the ATA site: www.americantrakehner.com.

If jumping lines are what you're after, it doesn't get much better than Special Memories: http://www.touchstonevalleyfarm.com/ and he's now been approved by the German Verband.

[stolensilver]

Grafenstolz is indeed a lovely stallion but having seen him in the flesh very recently I'd have to say he isn't PSG standard yet. He goes wide with his left hind leg and is stiff to the left in all his work, things that would be crucified by a dressage judge at that level. His changes were not quite established either with the left-right being more difficult for him than right-left. And the pirouettes are not yet good enough to show to a judge. All of this can be ironed out with training (although perhaps going wide behind is indicative of pain somewhere?) and he is a super stallion. Not too big (16.2 ish), very blood type and obviously trainable. But I did get the feeling he is being rushed in his dressage training which IMHO is not to his long term benefit. He's a gorgeous boy who doesn't have anything to prove. Why hurry him and risk injury? He has got 2 colts through for the Trakehner stallion grading at Neumunster next month so he is producing top quality offspring.

To the OP your mare's pedigree is very nice although heavily line bred to Blinkicht and Cornau, both mares, both 3x3 and the stallion Burnus 3x4. You might want to consider outcrossing her to another linebred stallion or at least bring some new blood in. What are you trying to produce in the foal? A hunter? Jumper? Dressage horse?

Timotheus might be a nice cross as he is linebred to Arcticonius (an outstanding TB mare) and Flaneur without bringing in yet more Blinklicht, Cornau and Burnus blood and he also doubles up on Ibikus.

Another very nice young stallion is Lord Luciano. He seems to be producing outstanding youngstock and brings in the valuable Mahagoni and Enrico Caruso blood.

[FMulder]

What we're having to do at the moment, is take out years of slightly incorrect training with Graf and put back in more correct training. That requires patience and flexibility on my part and good riding on the riders part. Whilst there is a desire to get him into competition at the earliest date, having myself competed in two other sports at international level, I'm very sensitive to Graf entering pure dressage correctly. To that end, I have pushed his first class back to the end of October. Because of the expectations of his followers, he has to hit the ground running, and we're looking for red ribbons from the start. So don't worry about him being rushed, he won't be. There are two Olympics between now and his probable retirement, there's no rush. He was bought by me as an investment, ie to make money, so anything else he does is pure bonus for me and an interesting diversion from my more habitual worlds of jumping and eventing.

The evening you saw Graf was a training session for him, not a presentation and the rider was under instruction from me to treat it as such (he wasn't up against an serious competition that night after all). Remember, Graf had only been back from standing at stud for 10 days at that point, and so was not trained for more than four months. If he was a little stiff, I'm not surprised, I would be after that. The most surprising thing was how good he was in such a short time. What is more pertinent, is that his training is accelerating enormously, as we would expect from a horse with such a high trainability. The reality is that "it's" all in there, and anyone who knows anything about the horse knows not to bet against him. His record in competition and now he record as a sire speak for themselves, it's what has made owning him so easy, and what made him the UK's top selling sire this year. As you said Stolensilver, he is a superb horse and trakehner breeders around the world should use him as an example of why other breeders should be using Traks in their programmes.

The comments from Dr Moeller were useful and correct, but as professionals we were already working on the points he made, and continue to do so.

Combining stud duties and a competition career is not an easy task, and fortunately with myself and Liz being sufficiently qualified and sensitive, he will succeed. Because of his previous record he has nothing to prove as you say, but I'm not prepared to allow an 11 year old stallion with such talent, to spend the rest of his life rotting in a stallion station without the kind of mental engagement that he enjoys so much. It's not often that you get a combination such as Graf and Liz who so evidently love each other. And when you have two individuals who have as much talent as they do, and the connection that they have, the results will come.

Regarding the OP's original question, never forget the commercial benefits of breeding with a famous stallion, they're aften famous for good reason. Graf also happens to be a very proven stallion via his progeny.

[Molly Malone]

I'd like to stick with fresh ideally.

The comments about commerciality are correct. I do want to breed to a 'star' stallion. However, balanced with this is the fact that if the foal does not sell then I will be the one breaking and backing, so ultimately, temperament will be the deciding factor. I'm also not tall (so whilst I have a huge desire for an Oskar foal for example, this mare is a solid 16.3) and don't really want to breed a giant.:) Windfall is a consideration. The mare is also 'square'. Fairly short coupled.

