Really need some help picking a stallion for a super talented mare...?

[confusedTB]

I have a fantastic TB mare (PHR/Oldenburg) that I want to breed this spring. Everyone on this board has given me some great direction and a bunch of stallion suggestions, but I really havent found anything that catches my eye. I *really* like a lot of the stallion on the French stallions website (Jaguar Mail, Grafenstolz) but as a first time breeder, it seems a little daunting (and expensive) to breed to one of these stallions.

I have a DVD in the mail from Hilltop, which sounds much more "user-friendly" than choosing a stallion abroad, but once again Im not really struck by any of their stallions.

Does anyone have advice for narrowing down the list? I see a lot of "great" stallions, but not anything that I am really in *love* with. How do you choose? How do you read through the wording on stallion websites? -- they are obviously designed to "sell" their stallion, but how do you know if its "sugar coating"

Some background on the mare - 1995 black TB 16.1hh big boned. Very correct build, could use a little bit shorter back. Excelled in eventing, 2 seasons at the upper levels, competed in young riders in '07. Could easily make the switch to upper level dressage, beautiful lofty mover. She has schooled over 4' and has been complimented by 2 olympic riders on her jumping ability. She was bred 3x by her previous owner, all 3 babies have excelled in both dressage and eventing. 2 of the 3 are winning at training/prelim eventing. The first born has shown through 2nd level dressage by an ammie. I am breeding her for my next upper-level eventer. I think she will pass on her dressage, so I am looking for something that has produced fantastic jumpers. I am very interested in breeding to a trek, but once again, cant narrow down the choices.

Any opinions, suggestions or help would be much appreciated!

[JER]

Because this year is last call for both Fleetwater Opposition and Catherston Dazzler, I'd suggest thinking long and hard about either of them. Both have produced numerous top-class (CCI***/****) horses out of TB mares.

Fleetwater Opposition was a Trakehner. Catherston Dazzler was a 5/8ths TB with some Dutch and Irish. Both produce short-coupled horses who can move and jump.

As for general advice about narrowing down your list, I'd be looking at what the stallion produces when crossed with a TB mare. If the resulting offspring are of a type that you like, then it's a good recommendation for the stallion.

[camohn]

What is her temperment like? What type of temperment are you looking for in the stallion?
Do you want a lighter TB type or since the mare is a TB do you want to consider a bit heavier type WB?
Any breed registry of choice or are you open to breed?
Do you like/hate/don't care if the horse is gray or pinto? (Those are 2 colors folks tends to have strong feelings for or against at times).
What size range do you want in the stallion? I don't think you want over 17H for an eventer

[Rival]

I would spend the extra on the stud fee. One infection could cost you more than an expensive stud fee. In your case I would breed to something that is proven through it's offspring to produce all rounders. Flemmingh is one that comes to mind but I don't know if you can still get his semen or not.

[dcf13050]

I have bred to this stallion a number of times and have not been disappointed yet...he is approved Holsteiner, Belgian Warmblood, and RPSI, and the GOV has registered a foal by him even though he has been presented as of yet. He was analyzed to be potentially the best event sire based on gaits, jumping ability and fact that he is 70% TB. This article was in the April 2004 USEA magazine. The offspring from this stallion exhibit amazing talent, mind and rideability. Check out the web site for PrairiePinesFarm.com I don't think you will be disappointed.

[punky]

What about Richard? http://www.theequineathlete.net/

[confusedTB]

What is her temperment like? What type of temperment are you looking for in the stallion?
Do you want a lighter TB type or since the mare is a TB do you want to consider a bit heavier type WB?
Any breed registry of choice or are you open to breed?
Do you like/hate/don't care if the horse is gray or pinto? (Those are 2 colors folks tends to have strong feelings for or against at times).
What size range do you want in the stallion? I don't think you want over 17H for an eventer

The mare in question is a bit of a hot head. She is super sweet and kind around people and super affectionate, but definitely has a marish/crazy side under saddle. She is famous for rocking the temp stabling at the AECs a few years back when her "stall buddy" (of one day) left for his dressage test.

She is of a larger build, and I am quite short, so if anything I would either like to keep her build or refine her just a bit. Definitely dont want anything heavier (which is why I was maybe thinking traks?)

Im open to any breed, any registry, and any color. She is 16.1hh and I would like to keep around that height, although I know it is sometimes a gamble.

Catherson Dazzler was actually at the top of my list as I think he would cross wonderfully with this mare, but with his recent death, limited availability and my general lack of knowledge when dealing with shipping semen/frozen/doses I am a little hesitant to jump on board and send my $$ out. I am trying to learn everything I can and make the best and most educated decision possible.

A few of the other stallions I am considering (although not all of them!): Navarone, Gervantus II, Imminence, Royal Appearance, Ilian de taute

Any opinions on these?

Thanks everyone for the continued help!

[risingstarfarm]

I have bred to this stallion a number of times and have not been disappointed yet...he is approved Holsteiner, Belgian Warmblood, and RPSI, and the GOV has registered a foal by him even though he has been presented as of yet. He was analyzed to be potentially the best event sire based on gaits, jumping ability and fact that he is 70% TB. This article was in the April 2004 USEA magazine. The offspring from this stallion exhibit amazing talent, mind and rideability. Check out the web site for PrairiePinesFarm.com I don't think you will be disappointed.

I *think* you are talking about Lotus T? If so, then yes...super stallion with a super mind. He has been recommended as a potentially exceptional event sire. I have used him and was very pleased with the result. As well, a son of Lotus will be joining my lineup as a stallion candidate this winter - so, you know I'm really a fan :-)

[dcf13050]

I am talking about Lotus T.....he is a definite improvement sire and when crossed w/ a nice mare the babies are incredible.

[Lundgren]

I'm not very familiar with breeding in the US, but I know that one of Germany's most succesfull stallions is sold to the US and standing at stud over there.

Dacaprio is really a dressage stallion, but he himself received an 8 on his freejumping and has produced lots of jumpers, one of his sons was in the Bundeschampionate a couple of years ago.

More info here:

http://www.bridlewoodhanoverians.com/dacaprio.php

I have ridden several of his offsprings and they are amazing. Beuatiful types, pretty faces and amazing gaits and rideability!

[paintjumper]

You are going to get BIG, he is 17.2 at least and throws his size. I love him, very good minded and super talented, and Andras will do everything he can to get your mare in foal, but if 16.1 is where you want to stay, LT is not going to do that. I would bet the baby would be at least 16.3 to 17 hands out of that pair. If size is not really the breaking issue, go for Lotus T.

[dcf13050]

I agree that Lotus T often adds height to the offspring, but.....I have a 15.3 coming 3 yo that is out of a AHHA approved Hann/TB mare and I will be surprised if she gets more than 16.1:), you can see her on youtube....subheading 2manyponies. I have riden many of his offspring that are not more than 16.2. In defense of the taller ones, they are light to the leg, forward, and of modern type. The rideability is more important than the height in my opinion. Again, you have to look at what the mare has produced in the past, it is not all the stallion, 50 % or so from the mare. But yes, if she tends to produce tall babies then you would get a tall horse from this cross.

[JER]

Catherson Dazzler was actually at the top of my list as I think he would cross wonderfully with this mare, but with his recent death, limited availability and my general lack of knowledge when dealing with shipping semen/frozen/doses I am a little hesitant to jump on board and send my $$ out. I am trying to learn everything I can and make the best and most educated decision possible.

Using frozen semen successfully is all about having a good reproductive vet. It's no big deal and probably worth a preliminary conversation with the vet you plan to use.