Wonderful Sport Horses

To Breed or Not To Breed

2011-01-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

To Breed or Not to Breed? That is the question! The answer...

Merry Christmas and Have a Wonderful New Year!

2010-12-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

2010 Trips in review!

Personalize your own ecard

Facebook

2010-12-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well, it's all about Facebook and Twitter the past 2 years. I did try out Twitter, and the end result is really information overflow. It is not for horse people but people who have just so much time on their hands they don't know what to do with it. Horse people are so busy having fun (or not) with their horses or working hard FOR their horses, so I don't think they have time for twitter. However, I did use it for about 10 months to report what I found on the net or report a couple of horsey events that I participated, but in the end I have to give up.

However, I am keeping up with my facebook updates. It's easier to communicate and pass information along with all the additional functionalities built in. However, being a SW engineer, I have to say it is a piece of c*$& from usability (especially navigation) and stability point of view. Also just like any internet search engine, if they missed a few postings, you wouldn't know the difference. Just don't let this company develop any control software for the airplanes. Haha.

Well, if you are interested, "friend" me : http://www.facebook.com/1derful, or be a fan of Wonderful Sport Horses' page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderful-Sport-Horses-Elite-Hanoverian-Stallions-At-Stud/302795246143 (see my badges on the right hand side of the blog.)

This was a quiet year in terms of breeding business. It has been since 2008. Though we still bred more than some other nice stallions as reported by their owners, it was too few to keep it as a business due to the high cost of keeping them in the area with very expensive dirt. Our government being so poor, it certainly made sure IRS would produce; well it shut me down even though I explained to them the potential is great, like 15 million Euro great ;-) but they want the money NOW!

Some stallion owners can keep mares on their own farms and make up the income by selling foals or riding horses when they grow up. Unfortunately I don't have that option... yet. Without the tax deduction, there is no way for me to sponsor all the breedings going forward. We still have Montserrat's frozen semen available for sale. For now, I will focus on having fun with my horses and getting back to ride. I will look for opportunities to find an ideal home for Rubino Bellissimo. However, the price AND situation must be right, and I am very picky. After looking at Asian Games' mediocre scores and astronomical price tags of those horses, Rubino should go back into the limelight. If not, I am building that greener pasture...

Important Notice!

2010-01-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Urgent Notice:

Potential Danger of Horse Hair...This is a public service announcement ...
In a press release today, the National Institute of Health has announced the discovery of a potentially dangerous substance in the hair of horses. This substance, called "amobacter equuii" has been linked with the following symptoms in females:

Reluctance to cook, clean or do housework.
Reluctance to wear make-up, good clothes or heels.
Reluctance to spend money on home or car repairs until after "baby has new shoes, pad, blanket, tack, grain, hay & supplements".

Important notes:

"Amobacter equuii" usually results in long hours away from home and exhaustion which may lead to a loss of physical contact with other humans (especially husbands).
"Amobacter equuii" is thought to be addictive, driving the need for additional sources - this may lead to a "herd mentality" or, like the potato chip commercial, "you can't have just one".
Beware! If you come in contact with a female human infected by this substance, be prepared to talk about horses for hours.

Surgeon General's Warning: Horses are expensive, addictive, and may impair the ability to use common sense.
"Amobacter equuii" is usually found in females but can occasionally infect males as well.

My horsey friends love this important information as they are happy that they

finally have an diagnosis.

Here is one of my big ponies that gave me Amobactor equuii and caused me to

drive 110 miles yesterday and got an expensive speeding ticket...

Finally entering 2010...

2010-01-11T19:07:00.001-08:00

It looks like I've been quite delinquent with my blog posting here...

I've been very busy with my Dad as his condition is getting more difficult. He is 84-years-old and physically fit, but has dementia. It's like having an adult size 2-year-old. However, I am appreciative that he is still with us.

I do post a line here and there to my twitter or facebook, so follow the happenings on them...

http://twitter.com/1derful

http://facebook.com/1derful

I'll try my best to keep up with our news and our breeders' reports. More to come shortly... I promise.

Champion colt by Wonderful

2009-10-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Wilson by Wonderful of Peggy Sue by Pointmaker became the site champion at Starr Vaughn Oldenburg foal inspection. Congratulations to breeder Jane Buyny.

Rubino's youngsters shine in dressage competition!

2009-10-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

A couple of youngsters by our dressage genius Rubino Bellissimo are proving themselves and rivaling their sire's show records at this young age.

5-year-old Rubina is showing up to Second Level, and receiving 78% for her 1st level tests and her first outing at a USDF sanctioned Second Level test, she received 73.947% with her breeder and trainer Christiane Noelting. Rubina is for sale and you can see the video from her first show (ridden by Christane's rider) at: Christiane's website. She is now schooling up to 3rd level movements, including flying changes already.

Meanwhile, 4-year-old Ruduc von Foxpaw, "Duke" with his Vintage Cup eligible owner/rider Diane Pulles are cleaning up in the Midwest. He has been shown up to First level and receiving scores up to 72.333%. Here is a mention at his breeder Foxpaw Farm's website.

Here is a quick summary of Rubino Bellissimo's records:

At 4 years old: First level all above 70~78%. Material class 87~89.5%. (Never competed Training Level.)
At 5 years old: CDS Year-end Champion at First Level, Champion of USDF All-Breeds Award, 4th at Second Level, only 0.4% behind the champion in a very competitive group.

Duke beat his sire by showing and winningTraining Level and Material class as a 3-year-old! Congratulations to both breeders and owners!

A lot of 1derful News

2009-09-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for many other news that I am behind on posting...

Weltido Reserve Champion at his very first show

2009-09-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Weltido by Wonderful out of EM Barcelona (Batido) bred by Linda Hackney of San Diego Sport Horses achieved double Reserve Champions at his very first show with a score of 80%.

From Weltido

He is now owned by Elaine Barnes in Washington, and here is her brief report forwarded by Linda:

I hope these pictures are not to big this time. His conformation is a little off, its just the way he is standing, and when the professional pictures come I will send one to you for your web site. But here he is. Reserve Champion in the USDF Colt and Gelding 3 year old class. There was a total of 10 horses who qualified with a score of 76% and higher. I believe his score was 80%. The person who is shown with him was a "catch rider" for the day, but Tido loves people and did his very best for her, and she is on the list of people who feel they absolutely must have him. The background looks a mess, on that day we basically had a monsoon rain pour and it blew most of the decorations down. Linda this was a new place he had never been to, he walked in and nothing phased him. See ya later, Elaine

Congratulations to both Elaine and Linda. Weltido's yearling full brother is available for sale. He is big, flashy, a beautiful mover, and ready to win. I wish I had my own place to buy and keep him, but I don't. :-( However, you can be the lucky one. ;-) Find more info at: http://www.sandiegosporthorses.com

Wonderful's grandchildren in Germany

2009-07-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Stefan Blanken for winning 1a champion in the mare family class at Tarmstedt Mare Show. All three mares are out of Wonderlady (Wonderful X Goldstern). The mare family has been with his family for generations. The three mares by Wonderlady are (See picture from left to right: Rosi, Lavinia by Loxley, and Sternschnuppe by Sir Savoy. Sternschnuppe (Shooting Star) also competed in the 3-year-old class and won her class, and achieved Reserve Grand Champion of the show with 55 mare entries.

Rubino is back!

2009-06-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we got a few sponsors to help me get Rubino back in training. My trainer Nicole Perry got on him within a day after his arrival at the training center. Rubi apparently missed his girl friends and the familiar people and surrounding where he has known in the past two years, so I was told that he was upset and screaming when I was not with him. I guess he recognizes me as his boss mare mommy to keep him in line and feel secure. :-)

Nicole is such a brave rider. It's been 2+ years since she last rode Rubi, she just got on him (cautiously of course) and rode. She was worried because Rubi's back was tight from all the screaming, but after a short period of walking, she described that Rubi all at sudden remembered who she was and the place, and understood what he was supposed to do. He took contact of the reins and relaxed his back. From that point on, he behaved like a champion instead of a screaming idiot (her words, haha.) She described it an amazing feeling for that sudden and complete transformation and a moment that she would remember forever.

We'll take everything very slowly. It's all up to God's plan.

Welt To Do is one year old!

2009-06-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Welt To Do's breeder Linda of San Diego Sporthorses for sending us new pictures of her lovely yearling. He is already 15.1 hands all. Wonderful's babies are usually slow to grow, so Linda's mare EM Bravo (by Batido) really helped a lot.

