The leading Holsteiner sire Diarado has been awarded the title of ‘Stallion of the Year’ by the Swedish Warmblood Association (SWB) for the third year running. With this honour, the Swedish Warmblood Breeding Association recognises stallions whose offspring have achieved impressive international sporting success and who make a significant contribution to Swedish breeding.
A total of 290 of Diarado’s offspring are registered in the Swedish Warmblood Stud Book. 89 of them have already been presented in young horse tests as three-year-olds, 18 have completed riding horse tests and 168 have so far competed in show jumping. Back in 2019, the SWB had already awarded the Holsteiner elite status in recognition of his exceptional breeding achievements.
The stallion’s offspring are successful in top-level international sport. A total of 53 of his offspring have already competed at 1.60-metre show jumping level. Among the most successful are Don Diarado, Dante MM and Dexter Fontenis Z. Nor should Diarado’s influence in eventing be overlooked. For years, he has been producing horses for the world’s elite in this discipline.
Licensed sons
Diarado has also made a name for himself in Sweden as the sire of licensed stallions. Six of his sons have been recognised by the breeding association, including Daquar CC 1236, Diero Lux N 1280 and Mr Vain GJ (SWB) 1234, who were also successful in international show jumping up to 1.50 metres and were awarded A-status for their breeding achievements. Other licensed sons include Dylan N (SWB) 1312, Diador 1258 and Rimaro van de Looise Heide 1434. According to HorseTelex, Diarado has a total of 120 licensed sons to his name. Among them, of course, is the reigning Holsteiner Champion Stallion, Dark Zuccero.
The Holsteiner is also one of the most sought-after sires in international breeding comparisons: in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) rankings, Diarado currently occupies 15th place amongst show jumping sires and has also topped the ranking of eventing stallions for years. With this latest accolade, the former Holsteiner Champion Stallion once again underlines his significance for international sport horse breeding.
Photo: Janne Bugtrup