Titulus and Prince Habicht may be too line bred. I looked at Timotheus' site but couldn't see if he had done anything himself. A career is important to me. Special Memories is worth considering for sure as I am looking to breed a hunter/jumper primarily, but I won't rule out a dressage stallion.

[stolensilver]

Thanks for the explanation FMulder. I thought the lady who rode Graf did a super job on him, it was obvious the stiffnesses were not due to the jockey and with Graf having been out of training for 4 months yes, I agree, its not surprising he was stiff. Good luck with his future training and competitions. From personal experience I'd say that each time you go up a level the judges drop your score by 5-10% for the same quality of work . It might be worth taking him out H/C a few times at Medium and Advanced Medium just to test the waters before going out at PSG.

To the OP I see what you are wanting to breed now. Sadly the biggest name on the ATA active list, Windfall, is very closely related to your mare and has Habicht and Burnus close up. Perhaps too close for comfort? Tzigane has a good competition record and looks to be an outcross. May be worth considering? Special Memories looks to be a good cross too with a fantastic jumping record.

With your mare being a line bred Trak you really could go to any stallion at all with her from any registry. If you want to breed an outstanding jumper you could choose any of the big name sires. Although less famous than some, statistically Mr Blue is a better sire than most other jumping stallions. Sadly though I think he is only available frozen. Are you set on breeding a Trakehner or would you look at other studbooks?

[Molly Malone]

To the OP I see what you are wanting to breed now. Sadly the biggest name on the ATA active list, Windfall, is very closely related to your mare and has Habicht and Burnus close up. Perhaps too close for comfort? Tzigane has a good competition record and looks to be an outcross. May be worth considering? Special Memories looks to be a good cross too with a fantastic jumping record.

With your mare being a line bred Trak you really could go to any stallion at all with her from any registry. If you want to breed an outstanding jumper you could choose any of the big name sires. Although less famous than some, statistically Mr Blue is a better sire than most other jumping stallions. Sadly though I think he is only available frozen. Are you set on breeding a Trakehner or would you look at other studbooks?

Tzigane is top of my list at the moment, but he is known to shorten backs so I am sending pictures of my mare to the SO for her opinion. I am not set on breeding a Trakehner, no. I am actually considering presenting her AHA next year, but with her pedigree in many ways it would be a shame not to breed a Trakehner. I like them, they're so people oriented. and if I go outside the registry, I am afraid I will be paralyzed by choice:lol: (My 'short' list for my other jumper mare is at 20 stallions!)

[anglotrak]

Blitz und Donner at KD Jumpers in Wisconsin. Take a look.

[wehrlegirl]

Blitz und Donner at KD Jumpers in Wisconsin. Take a look.

Second that... our filly this year by him is very athletic, very upright with a lot of push power. A little short through the back though. He does stamp his babies-- when we went to their farm you could pick out all his offspring from glance.

[aquafarms]

If you are looking for fresh and a performance record, That would leave you with about three or four stallions that have there gold designation Oskar II, Hailo, Windwalzer, Horalus and Windfall but the last two may only be available frozen, Also you will have more Burnes close up with Windfall not allways a bad thing but could be a pro ride. Other stallions to look at maybe Tanzeln, pavarotti, Tradition, Holster, Pascha, Incantare though he has only been breeding live cover. and last but not least Herrzauber you may get a bit more size with him then the others. When you narrow your choices down just give those stallion owner a call, Only they really know what there stallion is producing. Example: A lady Emailed and said she loved Oskar but knew that he had never had a filly only colts so I explained to her that he was producing about fifty/fifty and she should check out the web site to see for her self, she then called me and said that they were listed as fillies but might be colts so what can you do some rumors good or bad just don't die. I know you will make the best choice for your mare in the end.

Good Luck


Joe

[Molly Malone]

Blitz and Donner would be line breeding, but I do like Imago.

Horalas is frozen and I've put Hailo and Incantare (oh he's beautiful!) on my list. How tall Is Oskar? I looked on your website but couldn't see it. Windwalzer doesn't do it for me. I like Tradition. I couldn't find any information on Pascha.

thank you for all the great suggestions!