White Sox by Wonderful out of Volckmar mare

2009-05-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Redhawk Ranch's White Sox by Wonderful out of a Dutch mare by Volckmar has grown up. With his four tall stockings and a big blaze, he is definitely named appropriately. :-)

He is ridden by a Junior rider, Jacky Meinen, right now. They went to Del Mar Horse Show for his very first show experience. He scored 64% at First Level! Here are some pictures collected from Redhawk Ranch's website.

A quick update!

2009-05-28T23:05:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since the last update. I've been exploring twitter; that's why. You can follow us at http://twitter.com/1derful. Meanwhile, here is the photo album of the new addition to Wonderful Sport Horses.

Introducing Ripleigh - 2009 filly by Rubino Bellissimo out of Hideaway's Dream Girl

2009-04-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ocean Mist Farm of Florida for this beautiful and correct filly out of their Connemara mare Hideaway's Dream Girl. With the success of an older full sister Rubi's Dream, breeder Jennifer of Ocean Mist Farm repeated the cross and Ripleigh is the result.

"Hi Violet,

Attaching some new pictures of Hideaway’s Dream Girl’s filly taken today at 3 weeks old. We have named her Ripleigh. She is quite a character and a blast to be around! She is very friendly, a breeze to handle with a touch of good Irish humor.

We think this one is destined to be an eventer!"

Useful Tips in Today's Economy

2009-04-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Click here to read some useful tips for all horse people.

New colt! Romeo Bellissimo

2009-04-12T23:21:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to breeder Sherry White of Graystone Farm in Ohio on her healthy and correct colt by Rubino Bellissimo out of Maybach by Landwerder (AKA Silver Lining). Sherry wrote:
"Hi Violet. Maybach delivered a wonderful Rubino colt Friday evening. He's quite nicely put together and I'm very pleased. I may change his name to Romeo Bellissimo because he's so friendly and easy going. I couldn't be happier. Thanks for everything!"

Both mare and foal are for sale. Here are some pictures taken when Romeo was born and just 12 hours old. Enjoy.

Rubino Bellissismo X SPS Wynona (Weltmeyer X SPS Maya (Marco Polo))

2009-03-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan sending me the pictures so quickly. Here is her new filly, not quite one day old yet.

Hi Violet,

We still can't get over this filly. She's the epitome of modern type as opposed to her dam that's the old type. When you look at them together, it's pretty mind boggling. Rubino sure did the job we'd hoped he would.

It turns out she has more than a star, it's a blaze. She also has two white hind feet and white above those.

Susan
P.S. Please forward these to Mary Scott DVM

New Rubino Bellissimo filly - Congratulations to the Crossens...

2009-03-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Got the exciting news via email at 6 PM PST last night! Can't wait to see the pictures.

Hi Violet,

We just delivered a gorgeous, large and perfect filly by Rubino and Wynona. She's just wonderful. Her legs are almost as long as her dams. Beautiful head. Nice slim neck.

Tom thinks she's the cats meow. She's so tall she had trouble finding the teats. We had to help. Now we're watching to make sure she gets them on her own.

I'll send pictures as soon as we get her outside. I'll think you'll be very impressed.

Regards,

Susan

Welt To Do by Wonderful

2009-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

San Diego Sporthorses just posted the video clips of their outstanding colts:

Love to receive updates on the "babies"

2009-03-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

This baby is growing up. Owner Erin reported her baby is now under saddle for 4 weeks and already on his way to impress many at shows. Here is the direct quote from her email:

"Well, you were right they are easy to train...

Our coming 4 year old colt "R. Cessna" by Rubino has been in training for 6 weeks and backed for 4 went to a horse show last weekend...

A training show but his very first outing. Tracie Bjugan, his trainer, has been so impressed by how easy he is and how everything has come together so quickly-no doubt this colt is bred for dressage. She took him to Devonwood Equestrian Center here in Portland. Cessna recieved a 65% and a 61.8% in training lvl 1 & 2...Scoreing 8's on gaits~

Pretty impressive to all attending the show!

I really had thought I'd not breed anymore mares but his mother is open and maybe we should try it again for 2010...(can you get this lucky twice?) I'll call tomorrow...

Of course I took no pictures but will... I do think he's 17HH now and still has the 4 white socks. He's really a super great gelding...thanks again and I'll try to call tomorrow about that re-breed...thanks again!"

Congratulations, Erin. Thanks for the great news, and let's do it again!

A WONDERFUL colt!

2009-03-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

Check out this incredibly beautiful colt by Wonderful out of Peggy Sue (Pointmaker). I used to own a mare with same Wonderful X Pointmaker breeding. She is really beautiful and incredibly elastic. I sold her to an amateur lady, who loves her to death. It looks like this colt is going to be even better! Here is his album.

Stallion Service Auctions are up!

2009-01-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Sport Horses are donating 5 items to Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society (GOV) and American Hanoverian Society (AHS). Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a breeding or frozen semen for this breeding season. Here are the auction items (click on the link to view details and bid):

GOV:
Wonderful (LFG Contract)
Montserrat (LFG Contract)

AHS:

Wonderful (LFG Contract)

Montserrat (frozen semen - 2 doses for one cycle)

Montserrat (regular LFG contract)

Please bid and support the breed registries.

Rubino Bellissimo's Breeding is still 50% off, so the pricing will be even better than the auctions. I just cannot afford donating his service as the sex wagon shuttle service :-) between the vet clinic from and training farm can get quite costly.

Happy bidding and Good Luck!

Wish you a 1DERFUL and GR8 2009!

2009-01-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

TO HAVE A HORSE IN YOUR LIFE

To have a horse in your life is a gift. In the matter of a few short years, a horse can teach a young girl courage, if she chooses to grab mane and hang on for dear life. Even the smallest of ponies is mightier than the tallest of girls. To conquer the fear of falling off, having one's toes crushed, or being publicly humiliated at a horse show is an admirable feat for any child. For that, we can be grateful.

Horses teach us responsibility. Unlike a bicycle or a computer, a horse needs regular care and most of it requires that you get dirty and smelly and up off the couch. Choosing to leave your cozy kitchen to break the crust of ice off the water buckets is to choose responsibility. When our horses dip their noses and drink heartily; we know we've made the right choice.

Learning to care for a horse is both an art and a science. Some are easy keepers, requiring little more than regular turn-out, a flake of hay, and a trough of clean water. Others will test you - you'll struggle to keep them from being too fat or too thin. You'll have their feet shod regularly only to find shoes gone missing. Some are so accident-prone you'll swear they're intentionally finding new ways to injure themselves.

If you weren't raised with horses, you can't know that they have unique personalities. You'd expect this from dogs, but horses? Indeed, there are clever horses, grumpy horses, and even horses with a sense of humor. Those prone to humor will test you by finding new ways to escape from the barn when you least expect it.

Horses can be timid or brave, lazy or athletic, obstinate or willing. You will hit it off with some horses and others will elude you altogether. There are as many "types" of horses as there are people- which makes the whole partnership thing all the more interesting.

If you've never ridden a horse, you probably assume it's a simple thing you can learn in a weekend. You can, in fact, learn the basics on a Sunday, but to truly ride well takes a lifetime. Working with a living being is far more complex than turning a key in the ignition and putting the car or tractor in "drive."

In addition to listening to your instructor, your horse will have a few things to say to you as well. On a good day, he'll be happy to go along with the program and tolerate your mistakes; on a bad day, you'll swear he's trying to kill you. Perhaps he's naughty or perhaps he' fed up with how slowly you're learning his language. Regardless, the horse will have an opinion. He may choose to challenge you (which can ultimately make you a better rider) or he may carefully carry you over fences - if it suits him. It all depends on the partnership - and partnership is what it's all about.

If you face your fears, swallow your pride, and are willing to work at it, you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment, and compassion in addition to basic survival skills. You'll discover just how hard you're willing to work toward a goal, how little you know, and how much you have to learn.

And, while some people think the horse "does all the work", you'll be challenged physically as well as mentally. Your horse may humble you completely. Or, you may find that sitting on his back is the closest you'll get to heaven.

You can choose to intimidate your horse, but do you really want to? The results may come more quickly, but will your work ever be as graceful as that gained through trust? The best partners choose to listen, as well as to tell. When it works, we experience a sweet sense of accomplishment brought about by smarts, hard work, and mutual understanding between horse and rider. These are the days when you know with absolute certainty that your horse is enjoying his work.

