Looking for an international quality dressage horse is like trying to find the proverbial needle in the haystack, but George Williams hopes he’s found his next Grand Prix star. 

Donnerbube III, a 7-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Donnerhall—PikDame, Pik Bube I), was bought by Williams’ longtime supporters Chuck and Joann Smith and will spend 30 days in quarantine before being shipped to their farm in Ohio.  “He has three very good, very correct gaits and his rideability is excellent,” said Williams.  “There was an instant rapport with this horse.  His fit and size just seemed perfect.”

Williams had been looking for some time.  His top mare, Rocher, has spent the last year recovering from a suspensory injury and is under tack again, but she’s 15 years old, so a younger horse was on the agenda.  Williams found Donnerbube III shortly before the World Equestrian Games.  “We did a concentrated trip and lucked into him,” he said.

The stallion won his 30-day test in 2000 and competed in the 2002 Bundeschampionate as well as the 2005 Bundeschampionate qualifiers.  He’s currently training Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I.