[FatCatFarm]

You might also consider Stiletto at Valhalla: http://www.valhallatrakehner.com/

[aquafarms]

Oskar II is 17.0 Hands, He will add size to a mare but not bulk so he might not be your first choice. Blitz un Donner is producing a lot of size as well and as you know his dam is a full sister to bruddenbock.

Joe

[lilypondlane]

I cast my vote for Special Memories. My 2009 SM colt out of my Pennant mare just won the "other than Thoroughbred" foal championship at the Warrenton Horse Show. He also did very well at his ATA inspection last month. Very typey. Quite the character, too.

[amylmac]

I have a 2009 Zarr colt out of my dk bay TB mare(she has no chrome) He is tall, bay with 4 white socks and a white blaze,moves like a dream and has personality PLUS!! I just adore him.

[Shawnda N]

If you have a chance to go to the ATA Annual Convention Nov. 5th-7th near Nashville, a lot of the stallions mentioned here will be there as will their owners. It will give you a great opportunity to see the stallions in person, compare, and speak with the owners. www.americantrakehner.com
Check it out.

[Oakstable]

Horalas is listed on the ATA site as being available both fresh and frozen.

[Molly Malone]

Horalas is listed on the ATA site as being available both fresh and frozen.

He's only listed as frozen on his 'own' website, but I will check :)

[acottongim]

Horalas is avail by both frozen and fresh per the owner. However, I had issues trying to get fresh from the clinic that collects him (not the owner's fault) and opted to use another stallion last year. That may be different for the next breeding season. I don't think the owner puts it out very much that he is avail fresh as it is easier for them to ship frozen.

Molly Where are you located?

[Bhaltair Farm]

As the fairly new owner of one of Tzigane *Pb's daughters, I wholeheartedely recommend him! His get are all incredibly athletic, trainable and kind.

[Schiffon]

Molly,
This mare's pedigree is amazing - it sure speaks dressage to me, but the paper doesn't tell all. Where did she come from?

If you are interested in jumpers, I also second Special Memories. I've seen Lilypondlane's colt and he is really nice and there are some foals doing extremely well at the shows in Germany. Tzigane is also a good choice.

[Royal Monaco]

I am absolutely not a Trak specialist, but I have seen this guy on the circuit and he pretty much impressed me.

You can see him here: http://www.centre-equestre-evasion.com/en/huno.php

Maybe Trak gurus could comment his pedigree...

[West Winds Farm]

I was in Michigan when Huno was approved. He made a big impression on not only his ability but his (can I say) his intelligence. Tzigane has the same qualities, very smart offspring that learn fast with the athletics. I also have a Tzigane 3 year old and in my opinion is the best thing that ever hit the ground!:)

[ponygirl]

Hi

the most exciting Trak stallion at the moment is Grafenstolz, who is available now in the US via Judy Yancey http://www.wwwarmbloods.com/salesdir/yancey/news.php

We was the 2004 World Young Horse Eventing Champion, and is the only horse in history to qualify as a 6YO for the Bundeschampionat in Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing (he won the eventing with an average score of 9.5). He was at PSG as a seven year old and won a puissance class two years ago with a height of 2.00 metres.

His frozen semen is very high quality.

We're waiting to hear if he will get his "elite hengst" status from the Verband in October.

if you want to see more about him and see a video www.frenchstallions.org

he gives super movement, jump, looks and temperament.

I really like this horse but he himself is a pro ride and it's stated that his offspring are quite sharp as well. Folks that have his offspring say they are for the top of the sport . As for producing ammie type rides, which is what many here breed for, he might not be the right horse to do this with. Fabulous stallion though. :)

[FMulder]

I really like this horse but he himself is a pro ride and it's stated that his offspring are quite sharp as well. In fact during the breeding season, he was ridden by a 16 year old girl who hasn't competed above Novice level eventing. I wouldn't call her "pro".

Where is "it's stated that his offspring are quite sharp as well"? If it's on other forums, I'd be sceptical (forum rumours have less credibility than urban myths). Graf's two oldest kids, Gin Tonic and Vincent are not at all sharp. Vincent is ridden by Micheal Jung (Graf's old jockey) and si a very normal horse (who goes to Le Lion d'Angers in Two weeks time) and Gin Tonic (who was Vice-Bundeschampion) is ridden by a very amateur girl. Gin Tonic has also qualified for Le Lion, I'm just waiting to hear if he goes or not.