If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our lives, most of us have to squeeze riding into our over saturated schedules; balancing our need for things equine with those of our households and employers. There is never enough time to ride, or to ride as well as we'd like. Hours in the barn are stolen pleasures.

If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your life with them. Our horses know our secrets; we braid our tears into their manes and whisper our hopes into their ears. A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear: a warm place to sleep, someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals. Some of us need these reminders.

When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about love, life, and learning. On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of a foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness. That same day, there is also loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, a decision to sustain a life or end it gently. As horse people, we share the accelerated life cycle of horses: the hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that caring for these animals brings us. When our partners pass, it is more than a moment of sorrow.

We mark our loss with words of gratitude for the ways our lives have been blessed. Our memories are of joy, awe, and wonder. Absolute union. We honor our horses for their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give.

To those outside our circle, it must seem strange. To see us in our muddy boots, who would guess such poetry lives in our hearts? We celebrate our companions with praise worthy of heroes. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of fields of battle.

Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse; of journeys made and challenges met. The best of horses rise to the challenges we set before them, asking little in return.

Those who know them understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart. Together, we share the pain of sudden loss and the lingering taste of long-term illness. We shoulder the burden of deciding when or whether to end the life of a true companion.

In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us to our horses--or our horses to us. Does it matter? We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place.

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

2008-12-23T23:36:00.000-08:00

We wish you a WONDERFUL Holiday Season. Here is a card featuring some pictures from our breeders. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Le Rubio ATA In Hand Futurity Champion

2008-12-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Breeder Stephanie Moses. Stephanie reported that her 3-year-old gelding Le Rubio by Rubino Bellissimo won the ATA In Hand Futurity!!

Le Rubio won his breeder quite a handsome sum of prize money too! Take a look at the specifics at:

http://americantrakehner.com/Futurity/FutWinnersInhand.htm

Le Rubio's dam Lacrosse is a Trakehner, so he is registered half-Trakehner. Le Rubio is well decorated since he was a young foal (see picture). We thank his breeder for recognizing his talents and showing him.

He is now under saddle, and will be on the market perhaps after the holiday season. Stay tuned for this wonderful opportunity to own this winning horse.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday

2008-11-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

Time flies and this year is almost gone. With the economy being all gloom and doom and people worrying about their jobs, there is still plenty to thank for. We celebrated many new wonderful foals and have many more to look forward to next year.

It can be a tough year for breeding next year due to all the uncertainty. We observed many foals either not selling at a price that would be considered fair two years ago, and some well bred foals are being dumped to the market at a price that is hardly enough to cover the stud fee, vet services, inspection, registration and feeding the mare for 12 months. We are doing our best to help our breeders market their foals, but we must advise all who try to market their horses with the following:

You must have at least one high resolution very well posed conformation shot or action shots that show the conformation well.
It is important to have a good video that clearly shows the horse's movements at all 3 gaits from the side, and preferably from the front and back as well. The video should be taken in a well-lit location with anti-shake or image stabilizer feature on, and steadily zoom to focus on the horse at all time.

Unless you have good connection with trainers and repeat buyers, just about everyone shops on the internet first nowadays. No one is going to buy a plane ticket or drive 100 miles at the current (even though already reduced) gas price to look at your horse without first gathering as much information as possible; especially if you only have one horse to sell. If you cannot attract potential buyers while others can by using all the available tools, such as internet classified ads, youtube video, and print ads, you are going to lose out on sales opportunities.

I will write up some tips on how to use just a cheap digital camera to get good web quality pictures. It does require some help from others and a lot of patience. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, based on anectodal indicators from the classified ads and equestrian forums, and very obvious indicators of world economy, stock, real estates and lending markets, overall breeding market will likely decline next year just like the other trades, this means whoever has good young horses 2-3 years later when the economy turns around will be in a much better market position. Quality will sell.

To help breeders to have a good start, we are offering a pre-season early booking discount at 50% off on both booking and stud fees for all our stallions. For return breeders, we have an even nicer deal for you. We have other options for new clients as well. We are also interested in partnership with qualified mares. Please just call or email us for more details.

Wish you a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving, and enjoy the time with your friends and family, two-legged as well as the four-legged.

Conrad Schumacher Clinic

2008-11-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

Conrad Schumacher was here in early November for a symposium! My friend Dara at Golden Oak Farm organized this symposium. Unfortunately we got hit by atypical weather for California. The rain storm was so strong that made thundering noises on the metal roof of the covered arena. At one point, Conrad stopped, and shouted, "Welcome to Germany!" Only an hour later, the rain was pouring down even harder, and he shouted, "This is not Germany any more. Welcome to England!" However, the rain didn't dampen the riders' and attendees' spirits, and all the horses behaved quite well. Around 150 people attended the symposium. Many of them appeared to be trainers, and even though video cameras were not prohibited, many people were observed taking notes furiously, including drawing exercise patterns.

Conrad has given lessons to my trainers on my stallion Rubino Bellissimo before, and I have always like how Conrad can figure out the horse and rider really quickly and come up some exercises to help them, and the most amazing part is that he always gets the result very quickly. Here are some (bad) snapshots to give you a taste of the interesting clinic. For your holiday shopping, check out his first video production "Prepare To Win": http://www.conradschumacherdressage.com/

This is not just a video tape of a collection of clinics and symposiums, but it's specifically developed to teach the viewers, according to Conrad, the intelligent thinking kind of riders. ;-) It is designed for competitors as you can see the title name, but it's good for all riders to learn. This is volume 1, and he says there will be two additional volumes. (Note: I am just a fan, and not related to the video production or sales in any way.)

Weltinvader at 2008 USDF Regional Championships

2008-11-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Breeder Beverly Nahman forwarded a photo card that features her horse Weltinvader (Welt Klasse X Vienna Waltz) at the USDF Regional Championships last month. This wonderful and elegant gelding has matured beautifully with his brightened gray coat. You can see more (83 total!) pictures of him taken by photographer David Mullinex at: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0BEF0078430000&po=0

Click on the play button and enjoy! (The posted picture is just an old picture as a teaser... :-)

Trip to Taiwan

2008-11-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

I went to Taiwan, the beautiful island of Formosa, for two weeks in October, but no barn tours this time. I visited a friend's horses, and had a nice long chat with him. To be honest I don't remember him very much as it is more than 30 years ago when we rode, and he must be just a kid. :-) Thanks to internet we stayed in touch.

It was raining the day of the visit, the barn was quite wet and muddy, so I didn't take any pictures. He bred his own two mares. They are sisters but not much alike at all. He rode the young mare to show me, and she is an elegant tall horse, but lacks muscle development for a 6-year-old. They worries about founders, so the horses are kept quite lean, but founder is more caused by sudden increase of sugar load, and a thin horse can founder if turned loose on spring pasture.

Anyway, my friend reported that the equestrian sport has regressed since the high point in the late 80's early 90's as a lot of early horse owners who bought the nice horses just don't have time to ride because of their travel schedule and long stay abroad for business, and the few trainers are too busy to really work all the horses. Without enough exercise, the horses get quite wild. Hmmm, why don't the owners sponsor some young talents? He also mentioned that the trainers don't seem to be able to teach the riders to move up the levels. The owners of FEI horses don't seem to get the chance to learn anything beyond leg yield. I am in the states for over 30 years now, so I really don't know the horse affairs over there to comment any more.

However, I'd like to recommend the hottest movie there: Cape No. 7

Time to catch up

2008-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. I was abroad for two weeks in October, but I guess it takes forever to return to normal rhythm. I'd better finish up my tour of barns in Beijing before I forget what I saw. It looks like I still have 4 more places to report. Gee, I went to a lot more places than I thought.

I have researched on the internet and found that there is a sporthorse and racehorse breeding farm near Beijing, so I found the contact information, and address and made it a planned stop. I was calling the number since morning trying to make an appointment, but it never went through. My taxi driver also helped calling while he was waiting for me at each stop. In the end, we arrived the place without an appointment. The next obstacle turned out to be their 20-foot stonewalls. This place is surrounded by two-story high walls with huge solid metal gates all locked shut! From one side they have a lower gate, and I could see barns in there, but the gate was also locked with nobody in sight. We figured there must be another gate, so drove around, and arrived at a stable. However, that was not the originally planned destination. In fact I didn't know it existed, so not in my plan at all.

