The Holsteiner Association’s stallion presentation can certainly be described as a ‘resounding success’ and marked the start of the breeding season. Around 30 sires took to the stage at the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle and thrilled the spectators in the very well-filled stands.
Among the stallions were the eagerly awaited new three-year-old additions to the association’s stud programme, who demonstrated their abilities in the free-jumping line-up. The winning stallion Conchezz by Colestus, Cognac by Comme il faut, Keaton II by Kannan and the dressage-oriented Bonduel by Bonds confirmed the positive impressions made at their licensing in December – or even surpassed them. The programme continued with a short course for the four-year-old and older stallions, all of whom were presented to perfection by the riders Arne van Heel, Lucas Wenz, Mathies Rüder and Tjade Carstensen. Of course, the stallions who are already showcasing their breeding qualities on the international competition circuit through their offspring were also in attendance, including stars such as Casall by Caretino, Clarimo by Clearway and Uriko by Untouchable.
Much to the delight of everyone present, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson had travelled to the event with the three association stallions he is currently training: Charaktervoll HV by Comme il faut, Keaton HV by Kannan and Zuccero HV by Zirocco Blue. They have all made outstanding progress over the past year, which was plain for all to see; Zuccero was also presented on the Olympic stage in Paris. Riding the grey, the Swedish rider gave an impressive insight into his dressage work, demonstrating series changes par excellence and making it clear once again that ‘good things take time’. The grand finale was the performance of the now 20-year-old Diarado by Diamant de Semilly, ridden by Mathies Rüder. The black horse still possesses a youthful charm, and Norbert Boley recounted the discovery of the stallion, whom he once purchased – whilst serving as managing director of Holsteiner Verband Hengsthaltungs GmbH – together with Paul Schockemöhle and Joop van Uytert. For the third year running, the association’s stallion tops the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) sire ranking for eventing. Norbert Boley wished Felix Flinzer, who has been steering the fortunes of Hengsthaltungs GmbH as managing director since the end of last year, all the best and congratulated him on a successful ‘baptism of fire’. Flinzer also expressed his satisfaction: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team for their exceptional commitment, and also to the breeders for placing their trust in us – I am now looking forward to what I hope will be a successful breeding and competition season.”
Anyone who missed seeing the association’s stallions live can watch the recording in the media library at ClipMyHorse.tv at any time.
Conchezz by Colestus
Photos: Janne Bugtrup (cover photo; Vigado by Vigo d'Arsouilles)