Graf is a stallion with attitude, no doubt, but he turns it on for the big events, that's what sets him apart from the more dull, characterless stallions. He like Kannan and my next stallion, is dominant in attitude, and as a result he stamps himself on his offspring. That's why he was the number one selling stallion in the UK this year.

[ponygirl]

You stated he's a pro-ride here: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3056715/an/0/page/5

in response to someone stating he's a pro ride and his offspring have been sharper as well. If one just searches this forum, the information is there. Super talented stallion but no, I really don't think based on various posts from folks that have bred to him, that he produces ammie horses. Top horses- yes.

As I stated, I find this stallion very interesting for producing top eventers.

[Shawnda N]

From Ingenue "I would say the best trakenher stallion is Rio Grande".
Rio Grande
Bay Hanoverian stallion - 17.1 hh, born 1986
approved by Hannov., AHS, ISR, Oldbg., CWHBA and CSHA
When did Rio Grande become a Trakehner ? Unless there is another Rio Grande that I am not aware of ?

[FMulder]

"So whilst Grafenstolz may himself be a pro ride (which is the case by default, as he is 3* and being aimed at London 2012"

I think the full sentence puts my words a little more in context. There aren't many (there will be a very few) 3* horses that are true ammy rides. Of course since then I bought Graf, and have had far more contact with him. I have also seen Rosie ride him (that's the 16 year old very amateur rider who rode him whilst he was at stud), which would never have happened when he was in germany, so I've been far more able to get a true reading of the horse.

I see another 6 to 10 of Graf's offspring every month when I go to Germany, and truly can't tell you that they are any more hot or more characterless than any other stallions offspring. They all move and all jump with style, and the majority get Graf's very pretty head and dark bay colouring.

[vineyridge]

Does anyone have any information about a young Trakehner stallion in Germany (Baden Wurttenberg (?)) named Laurel. He is a son of the very successful TB stallion, Stan The Man, whose son Sam has been setting the European eventing world on fire this year.

From what I understand he was licensed in 2006 or 2007. Any offspring on the ground? How have they done in breed shows?

[Maren]

Laurel was approved many years ago, and has been a "sleeper" at the Marbach Stud for years. Very interesting stallion with tremendous movement and evented at prelim level with Holger Sontheim, including the Bundeschampionat as a younger horse. He's high up on our list at home for a 2010 breeding, mostly because we had booked to Stan the Man xx many years ago and then he died a few days before the mare was going to see him, and because Laurel's dam is such an outstanding mare.
Liga III produced 4 approved sons, including the Trakehners Lichtenstein (by Chinatwon xx) and the FEI dressage winner Le Duc (by Anduc) - the latter also a very good jumper producer. Liga III was the last living daughter of the impeccable Pregel *sire of e.g. Donauwind) and I am of the opinion that her sons were among the best versatile stallions the breed had to offer for a long time.

Image of Laurel from the 2009 stallion show in Handorf:

http://www.trakehners-international.com/picts/Handorf09/laurel.jpg

Laurel only has a few offspring on the ground, he only came back into the light with the new stud management at Marbach under Dr. von Velsen and is standing at stud via fresh shipped semen for the first time in many years in 2010. He is presenting his first son for Trakehner approvals in NMS this fall.
That's him as a foal:

http://www.trakehnerhof-st-vitus.de/home/fohlen/jahrgang-2007/hengst-von-laurel

With regards to Grafenstolz, that is just silly that his kids are "pro" horses - I have met a large group of them by now, and they appear to be horses with very homogenous mellow attitudes and are overall horses with good natural work ethics and pleasant temperaments. There was nothing demanding about them that would scare amateurs away. In fact, I think that their easy forward attitude makes riding especially for ammies a lot easier.
However, since the OP asked for fresh shipped, Graf and others are out of the picture.