The barn worker first was suspicious about us. I would too as it turned out to be a private stable, but he became very excited and friendly once I told him that I was from the US and would like to see horses in Beijing. The barn was not the fanciest, but it was maintained very clean and all the horses looked well fed and shining. I could see the barn help was very proud of the horses he cared for. He pointed out a big colt and his dam to me, and asked me to guess his breeding. Oh mine, how would I know? They looked to have some blood, but the mare's size was somewhat small, so they must be some mixed breed.

He laughed and told me it was sired by a prized blood-sweating horse! The legendary blood-sweating horse was known to run very fast with a lot of endurance, and they would bleed from the neck when they ran. The modern veterinary medicine tells us this phenomenon might be caused by parasites encysted in the skin bursting. It was also believed to be just a visual effect as the horse sweat, its hair color became so deep that it looked like blood. The actual breed is believed to be Akhal-Teke or a close relative. Other than the longer back, I really couldn't see any distinctive traits in this colt. However, they do have a horse that looks like a cremello or perlino. He has a cute head, nice topline, but kind of short legged.

Anyway, this is just a detour, we asked how to get to his neighbor, the big well-secured breeding farm, but the answer was simply, "find an open door." Hmm, not too helpful. Well, if we couldn't find the door to get in, we should just head for the next stable. As we were retracing our route to leave this village, we saw the low gate of the breeding farm was open, and people were coming and going. We drove to the gate and let the person, who appeared to be guarding the gate and supervising the workers, know why we were there, but he said he had to check with the owner. He called the owner and handed me his cell phone, and I got to explain to the owner that I am a sporthorse breeder in the US and my interest in seeing horses near Beijing. He was very welcoming and even apologized that no one answered the phone earlier and he was not there to greet us. I was a bit overwhelmed by the gracious hospitality over the phone. He called his barn manager to come to the gate to take us for a tour of his facility.

My goodness, what a place! It is definitely at the caliber of Mr. Uli Kasselmann's farm, and to no surprise, this facility is in association with PSI! I saw a club house and the stable. Both of them looked like Mediterranean palaces. There were not many stalls, but everything is size XL in volume and height. The barn housed several stallions with jumping Holsteiner and Hanoverian bloodlines. The grounds were all green completed with paver stone paths through the gardens and woods, a creek, pond, water falls, fountains, and completed with some swans swimming. There was an automatic horse exerciser, and a palomino stallion was getting a bit anxious and unhappy doing his rounds. The paddocks all looked kind of small to me, and the paddocks were wet and sloppy, not quite up to the standard of the rest of the property.

There was a big jumping arena and several riders there jumping or doing flatwork. I was told by the barn manager that they were team members of the Beijing Equestrian Team sponsored by the farm owner, and they were all jumpers as no one was interested in dressage work yet. They have a coach sent from PSI. I later learned by googling, the owner is a real horse lover, and an official in several organizations, and very dedicated to the equestrian sports. However, I can see it is difficult to promote a sport that takes not only talents and skills, but also great investment and deep knowledge of the sport partner - the horse. Since the owner has so much security and privacy measures with the big wall and gates, I didn't take any pictures of this place. The place is called "Clearwood Farm", and they do offer PSI style auctions, so I am sure whoever is interested can get the information.

The next two places are really not very exciting. One barn was in "Crab Island Resort". I was wondering what Crab Island was. How could there be an island in the middle of large land mass and no lakes? It turned out to be a theme park where you can do indoor crabbing (so I was told as I didn't go in to see.) There were several giant buildings, that looked like aircraft hangers, and the taxi driver said they were for crabbing. We found the horse area, but it

looked to be just for non-horsey tourists to ride in circles, so we didn't stop to check it out. However, I did see something totally wierd; couldn't guess what the whole structure was for. The taxi driver said they were all antennae. I am pretty sure the guy who was making the call on his cell phone had great signal! Haha.

The next place I went could probably be toatlly skipped. It was very close to some lower-end residential/commercial area, but the surrounding businesses all seemed to be the off colored sort. Anyway, I saw a few skinny rental horses, and one customer struggling to try to get the horse to move.

One day is really not long enough to go to all the places. There is another barn on the south side of Beijing in my plan, and they have Friesians based on what I found on the internet. Hopefully, I can stay for a longer time in my future visits.

I left Beijing the next day, and here are a few shots at the airport, including the display of the ancient "drums" used in the Olympic opening ceremony.

The rest of the horse facility tour

2008-09-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well, if I don't quickly finish up my blog on Beijing riding facilities, it's going to be the time for my next trip to Asia.

After stop 3, I went to three barns, all next to a river. The first was a new place as I understood it. it was set up very functional and quaint. The office looks like a little cottage made of stucco with it's own walled garden. The stable looks nice and new. A trainer was teaching a student, and I overheard very good instruction. They seem to have good lesson programs, and will be an interesting place to ride. I saw a very beautiful horse there. He is smaller grey, may be 14.3 hands, 150 cm or so, but very nice conformation and well muscled. I asked about the

breeding, and he was a Chinese half-bred. I really think Chinese horse breeders don't need to aim for giant horses, but really try hard to develop horses with good conformation that are suitable for Chinese riders, who most likely are not too big in stature.

The second was a bit hard for us to get to as you actually need to drive on top of the dirt dike next to the river for several kilometers to get there. We arrived during lunch hour, so everyone was eating lunch, all the horses in the barn and people in their riding attire outside the rustic "club house", sitting or squatting around. It is not a fancy place, but offers beautiful natural scenery of river banks and woods. The golf course next door is not that bad looking either. It is a wonderful place for trail riding. The lady who showed me around said only experienced riders they would allow to ride out on the dike. I consider their horses very thin. They can certainly use some grains or perhaps just enough hay to fatten up a bit.

Next riding club is several kilometers away along the river. This is one fancy place, but

unfortunately I don't know how much business they are really getting. It seems to be mostly a

boarding stable for some private horses. The office manager lady showed me around and told me it is basically an exclusive membership club, and the membership fee is quite significant, but the club members get to enjoy a luxurious club house in addition to the horse facility. They do also offer individual riding sessions, but it is not clear if they really have a rental string or school horses. They were rebuilding the barn, so all horses were staying either in a covered corral or

out at the pasture on the river bank. The horses don't look particularly high quality though some of them were pointed out as privately owned. The club owner has an imported FEI mare that could perform Prix St. George movements, but unfortunately no one is riding her at the moment and she is out in the pasture. The lady told me if I wanted to ride there, she would ask if I could ride this mare. I will definitely take on the offer if I have a chance to visit Beijing again soon.

OK, three more places to report. Stay tuned...

Stop 3

2008-09-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Here is my 3rd installment on the Beijing Equestrian facilities.

This is probably the most formal training center in Beijing. They have 60+ horses, including school horses and privately owned horses. They have a huge barn to accommodate the horses, yet they are building a new barn. The jumping ring is huge, and they have a decent indoor arena, plus a couple of warmup rings. I saw many people riding, and the horses appeared to be well cared for, including one stout warmblood looking horse enjoying his
legs cooled off after a workout.

This place boasts a coach from England and is a 4-star qualified equestrian facility certified by BHS. I can't say the riders I saw were of high quality. A couple of horses were ridden with a inverted necks, hollow backs while jumping with tight reins, but the students seemed to try hard in their lessons. This is a sizable facility with manicured lawns and parking lot, and seems to be a nice place for competitions as well. They have their own newsletters that are in glossy magazine print, the lady who showed me around gave me a couple of copies.

This is definitely a place that I will consider riding though the price is quite high here, close to the upper range of the US prices.

Stop 2...

2008-09-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

It took me a couple of days to find time to continue with my blog on equestrian facilities in Beijing. After the official pentathlon facility, we drove toward north west for two private facility. The taxi driver helped me call in advance, but found out one phone number has been disconnected. I have pretty detailed instruction to get to the second location, so he didn't call. I thought it would not be too far, so decided to go check it out anyway. Well, I was wrong, it looked close on the tiny map I had, but Beijing is huge! It took us good 25-30 minutes to get there. It is a facility in the hills, a tourist area called Xiang Shan (Fragrant Mountain) with beautiful scenaries, and I was told this is where people go enjoy the red and orange colors of the fall. It was amazing to finally arrive the place and found it was on top of a beautiful knoll among a bunch of residential housing and a restaurant or nightclub right next to it. The security guard of the entire place told us the horse riding operation has been shut down though the horses still live there; he was kind enough to show us the horses. He reported that the owner made a lot of money from renting the houses and from the restaurant business, so he didn't want to be bothered by the little money from running the horse business. The horse stalls are on the first floor of an apartment. Won't that be great for a good "hardcore" riding school? Student dormitory on top of the stalls of their horses.

More to come, stay tuned...

Equestrian Scenes in Beijing

2008-09-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

I visited Beijing, China last week. No, I didn't catch the Olympic Games. I made sure I enjoyed the entire Olympics from the comfort of my sofa in front of my new 52" HD flat panel first. The trip was really for sending my daughter to study in a university there. She is a Smith girl, but in junior year, just about everyone studies abroad and she chose Beijing and Shanghai... for the best shopping based on my assessment. It was a short trip for me, but I managed to squeeze in a day to visit some equestrian facilities.

I was told there are 60+ equestrian centers or horse facilities near Beijing. I googled the internet and found about 20, and researched about 12 in the north and north east of Beijing to visit. I hired a taxi recommended by the hotel for the entire day. Beijing surburb is HUGE, and it took us from 8:30 to 5 without lunch to see only half of the places. However, I think I hit all the good ones and picked out places that I will definitely ride when I go back there.

We start from just the north of the University district, which you probably saw on TV if you watched the Marathon.

Stop 1. Beijing Physical Education University. The facility is situated right in the middle of residential apartments with convenient stores on the first floor. It is quite hard to find the entrance, but once you get in the alley and see the gate, you'll be impressed. The huge two-story tall barn is a concrete structure that looks like a commercial office building, and extremely well constructed. This is the only government sponsored facility in Beijing and it houses about 60 horses; most of them retired race horses from Hong Kong. They are trained for jumping and 20 of them were used for the Olympic Pentathlon, so they could safely jump a 1.20 cm course. One thing I observed is that this is probably the largest collection of BIG TBs. All of them looked just huge. The horses may be a bit thinner than I like, but looks well taken care of otherwise. It was very quiet there; only a couple of riders were schooling horses.

They open to the public, but they were still yet to finalize their new fee. The director who showed me around just said it had been way to low to make business sense. This looks like a wonderful place to ride though they don't have any dressage horse. I hope they don't become too expensive.

Save the Date for Conrad Schumacher Clinic

2008-09-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Save the date! See complete information and register at:

http://www.conradschumacher.com/

November 1st and 2nd 2008
The Portola Valley Training Center
100 Ansel Lane
Menlo Park , CA

Earn USDF University credits by attending this event.

Conrad Schumacher will detail a comprehensive Rider Training Scale in his first West Coast Symposium in over 6 years. The Rider Training Scale has garnered his riders over 40 international medals, including Olympic honors. A multi-faceted program, beginning with an introduction to Mr. Schumacher’s training scale, is followed by demonstrations and riding instruction aimed at bringing his concepts to life.

This is considerably more than a riding clinic; this is a template for the systematic development of both horse and rider. This unique approach will take you from the initial steps of training up to preparation for the highest levels of competition.

Emphasis will be on developing the young horse with sections on conformational analysis, the proper use of lounging and in hand work, working patterns to promote balance and mental fitness, and teaching the correct feel for and use of the aids.

Mr. Schumacher will outline his theories and applications at a special keynote presentation on Saturday evening. Don’t miss the chance to interact with other professionals and to see first hand how you can win on YOUR horse. There will be an equine fashion show, hors d'oeuvres and a no host bar.

I'm back...

2008-09-07T16:35:00.001-07:00

Just got back from Beijing. I survived the local foods without any problem, but the airplane food on my return flight got me. I've had tummy aches and enjoyed my bathroom a bit too much in the past two days. I shall update my blog with some of the equestrian centers I visited. Stay tuned...

Introducing Someday Dream

2008-08-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Belated introduction... Here is my new mare. She is in foal to Montserrat by frozen semen... only 1 cycle, inseminated 2 days after I bought her. Super timing. My understanding is that she had 4 foals all by TB stallions.

She has very pretty conformation, very sweet, and she offers incredible hock actions. Some knee actions, but not as free as I like in the elbows, but hopefully Monti can add some to the baby. I'd love to get another mare like her, and I'm still looking...

My Sport! Olympic Dressage

2008-08-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

Exclusive Summer Olympics news & widgets at NBC Olympics.com!

Yippee! Mufasa awarded First Premium and declared a stallion and FEI prospect by GOV judges

2008-08-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Gateway Farm for breeding this spectacular colt by Montserrat out of their homebred Rotspon mare. He received premium and was the top scoring colt at his inspection. Check out their website for more details: http://www.gatewayfarm.com/details.cfm?horse=59

We are extra excited about this foal because he is the result from one dose of frozen semen imported from Germany before Monti came to California.

Here is the direct quote from Mufasa's breeder Liz Jenner:

"Mufasa is turning out to be quite the boy!! You will be very proud of Monty’s baby!! I believe Pam is putting together some pictures and video clips to send to you so you can see how nice Mufasa is turning out. They just raved about him at his inspection and thanked me for bringing such a nice colt for everyone to see!"

I can't wait to see his glamour shots and video from Pam, who's Gateway's business manager/photographer.

Ricoco - new colt by Rubino Bellissimo out of SPS Winala

2008-07-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

SPS Winala (Wolkenstein II X Pinkus) has finally produced a colt by Rubino Bellissimo. She has two fillies by him. This young colt has shown a lot of presence even at only a few days old!

Royal Wonder - new colt by Wonderful

2008-07-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Sarah reported her new little "Wonderful" addition - Royal Wonder out of Caribeann Blue. Pictuerd at birth and one day old. Do you see his "sea horse" marking?

Updated baby pictures from San Diego Sporthorses

2008-07-09T22:58:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Linda Hackney of San Diego Sporthorses for sharing some snapshots of her new Wonderful baby, full brother of 2006 Top Colt and Best Mover of the Day at his AHS inspection. Here is also a tiny snapshot of the two yearling fillies from last year: Rubino Bellissimo filly Royal Dancier (right) with the Donnerschlag X Ladylike filly Donnertienna (left). Linda also has a really cute colt by Regazzoni out of Ladylike, so a half brother to Donnertienna.

Here is a new baby Wonderful X Diachee (Diamont)

2008-07-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Meet the full brother to Wunderland, the USEF FEI 4-year-old qualifier and a big dressage show winner in Texas. He was born on 6/8 and less than 1 week old in the pictures. He sure has a beautiful face with big eyes! He is produced by embryo transfer as Diachee was not able to carry a foal any more.

Ronete Von FoxPaw went to a new home

2008-07-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ronete's breeder Mary reported that this wonderful gelding by Rubino Bellissimo has been sold to a wonderful home and hopes he has many blue ribbons in the future. He has had a wonderful year in the Hunter Divisions bringing in home multiple Championships. Congratulations to Mary and wish the new owner continued success.

Congratulations to Nanni Baker of Texas for a new Wonderful colt

2008-06-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Nanni reported a new Wonderful X Diamont colt was born yesterday. This is from her embryo transfer effort last year, and the colt is a full brother to Wunderland, the qualifier and competitor of last year National FEI 4-year-old Championship. Nanni also reported that Wunderland has already qualified for the 5-year-old championship. He and his owner Erika have been so successful that riders now withdrew when they saw them in the class. That is a bit odd, but impressive ;-).

This new colt is reported to be nearly identical to his brother except for the stripe being a bit different. I can't wait to see his pictures. Stay tuned.

Wonderful colt out of Elite mare Barcelona by Batido

2008-06-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yet another super foal from this big impressive elite mare owned by Linda Hackney of San Diego Sporthorses and owner of Elite Hanoverian stallion Batido. This is a full brother of the 2006 inspection site champion colt. Barbi also produced a incredibly elegant filly by Rubino Bellissimo last year. Here is the 2008 colt at 8 days old

The way of the future

2008-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

High gas prices drive farmer to switch to mules. Read the short article: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11915

Anyone selling a donkey stud? :-)

Who's granddaughter is this?

2008-04-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

Rubino Bellissimo's son Rubaron von Foxpaw sired this lovely filly. The dam is by Diamont, whose daughter Dividend started my warmblood breeding labor of love. What a charming (and sleepy) face. Congratulations to this lovely filly's breeder and Rubaron's owner Pamela Hammer.

That is expensive!

