Hanoverian Tour Of Germany and Stallion Events Update

Having just returned from nearly three weeks in Germany as a guest of the annual Hanoverian Verband Breeder’s Program, Dale is still sorting through all his notes, pictures and videos. Although the normal group size was down from an average of 10 to 3 (the other guests were both from New Zealand) due to the world situation, the ability to experience the Hanoverian breeding program was not diminished. Events included the Elite Auction of Riding Horses and Foals, the Gala Hanoverian Horse Night, the 3-day Stallion Performance Test at Adelheidsdorf, the 4-day Stallion Licensing and Auctions at Verden, tours of 13 breeding farms plus the State Stallions at Celle, and informative lectures and tutorials on bloodlines, judging the Hanoverian and scoring and evaluation systems as well as the annual Breeder’s Ball. The officials at the Verband have created an 18-day experience, which is filled with an astonishing amount of information and skill building combined with the renowned German hospitality.

This is a time of change for Hanoverian breeding in Germany.

The refinement of the breed continues. It is clear from the Stallion Licensing and Performance Test that more emphasis is being placed on elasticity and suspension, along with a more refined conformation. The influence of other breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, Trakehner and Holstein is clearly evident.

For the first time, the State Stud at Celle was required to bid on the horses at the 2 year old licensing, rather than purchase them on a right-of-first-refusal, fixed-fee basis. The Champion horse of the licensing went to Denmark for 300,000 DM (a black son of Natiello xx out of a SPS Wenzel mare), while the Reserve Champion horse went to Celle for 320,000 DM (a son of Stakkato out of SPS Sancerre by Sandro, with superb jumping ability). The third place and highest priced horse (530,000 DM) by De Niro out of SPS Wenke by Walt Disney went to a private owner in Germany.

A third major change comes next year when the five Commissioners, who judge the Hanoverian Licensing and other key events will be elected rather than appointed.

The Performance Test at Adelheidsdorf was won by El Bundy by Escudo I and the Dressage portion was won by Weltano by Wolkenstein II.

The Stallion of the Year was Drosselklang II by Don Carlos. Unfortunately, Wenzel had been named Stallion of the Year, but he died a couple weeks before the presentation and stallion has to alive to receive the award.

Pictures of some of these winners can be seen at our web site www.foals.com at the top of ‘The Hanoverian’ page.

Of course, Dale visited our newest broodmare SPA Worcester at her temporary home in Northern Germany. She has settled in well with another SPS mare pasture buddy and is awaiting her first foal in February by Contendro. On a practical side, the trip gave us the ability to see the potential stallions to breed Worcester to next year….. a difficult choice from all the sires available there!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving,

Jo Ann & Dale Thomas

Vista Ridge Farm - Hanoverians