[ponygirl]

"So whilst Grafenstolz may himself be a pro ride (which is the case by default, as he is 3* and being aimed at London 2012"

I think the full sentence puts my words a little more in context. There aren't many (there will be a very few) 3* horses that are true ammy rides. Of course since then I bought Graf, and have had far more contact with him. I have also seen Rosie ride him (that's the 16 year old very amateur rider who rode him whilst he was at stud), which would never have happened when he was in germany, so I've been far more able to get a true reading of the horse.

I see another 6 to 10 of Graf's offspring every month when I go to Germany, and truly can't tell you that they are any more hot or more characterless than any other stallions offspring. They all move and all jump with style, and the majority get Graf's very pretty head and dark bay colouring.


I like this horse and I've stated that a few times now. :) He's on my radar.

[IngenueP]

I don't know too much about Trakheners, but i do have one. His name is Tuchard, and not suprisingly he is from Suchard. I know he died at age 12, so very young, but i'm not sure if it is possible to get semen from him. He was a spectacular horse though. As is mine!!

[Molly Malone]

With your mare being a line bred Trak you really could go to any stallion at all with her from any registry. If you want to breed an outstanding jumper you could choose any of the big name sires. Although less famous than some, statistically Mr Blue is a better sire than most other jumping stallions. Sadly though I think he is only available frozen. Are you set on breeding a Trakehner or would you look at other studbooks?


This has stuck with me for the past couple of weeks. I jumped the mare last weekend, and whilst she tried her heart out and never baulked, it was obvious to me that she really wasn't enjoying herself. You know how some horses just 'sing' when they jump? However, in the dressage arena, the mare is totally focussed, totally relaxed, and really really motivated. So now I'm thinking about dressage stallions.

But once you take the lid off the Pandora's Box of not necessarily breeding to a Trakehner stallion......................

[Sonesta]

I heard a rumor that Tzigane was going back to Germany for a breeding lease. Better get him while he's still here in the US!

Interesting! But I wouldn't be surprised. This stallion is truly wonderful.

[acottongim]

Just as an aside - if you want a jumper, if the mare is physically built for it and bred for it in terms of blood (which she is), if you breed to a jumper stallion you may end up with a foal that actually likes to jump. It isn't an automatic that just because it is not the mare's "thing" to jump that the foals will follow suit.

I have seen mares that excell/perfer one discipline or the other (but could DO either) and their foals will excel/prefer the exact opposite discipline...

Also, just as a technical note of clarification - Tzigane is US bred/born so he wouldn't be going "back" to Germany. Just want to give credit to the American breeder and owner. :-)

And I still say Oskar for this mare. You get everything that you are looking for as well as the overall athleticism (could go either way but ESP if you are looking towards dressage now) with the only exception of height. You get the height with length of leg (think modern) but without the bulk (also think modern).

[TwinGates]

I heard a rumor that Tzigane was going back to Germany for a breeding lease. Better get him while he's still here in the US!

I suspect this rumor started because Tzigane *Pb* has completed the performance stallion criteria (5 placings 1st - 3rd @ "S-level" equivalent: 1.40M or above) required to apply for approval by several U.S. registries as well as the Trakehner Verband. We will definitely be submitting applications to these registries (including the Verband) but that's it.

Beginning in 2005, an agreement between the ATA and Trakehner Verband gave ATA-approved stallions provisional Verband approval (pending completion of performance standards equivalent to 30/70 day test) but this wasn't retroactive. Since Taz was approved in 2001, he had to go "performance stallion" route for consideration.

[AGRHJRider]

If you are truly wanting to breed an amateur type horse then breed Henessey.

Hennessey has sired some of the nations top hunters. He has sired "Zarr", "Zealous", "Kentucky Limo", "Plain as Bay" and "Decorum" just to name a few. "Zarr" stands at Stoneledge Stables in Front Royal, VA and was the International leading sire of 2005 & 2006. "Zealous", was the winner of the 2004 International Hunter Futurity 4 year olds and is beginning his breeding career as well.
his children consistently possess an easy going personality. They are very easy to handle and ride. Hennessey also passes along a very athletic jump. His youngsters are natural over fences and have a very attractive way of jumping; therefore, making them truly remarkable junior and amateur horses.