2008-04-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

$5 a gallon gas is coming. This was actually taken by my son using my cell phone 2 weeks ago...

Why we are still just talking about buying cars that run more miles to the gallon? In this day and age, Telecommute! Have UPS and FedEx use electric trucks to deliver your new clothes, beef or even live chickens (a friend of mine bought chicks and ducklings from internet). Ride or drive your "pony" to your friendly neighborhood farmers for fresh vegetables and fruits.

Oh, wait. Ponies need hay. Let me stock up hay before everyone else start trading their car in for a pony. Let's see, I should buy more stock on the fertilizer companies since it's going to be in great demand to grow hay in addition to the corn. Hmm, the chemical fertizer can be a pollution source, so let's compost for our home made organic fertilizer from our "transportation". Isn't that wonderful? May the horse power be with you! We have a few outstanding models to sell you. ;-) Check them out!

Mufasa is here! See pictures at 3 days old.

2008-04-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Liz Jenner of Gateway Farm announced the arrival of Mufasa by Montserrat out of her Rotspon/Con Noir mare. He is such a darling colt, black with a dished face.

Rosso is backed!

2008-04-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Time flies... Rosso's owner Helen reported that Rosso is no longer a baby, and he was just recently backed and started by Anne Gribbons of Knoll Dressage, but is now home to grow up a bit more.

Here is Rosso's owner's report and some snapshots she took at Anne Gribbon's place: (Rosso looks as red as his sire with same nice topline. )

I have to say he seems to totally LOVE to be out there working and ridden – he likes that we take him out and do stuff w/ him. When Anne started him he wasn’t thrilled with the lungeline but really like having a rider on him so with him she said they switched it up and had the rider give more cues than the ground person. I would love to keep him w/ Anne forever but I need to budget this a bit so I will probably return him to her in later years. It was critical to me he got started the right way and that was evident when Lisa sat on him over the weekend after I got him back from Anne. He will be working with who I have Dulci w/ a German trainer w/ his Masters Ron Postleb and his daughter Lisa in upstate NY at Crown Dressage International. Lisa had backed over 50 horses in Germany and was so impressed w/ him and his maturity. Here are a few JPEG’s.

USET Olympic Selection Trial - A Salute to Hong Kong

2008-03-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a neat invitation card design. I wonder what USET will actually do. My friend came back from Holland and told me that a large CDI competition held in the Netherlands was made like a Chinese Festival. She said however when a singer started singing a Chinese Song, everyone burst into laughter. She was shocked because this would never happen in California because there is such a big Asian population here, but even her Dutch boy friend said, "But it sounded funny." Didn't one of Austin Powers movies made fun of the Dutch? Jackie Chan's English is definitely funny, perfect for his action comedies. It's just good to have some fun and laughters at these international equestrian events, that can get tense at times! Since we have decided not to go to Hong Kong to watch the game, we are shopping for a big flat panel TV. Too many to choose from...

I will need to go to Beijing right after the Olympics, and then again to Taiwan in October. I am hoping to squeeze out some time to visit Germany, but I doubt I have enough vacation days.

Baby R's very own website

2008-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is built by Mary's 13-year-old friend! http://babyr2008.piczo.com/
See more pictures and frequent updates.

Baby Rufus

2008-03-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the music video of Baby Rufus by Rubino Bellissimo out of Camilla (Contucci), provided by owner Mary Farr.

New colt by Rubino out of Camilla owned by Mary Farr of Florida

2008-03-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mary! Here is what Mary reported:

It's a Boy! Born 3/14/2008 at 10:00 PM. Camilla did the job all by herself. We came in just as she was stepping away from the after birth and the baby started getting up. Mother and son are doing well.

Rubi Tuesday is the Cover Girl for Hunter & Sport Horses Stallion Issue

2008-02-22T20:01:00.001-08:00

Rubi Tuesday by Rubino Bellissimo out of Premium mare Laura Bella (Lauries Crusador) is the cover girl for the January Stallion Issue of Hunter & Sport Horses magazine. Watch out for this girl in the show ring this year. Her owner Dara Rip plans to campaign her in sporthorse breed shows. (Photo by Terri Miller)

Ruthie Belladonna - Rubino Bellissimo X CeCe

2008-02-22T19:18:00.001-08:00

CeCe the 11.3 hand pony gave birth to a cutest filly by Rubino Bellissimo.

Releve' has grown up to become a Champion...

2008-02-20T00:38:00.000-08:00

Two Rotspon mares awarded Champions! Releve' bred and owned by Sportin' Horses is granddaughter of Welt Klasse, our very first Wonderful Sport Horses stallion, who died way too young.

Here is also a baby picture of Releve'. Interestingly, Releve' mother(Welt Klasse X Diamont) is a Sabino with high stockings like this other Rotspon mare here. Here is a video clip:

Weltwunder +++/ for sale! Also, only few aunctions are still open...

2008-02-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

Owner of Weltwunder +++/ decided to sell her "WONDERFUL" dressage horse to someone who can fulfill his potential. He has accomplished greatly at only 6 years old. He has FEI written all over him. Click here to the details at http://www.dressage.daily/. You not only can compete him in USDF Open shows, but also have more fun in AHA and USEF half-Arabian classes as well as Sport Horse Nations.

Several auctions have closed. Congratulations to the winners. Scroll down to see what are still available. Good luck bidding for your own opportunity to create another Weltwunder!

Healther Bender and Winwood at 2004 Olympic Trial USEF Championship

2008-02-16T01:25:00.001-08:00

Found this picture while surfing the internet.

More Jackie Chan's 2008 Beijing Olympic and HK Equestrian Promotions

2008-02-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

News and pictures at Jackie Chan's official website.

Here is another really cute Olympics promotion video.

Jackie Chan "Rides" for 2008 Olympics

2008-02-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

This is interesting...

Weltinvader in The American Hanoverian magazine

2008-02-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here is the first article in the American Hanoverian Magazine... 3 more to come soon.

Wonderful Sport Horses in print

2008-02-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

I just received "The American Hanoverian" this week. Finally flipped through it, and there are a quite bit of good news about horses related to Wonderful Sport Horses. I'll have them scanned in, but that'll take a me a while. Stay tuned.

However, here is an older article I dug up from my collection. This is when Weltwunder was just a baby: Click here to read.

Ronete Von FoxPaw is for sale!

2008-02-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Rubino Bellissimo's son Ronete is for sale. A steal at $30K! Look at all his wins at merely 4 years old:

Looking for a potential FEI Star? Talented 4-year-old Chestnut 16.3 hh Hanoverian Gelding. “Dixon” has three beautiful gaits that are correct, supple and balanced. He has a great character and is very easy to train. He has always been in Professional training from the start and brought along carefully. He is a solid First level horse already.

In 2006, he was Reserve Champion USEF/USHJA Zone 4 for 3-year-olds and Reserve Champion American Hanoverian 3-year-old for the entire USA! This year at his first show he competed Training level and won with a 72% and was High Point at his first show. At the Raleigh CDI he was 1st in Training level with a 73.9% in tough competition! He has an excellent health record and was x-rayed a year ago and was very clean. His personality will steal your heart!

Contact: Mary Pawlak
FoxPaw Farm Warmblood Mare Station
463 Dixon Rd
Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: 770-502-0722
Fax: 770-502-8128
E-Mail: foxpawfarm22@bellsouth.net

Try photobucket for fun

2008-02-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Paperwork automation

2008-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure everyone is tired of filling out the contract, filling out the mare health form and then fill out the insemination and pregnance check report with the same information repeated in all 3 forms. Well, I feel for you. I got tired of just getting the data out to the statllion certificates. Well, help is on the way.

Technologies are definitely fun to play (for a geek I guess.) We have the first release of the Mare Nomination form. Following Google tradition, it is the Beta version. So, it's *Beta* Mare Nomination, not the Alpha Mare. ;-) It is a straight forward implementation, but I am sure you will find it useful. Here is the link to it http://www.1derful.com/PDF_forms

Skip the search section if you're entering a new record. Once you have a record in our system, you can always find it using the "Search" function. The combination of your First Name, Last Name, Zip Code and the Mare's name make it a unique record. If you have two mares, enter one, save it; change the Mare information and save it again, both mares will be entered!

We have four documents that can be generated by this form: Service Agreement (aka breeding contract), Mare Health form, Insemination and Pregnancy check form, and the Stallion Certificate. They all require signatures by somebody, so the web form will generate a PDF file based on the selected document for you to print out a hard copy for signature. You can always come back and print another one if you misplaced your other copy.

Sounds complicated? Well, I'll make a little instruction movie. :-)

Weltwunder +++/ did it again at Saguaro Classic

2008-01-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

Weltwunder +++/ just got more blue ribbons from the Saguaro Classic at Westworld in Scottsdale. He showed dressage, show hack and sport horse in hand. There were 600 entries at the show. Wunder got 2 firsts and 1 2nd in Dressage, won Show Hack and qualified US Nationals and was Champion Sport Horse in hand gelding. Most horses don't accomplish half of what he has in a lifetime and he is only 6 years old. Congratulations to owner Alexis Katz and her husband Gene, who showed him in hand. Thanks for sharing the photo. He looks absolutely stunning.

Super Early Booking concluded. Check the auctions

2007-12-31T20:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! (Well, it's the new year at least in the Eastern Time Zone by now...)

Thanks to all who took advantage of our Super Early Bird Discount program, which has successfully concluded as the ball drops at midnight to welcome 2008!

Many other specials are still available. For returning mares, we always have very favorable terms as we love to see the successes being repeated.

In 2008, Wonderful Sport Horses are participating in several stallion service auctions where the starting bid will be just slightly higher than our Super Early Bird program. Please visit these organizations:

CLOSED - Sponsorship Auction to Young Horse Training Program hosted by German Oldenburg Verband and Redhawk Ranch - Closed - congratulations to winner Erika Pilimai-Lewis of Roseville, Calif. for winning a choice of our 3 stallions.
Sport Horse National Payback Program (SHNPayback) - Half price and 2-for-1 deal for Arabian mares is still applicable. Great deal and NO time limit - just a bit more than our Super Early Bird program.
American Hanoverian Society (AHS) - Opens in mid-Jan and ends Sunday, Feb. 17.
CLOSED - German Oldenburg Verband (GOV)/Oldenburg Horse Breeders' Society (OHBS) - Opens Jan 15 and ends 6 PM EST Feb. 16.
Northwest Sport Horse Breeders Association (NWSHBA) - Opens on Jan 1 and ends March 15.
CLOSED - Midwest Breeders Group (MBG) - Now - Jan. 23, 2008
New England Dressage Association (NEDA) - Now - Mar 1.

Happy bidding and good luck!

Rubino and Nicole training with Klaus Balkenhol

2007-12-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Try a slide show:

Wind Rose by Wonderful

2007-11-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Wind Rose's breeder, Elizabeth Lewis, for sharing the pictures of her beautiful and extravagant moving 2-year-old filly by Wonderful.

Pictures of Wunderland, USEF 4-year-old FEI Championship Qualifier/Participant

2007-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

These are pictures taken from Scott Hassler Clinic. Enjoy.
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=2604358&g=0AO3000U01
Click [Continue] button below the Ordering information to view the proofs.

Wunderland is by Wonderful out of Diachee by Diamont, bred by Nanni Baker. He looks really cute in the pictures. Nanni rebred her mare and had a successful embroy transfer this year.

Oldenburg Young Horse Training Program was a great success!

2007-11-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Sport Horses sponsored the Young Horse Training program hosted by German Oldenburg Verband and Redhawk Ranch in the beautiful Temecula area. It was very well run and extremely educational to young sport horse owners and breeders. Katrin Burger was patient, thorough and systematic with her teaching. Here are a few snapshots I took from the program.

I finally found my camcorder charger after coming back from the trip. Well, the YHT Program will have all training sessions available on DVD, so call Red Hawk Ranch, the gracious program host, http://www.redhawkranch.tv/ to order a set.
Since I have my camcorder charger now, I can get my video of Katrin's ride on French Kiss in World Championship for Young Dressage Horse on line... I hope I can find my tapes now... Stay tuned!
Here is the sponsorship banner that Wonderful Sport Horses used at the program. It was great to see old breeders to our stallions and meet some news ones too!

Wonderful 50% Super Early Bird Booking Discount

2007-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

Making too much money this year? Pay your 2008 stud fee now to offset it. Making too little money this year? Get a 50% discount to start off your next breeding season right! Breed a WONDERUFL champion foal for a quick sale or as your lifetime friend.

50% off Buy NOW program for super early birds if you book before December 15. Visit my webiste: http://www.1derful.com/ for more details.

Wonderful Sport Horses offspring awarded USDF Year End Honors

2007-10-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Weltinvader by Welt Klasse (see picture)

Reserve Champion AHS All-Breeds at Second Level Open with rider Stacy Parvy Larsson
12th USDF Second Level Nationally
3rd Region 3 Championships Second Level Open 68.8%, only 0.1% behind Reserve.
3rd Third Level test 3 behind well known trainer Bent Jensen and Jules Anderson

Winwood by Wonderful

5th Prix St. George Open USDF AHS All-Breeds Award
4th Intermediaire-I Open USDF AHS All-Breeds Award

Rubino Bellissimo qualified for Grand Prix Championships AGAIN this year, but unfortunately he was sidelined due to an injury, so he didn't get the chance to repeat or beat his Gread Prix Res. Champion title from last year.

Breed Show winner Roosevelt by Rubino Bellissimo out of Wisentanz (Wolkentanz)

2007-09-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Roosevelt, aka Teddy, was great at Proud Meadow Fall Sporthorse Breed Shows I & II.

His great movements wowed the judges and spectators in spite of his uneven growth spurt at the moment. He achieved the following great honors:

Proud Meadow Fall Sporthorse Breed Shows I

Second, Colts of 2007, 76.2%
First, Hanoverian Individual Breed Class, 76.4%

Proud Meadow Fall Sporthorse Breed Shows II

First, Colts of 2007, 72.4%
Champion Colt
Great American/USDF Breeders Cup Qualifier

Great American/USDF Breeders Cup Final

Reserve Champion Colt 74.85%

Congratulations to owner Jacquie Hawks and Teddy's breeder Dr. Jackie Nixon-Fulton of Wild Oaks Ranch, that also earned great awards with their mare Rosantanz, by Rosathal and out of Teddy's dam, and another youngster from their breeding program, Prada.

Portrait of Regal Dona and Demitasse HF

2007-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Regal Dona (Rubino Bellissimo X Prince Thatch xx) and her foal Demitasse HF by Delaurentis. Both bred by Dr. Julie Ballard-Haralson.

Photo by Bella Vita Photography.

Elite Mare Regal Dona and her foal Demitasse HF

2007-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Demitasse HF top filly at her AHS Inspection and Reserver Grand Champion at the Southern Hospitality Dressage Sport Horse Breed Show II. Congratulations to breeder and owner Dr. Julie Ballard-Haralson!
Photo by Bella Vita Photography.

Wunderland and Erika James ranked 11th for Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championship

2007-08-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Wunderland by Wonderful out of Diachee, bred by Nanni Baker, DDS., and ridden by his amateur owner/rider Erika James ranked the 11th for the 4-year-old division of the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships with a score of 7.9. Erika reported that Wunderland was unfortunately injured with a severe knee laceration, so she is not sure if they will go to the final yet. She did report later that Wunderland was completely sound and moving beautifully. She will make a decision with her trainer soon. Wish Wunderland a speedy and full recovery and Erika much success with him.

Nanni rebred Diachee and successfully did an embryo transplant this year. We look forward to another WONDERFUL foal from this cross.

GOV Premium foal by Wonderful out of Glimmer by Grundstein

2007-08-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Just visited Rolling Stone Farm's website and found that the colt by Wonderful out of Rolling Stone Farm's Glimmer received Premium at GOV inspection last month. Wow, what a flashy boy! He was first named Whipped Cream, and it's obvious to see why with all the whites. Congratulations to Mo Swanson, and thanks for selecting Wondreful for your mare. Click here to read the story of his name and see more of his dazzling pictures at Rolling Stone website.

Regal Dona is officially an Elite mare and a Site Champion producer!

2007-08-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Regal Dona's owner Julie reported that Regal Dona's foal by De Laurentis (De Niro) was awarded Inspection Site Champion in a very competitive field today. Julie promised incredible pictures! I can't wait!!

Meet the Top Colt at the Huston AHS Inspection

2007-08-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Rhinestone Cowboy by Rubino Bellissimo out of Freshaire by Wuemmenstern, bred by Sharon Pike of Rocking Horse Farm

Thanks to Sharon for sending me the pictures.

Two Inspection Champions in one weekend!!

2007-08-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

August 26:
Roosevelt (aka Teddy) by Rubino Bellissimo out of Wiesentanz (Wolkentanz I) - Champion out of 13 foals at Stargate Inspection. Bred by Jackie Nixon-Fulton, MD. of Wild Oaks Ranch, and owned by Jacquie Hawkes.

August 27:
Colt by Rubino Bellissimo out of Freshaire by Wuemmenstern was named the top colt out of 10 colts. Bred by Sharon Pike of Rocking Horse Ranch.

Congratulations to all the breeders/owners!

More updates coming...

Elite Mare candidate Regal Dona by Rubino Bellissimo

2007-08-27T22:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Dr. Julie Ballard-Haralson for sharing these pictures of Regal Donna by Rubino Bellissimo X Prince Thatch mare. Julie is not only the owner but also the breeder of Regal Donna. Donna received 7.33 at her Mare Performance Test ridden by Julie. Donna produced a filly in 2007 by De Laurentis (De Niro) to fulfill her Elite title requirement.

The pictures show her free jumping and being ridden by her owner at the MPT at only 3-years-old.

Photo credit: Alicia Frese.

An update on Rubino X Hideaway's Dream Girl (Connemara) foal

2007-08-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

Rubi's Dream has grown up!

Wonderful granddauther Top 5 at the national 4-y-o class at World Breeding Championship

2007-08-05T00:17:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Stefan! Rosemary by Romanciero H out of a Wonderful mare, ridden by Stefan Blanken, scored 7.90 and ranked the 5th out of 68 starters in the 4-year-old national class at the 2007 World Breeding Championships for young dressage horses. I wonder if this is the Wonderful mare that came from Stefan's family mare line.

Yap, just checked on Stefan's website: This mare is bred by Stefan, and owned by Sharon Garner of the United States. What a beautiful horse.

R ST '03 v. Romanciero - Wonderful
Züchter: Stefan Blanken
Besitzerin: Sharon Garner, Texas USA

Siegerstute Tarmstadt '06
3. Platz Landeschampionat Hannover
Siegerin in ReitpferdeprüfungenStutenleistungsprüfung Dressurindex 8,37

Check out the exciting news on Rosemary and other horses he trained at Stefan's website: http://www.blanken-horses.de/sites/news.html

Wonderful is the grandpa of 2 foals and great grandpa of one filly at Verden Elite Foal Auction

2007-08-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

I hope my bank account balance is not so close to $0, so I can get at least one of them, unfortunately it is. :-( Let me check what the jackpot for the lotto is now.

(Edited to add: This beautiful filly was sold for ~$22,000 US, not including auction commission, tax or shipping!)

Rosetta and Rubi Tuesday

2007-08-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

Rosetta (was Rossellini, but her owner doesnt' feel it was good fit) and Rubi Tuesday are ~3 weeks old now. They are playing together a lot.

Rosetta's dam is Archipel X Diamont X Wenzel I

Rubi Tuesday's dam is a States Premium mare by Lauries Cruisador. The two fillies look like twins.

A lot of pictures

2007-07-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

Rubi Tuesday and Rossellini's breeder commissioned Terri Miller to take a lot of pictures of her foals. Take a peek! The foals by Rubino Bellissimo are the two red head fillies. Rossellini is the one with a big star and a think blaze, and and she was just shy of one week old. Rubi Tuesday has a star, and she was 3 days old in the pictures. This ranch also breeds Clydesdales and some ponies, too. http://www.terrimiller.com/gallery/gallery.php?galleryid=969&tnpage=1

Enjoy!

Two new red heads born

2007-07-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Both have red eyelashes!

Rossellini by Rubino Bellissimo out of Aktiva (Archipel), 4 socks, star and strip - Born July 6th.
Rubi Tuesday by Rubino Bellissimo out of SPS Laura Bella (Lauries Crusador) 3 socks and star - Born 7/10 Tuesday. You can see Rubi Tuesday and Mom are still in the stall today. See them in the LiveCam: http://www.wefoal.com/ Double click on LiveCam --> Scroll down to Williams Ranch and double click on the mare's picture. Enjoy.

Pictures coming ...

Winwood and Heather Bender wins again

2007-06-25T02:02:00.000-07:00

Gold Coast May Dressage May 26-27, 2007

Intermediate I, First 70.75% - 6% higher than the 2nd place

FEI Test of Choice 68% - 9% higher than the 2nd place

Ritz Poshe by Rubino Bellissimo

2007-06-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is an elegant filly by Rubino Bellissimo out of Winala by Wolkenstein II. She is bred by Suzanne Hutton of Dream Hill Farm. Her full sister competed at Devon Breed show when she was 3 and was 4th in the mare class.

This is no doubt another great show as well as breedingn prospect. This filly is for sale.

Roosevelt by Rubino Bellissimo

2007-06-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Roosevelt (Teddy), colt out of Wiesentanz by Wolkentanz, at 3 monhts old. He is bred by Jackie Nixon-Fulton of Wild Oaks Ranch, and is already sold to a new owner who used to stand a Dutch stallion.

More new foals are here...

2007-06-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

This time we have foals by Montserrat...

Colt by Montserrat out of Luci by Landkoenig: Dark bay, star, strip, whites on all four feet. This colt was unfortunately rejected by his mom because he rolled out of the mare's paddock right after birth. Breeder Laura Bierley reported that this is the strongest foal she has ever seen. After being reunited, his mom wouldn't let him drink milk from her, so he walked up to the waterer and started drinking water. He immediately learned drinking milk from a bucket at UC Davis vet school where he received an infusion for his initial immunity. Breeder Laura also just gave birth to a new baby, so she couldn't take care of the colt. Fortunately, we found him a nurse mare and a nursery ranch that can help take care of him. Hopefully it has all worked out.

Filly by Montserrat out of EM WeltFoxPaw by Weltmeyer. Breeder Mary Pawlak reported that she is oh so correct and sweet as can be! Here is the picture of the filly at 24 hours of age and first time out of the stall.

Ruduc von Foxpaw bred by Mary Pawlak won every class at every show

2007-06-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ruduc von FoxPaw by Rubino out of SPS Pricess is now owned and shown by Diane Pulles. Mary reported that Diane reported that they have won every class at at every show. Ruduc looks great and Diane is having a great time with him. Here is a picture of them at their very first show.

More competition news....

2007-06-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am again behind to send out congratulations...

Wunderland, aka Hatter, bred by Nanni Baker and his new owner Erika James are doing really great. Erika started showing Hatter since last year when he was 3 and half. They won training classes with over 70%. last year. In March, 2007, they won his first 4-year-old class in Houston with a 79.5, and also scored 74% at Training 4. They planned on showing him at Devon. I wish they can make the trip and have great success there. Again, congratulations to Wunderland's owner and breeder!

Belated congratulations to Bee Faith

2007-05-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Bee is the breeder of Wonder World Pita. Pita made me a liar. :-) Wonderful usually produces offspring that are of medium frame, but Pita just turned 5 and he is 17.3 hands and wears a 87 blanket! Here are some photos of Pita where he won at a dressage show last year when he was 4. The rider in the picture is over 6 ft. tall, so Pita doesn't seem to be as big. :-) According to Bee, Pita is in training with Jennifer Schrader now.

Congratulations to Sharon Reynolds

2007-05-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

4-year-old colt by Wonderful and Sharon's Elite mare Faralyssa just won high point Training and First Level dressage with scores from 65 to 74% and also won FEI 4-year-old class with a score of 79!

It's HOT here...

2007-05-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Formosa, the beautiful island of Taiwan. It's not even summer, and it's already hot and humid here. The weather of Hong Kong, the equestrian competition venue for the 2008 Olympic Games is similar, and the games will be held right in the middle of the summer. It will be uncomfortable for the spectators, riders and horses. The stable area will be air-conditioned, so that is nice, but the competition ring will still be out in the open. Hopefully, the athletes are strong and tough enough to adjust quickly.

We actually just came back from a tour to Japan, where we visited Disneyland Tokyo, Hello Kitty Puroland, and the hot spring areas around Mt. Fuji. The weather was much more like California in Japan right now, and very comfortable. However, I didn't see even one horse there... sigh!

Well, I'm still contemplating whether I should venture out in the hot steaming weather to visit some equestrian centers in Taipei, where actually a lot of European warmbloods reside.