The Holsteiner of the Month for May was born in Schönwalde, East Holstein. More specifically, at the stud farm run by the Oldekop family and their long-standing partner, Jan Hulshof from the Netherlands. Dark Chocolate, as the eight-year-old stallion is named, attracted attention at the World Cup Final with some spectacular rounds, earning him this title. The son of Casall triumphed in both a qualifier and the final of the highly competitive Youngster Tour. In the saddle was Irish rider Dennis Lynch, whose sponsors, Onyx Consulting Ltd, are listed as the owners. Dark Chocolate made his way from Ostholstein to Lynch via the Netherlands. As a four-year-old – having previously jumped over the Oldekop family’s 1.40-metre fences – Jan Hulshof took the dark bay to the Netherlands and had him trained there until he was seven years old. Via Vincent Voorn, he eventually made the move to Dennis Lynch’s stables.
Dark Chocolate is not only attracting attention for his sporting achievements – his pedigree is also causing quite a stir. His dam, Waamoon by Acodetto I – who, incidentally, also comes from the Oldekop stud – is a daughter of Haamoon by Leonid, who in turn is a direct daughter of the legendary Caletto II daughter Wisma. If you look up this mare line on HorseTelex, you’ll find a whole host of international show jumpers. With Casalor (Abdel Said/Belgium) and Cassamoon (Mariano Alario/USA), Dark Chocolate has two full siblings who are already competing at 1.50-metre and 1.60-metre levels respectively. Also from this dam line comes the licensed stallion and World Championship participant Caleri II by Calido I (Zuzana Zelikova/CZE), who is the son of Haamoon. Speaking of Caleri II: His full sister, in turn, is the 2021 Holsteiner Reserve Mare of the Year, Lalida by Million Dollar. The Cassini line 3389 has been maintained by the Oldekop family for generations, and with Dark Chocolate, another representative is on his way to the top level of the sport.

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz