Andy Holdorf, aged 30, is fascinated by Holstein horses – but this enthusiasm wasn’t something he was born with, as his family had nothing to do with horses. It was through Bernd Möller from Kattendorf that the baker came into contact with Holsteiners, and he enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the breeders so much that he bought himself a broodmare.
She was a representative of the 318D1 line by Lancer-Ramiro, for whom he set up a stable at his grandmother’s house in Kattendorf in the district of Segeberg, and from whom he has bred six foals to date: one filly and five colts. “Unfortunately, I sold the filly by Crunch straight away, which I regret today because I’m missing a younger generation from this wonderful mare for further breeding,” says Holdorf. His first foal, now six years old and known by the competition name Cherry, is already successful in Class M show jumping competitions. “That makes me very proud, though, and I’m always delighted when I see her results.” Last year, he bought another mare by Limbus-Alcatraz from line 776, who is in foal to Casall and could foal at any time. “Line 776 is extensive and highly successful, and I found the mare’s pedigree in combination with Casall so exciting that the decision to buy was an easy one,” explains the employed baker. He also has a third broodmare by Acorado-Limmerick (line 1859), which Marc Horns arranged for him and which has competed at 1.50-metre level. She had already produced several foals for her previous owner; this year she foaled a filly by Clarimo at Holdorf. “She is very elegant, long-legged and modern, so I’d like to repeat the mating with Clarimo.”
When selecting stallions, the Hartenholmer breeder has often opted for association-approved stallions in the past; for example, alongside Clarimo, Crunch and Casall, he has also used Clarksville, Dinken, Quibery and Del Arko. Jumping ability, athleticism and good movement are particularly important to him when selecting stallions. “I’ve actually always been very happy with the choices I’ve made – and I’ve been very lucky with my foals. The very first two were championship foals, and two more received a premium. That naturally gave me a real boost as a new breeder,” he says with a smile. Nevertheless, he is well aware that his breeding programme is still in its infancy. “I’ve never seen it as a disadvantage that I don’t have a breeding family behind me; rather, I’m grateful to have been showered with advice and offers of help from the Holsteiner community. The Horns family from Bredebekshorst, in particular, have helped me out many times.” Andy Holdorf also has a two-year-old by Del Arko-Caretino being reared there. Even though his family has no connection to horses, the 30-year-old can rely on their support: his grandmother makes her land available for keeping the three broodmares, and his mother feeds the horses in the mornings whilst he is already at work in the bakery. His first broodmare, by Lancer, has not become in foal during the past two breeding seasons; this year, Holdorf is making one final attempt. “Otherwise, she can enjoy her well-deserved retirement,” he says, adding that he intends to keep his herd at two to three active broodmares. “I hope to get a few more robust and healthy foals. I like long-legged, athletic horses, but I don’t want to approach breeding too doggedly. It should remain a lovely hobby.”
'Breeders in the Spotlight' is a new series in which Holsteiner breeders talk about their experiences, greatest successes and most memorable moments with the Holsteiner horse. They showcase their offspring and explain their breeding philosophy.