Hennessey was competed in the Preliminary Jumpers and Training Level Eventing. Hennessey also tied first in the puisannce class at the 1997 ATA convention because the jump could go no higher

I am absolutely in love with this Stallion! I am breeding both of my mares to him this year and have been riding and showing his progeny for the last year. I cannot say enough good things about what he produces. One thing that i love especially for the hunters is that Lisha the owner of Broad Hill goes ahead and gets these horses passports, lifetime usef memberships and registers them with the ATA. Can't beat that!

check him out at www.broadhillrunfarm.com
and feel free to pvt me with any questions.

[ToTheNines]

I have a five year old by Harper out of a TB mare, and he has exceeded my every expectation about being an amateur type horse that can show out of a "backyard" program. Harper was by Mahon out of Helene E, so I can vouch for those bloodlines. Plenty of pretty for the hunters too.

[Molly Malone]

Henessey is an interesting suggestion. That would be sex balancing the Cornau on the top and bottom.

[hessy35]

Oskar II is 17.0 Hands, He will add size to a mare but not bulk so he might not be your first choice. Blitz un Donner is producing a lot of size as well and as you know his dam is a full sister to bruddenbock.

Joe

I second Oskar II. Quality, quality, quality!!

[FatCatFarm]

Friend of mine has a Blitz colt out of a Schonfeld/Pregelstrand mare who she is really enthusiastic about.

[Molly Malone]

Blitz and Donner wouldn't be so much line breeding as in breeding :lol: I'm not brave enough to breed *that* close:)

[Oakstable]

One of my imported Trak mares had multiple crosses to Impuls and Ibikus.

One grandsire, Kassiber, appeared in both top and bottom of her pedigree.

Trakehners line breed a lot given that it is a closed studbook.

I wouldn't worry so much about seeing the same name a couple of times, but whether or not it is a stallion or mare you want to double or triple up on.

Maren is the pedigree guru on Trakehner bloodlines.

I for one would like to see you stay with a Trakehner stallion for your mare.

Tzigane is certainly out there making a name for himself. I'd also have Special Memories on my A list for that mare.

[Molly Malone]

I wouldn't worry so much about seeing the same name a couple of times, but whether or not it is a stallion or mare you want to double or triple up on.

Tzigane is certainly out there making a name for himself. I'd also have Special Memories on my A list for that mare.

My mare has Burnus 4x and Blinknicht 3x already - Blitz and Donner, Windfall, Titulus, Prince Habitch, and numerous other stallions I have looked at would be much more than doubling or tripling those bloodlines.

Tzigane remains at the top of my list along with Oskar and Schiffon. I *do* like the idea of Henessey. The hunter market in this country is by far the largest, and sadly the truth is that Trakehners have a (undeserved in my opinion) reputation. They are *not* the warmblood of choice for whatever reason. This foal will be for sale, so it is my responsibility to make it as sellable as possible.

[acottongim]

I think any one of those three stallions would give you what you are looking for (in different types of packages) and are all very good choices for your mare. The only argument that I would make is that Oskar is the oldest and at 20 next year time you are on borrowed time for how much longer he will be around and available to the public. The other "up" side to Oskar is that he doesn't have very many offspring out there esp in relation to his age (his previous owner was more concerned with the performance aspect than the breeding) so his babies tend to be more "competitive" in price. I have not priced Taz's or Schiffon's so they might be up there in price also. Other than the age though, all other things are good for any of the 3 just depends on what you are most concerned about.

[Elfe]

If you want a hunter, go with a stallion that is/has been a hunter or has produced hunters, or preferably both.
If frozen is an option Abdullah has not been mentioned. Advocate would be another option.
Also Platinum vom Rappenhof or Prince Habicht.
Lots of choices, good luck !

[Pineridge]

We have quite a few nice Trakehner stallions in Ontario,here are some that I am familar with, Prinz Habicht, Patras Vom Rappenhof, Asher, Tagalen, Kirow H, and Hilton.
I have 2 Prinz Habicht off spring and a Kirow H colt, temperment is outstanding on all 3. and thier movement is exceptional. I would have loved to breed my mare to Oskar, but I didn't want the hassles of shipping semen, so I chose Kirow H (has the same sire as Oskar). My resulting colt is amazing, he has won every line class entered to date, and was the Ontario National foal champion in 2008. I can't wait to ride him ! I show dressage, but this guy has the ability to do just about anything !