A breeders dream come true
The Start
Five years ago, when i decided to start breeding warmbloods for dressage, I made myself a nice cup of tea and sat down with a pen and paper to plan.
I wanted to be very clear on what I wanted to breed. As a very keen dressage rider myself, I started writing my list to include what I personally wanted in a horse: 3 good gaits that are easy to sit; a horse with a highly trainable attitude (yes that comes from breeding too); an even keeled temperament suited for an armature rider (more than 90% of horse owners); and finally, a horse that was well proportioned and suitable for a career in dressage.
As I would not compromise on any of these points, I choose to import a Danish Warmblood mare, my adorable Grace (Governor/Sandro Hit). Grace checked all the boxes and as an added bonus, she was as pretty as they come 😊
I later added another mare to my programme, the beautiful Feline (Blue Hors Farrell/Mid West Ibi light).
Fast forward to today, I am the lucky breeder of 5 gorgeous offspring aged foal to 4 years old. Four of them by Grace and one by Feline.
I bred my mares to Danish warmblood approved stallions. I wanted to make sure I got top of the line bloodlines that complimented and improved on my mares.
The Inspection
This year was the first time that I got to present my horses of a formal inspection. Of course, I choose to ask Danish Warmblood to visit my farm and inspect my horses.
By European standards, Danish Warmblood is a somewhat small breeding organisation, but one of the top-quality producers. If you follow the top-level FEI completions, you will recognise many of the names of Danish Warmblood horses – indeed an impressive percentage proportionately compared to the size of the breeding organisation.
The Michelin Star
If you are into high end restaurants, then you would have heard of the Michelin Star system. Restaurants are inspected and awarded stars based on a rating system. Few restaurants get more than one star – which is a huge honor.
I think of being inspected by Danish Warmblood as akin to having a Michelin inspector viewing my horses. To be considered is the first successful step, to be awarded the designation DH (Main Stud Book) is similar to getting a Michelin Star!
At my inspection, I also presented Montana Amazing Grace, my first born, who is now 4 and has moved to her new owner. Montana was ridden by a test rider at the inspection and awarded the status of RDH – meaning she is main stud book and has presented a successful ridden test!
To understand my utter delight with this result, consider that circa 550 mares are presented for inspection in Danish Warmblood in any given year. Of those less than half are awarded the coveted entry into the main stud book (DH). So the lovely Montana has proven herself to be a horse that has given me every point on my list.
Traditionally only stallions and mares were presented for inspections. However, this year, geldings were also invited to attend, which was great for me as I have my adorable two geldings, sones of Grace by Von und Zu. The two boys were both awarded DH (main stud book) and were given very positive remarks by the judges.
My two foals were also inspected and received very positive feedback. And wow was I ever proud when my little man Bugatti (Feline’s boy) was awarded a premium award for his quality and type!
It has been a hair straight back week preparing for the inspection and presenting all the horses and now I just look out at my lovely herd enjoying their fields and think I am so lucky to have them all.
I am also so proud and appreciative of the support and encouragement I got and keep enjoying by all the top professional breeders in my network. They helped me choose stallions, advised me on mare care, taught me how to care for foals and now also how to train young horses. My education continues and my ambition is relentless in search of excellence in breeding.
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