“I found a high level of consistency among the horses here, with very good rideability scores, and many of the stallions really impressed me over the jumps,” said Lars Meyer zu Bexten following the Holstein Young Stallion Presentation. 

He was happy to have taken on the role of sports commentator for the stallions during the association’s stallion presentation and had no regrets about travelling from Herford to Elmshorn: “I came here with very high expectations and must say that they were actually exceeded,” admits the Nations Cup rider, former national coach and globally sought-after trainer. On 1 May, the team at Holsteiner Verband Hengsthaltungs GmbH had invited breeders and interested parties to view the association’s three- to seven-year-old stallions at the Herbert-Blöcker-Platz. Meyer zu Bexten was also full of praise for the Elmshorn trainers: “The team that Felix Flinzer has assembled here is doing an outstanding job. Lucas Wenz, Arne van Heel and Mathies Rüder are three very different riders who complement each other perfectly. They perform just as well at the highest level as they do here with these stallions, some of whom are very young. One can only hope that this approach continues,” he said. 

Focus
on three- to seven-year-olds Initially, the four- to seven-year-old stallions had been presented in (short) courses appropriate to their age and level of training. The now four-year-old stallions Cascolero by Casall, Crinch by Clarimo, United Pleasure by United Way and Kantato by Keaton once again made a good impression, having already successfully completed their stallion performance tests and their first competition appearances at the start of the year. Union City by United Way, Deichkind by Don and Vigado by Vigo d’Arsouilles also received applause for their performances. Following this, the three-year-olds Cognac by Comme il faut, Bonduel by Bonds and champion stallion Conchezz by Colestus made their first public appearance under saddle, demonstrating their basic gaits. A selection of foals sired by the young stallions rounded off the programme, and three lucky winners were also delighted to receive free jumping sessions as prizes from the raffle. Incidentally, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the raffle go to the Holstein young breeders. Anyone who missed the Association’s stallion presentation live can watch a recording in the ClipMyHorse.tv media library. 

Photo: Janne Bugtrup (Deichkind by Don and Arne van Heel)