The latest news from Leatherdale Farms...
Good news from Raja Lahti-McMahon in California concerning the His Highness daughter, Carette. Raja writes: "I attached a picture - her development has been phenomenal. 75.2% on Saturday, followed up with a 78.4% on Sunday... Raja Lahti-McMahon Doug and I had a chance to see this young mare in person at a Spring del Mar dressage show and were so happy to see her. She is such a real HH chestnut with her blaze down to her belly spot. These are the ones with the real personality!!!! thanks for writing raja! Louise
Leatherdale Farms takes pride in introducing our newest stallion, Beltano...son of Bellissimo M! Beltano, Leatherdale Farms newest stallion at Hengststation Meyer in Dorum, Germany combines the excellent bloodlines of our His Highness along with exceptional gaits now seen under saddle as he starts his dressage career. We were so impressed with this young stallion at the Verden Hanoverian Licensing in October but find him even more impressive under saddle with our rider Steffen Framm! This is a stallion to watch!
Damsey Competes at Nurnberger Burgpokal in Frankfurt! This past summer, Damsey won the huge qualification in Verden at the World Young Horse Breeding Championships that qualified him to be one of only 12 horses selected from all over Germany to compete in Frankfurt the week before Christmas in the Nurnberger Burgpokal. Doug and I traveled to Germany to attend this prestigious event. The facilities there are beautiful however electric the environment is! Our rider Steffen Framm did a wonderful job with Damsey and we were very proud of both of them. Now Damsey is home again working weekely with team coach Jonny Hilbareth on GP. Damsey continues to breed this season and we are finding his offspring fantastic! We have 3 of his offsring here in Minnesota we bred with his amazing frozen semen...Dublin, Delta and Duchess! We expect more of his offspring this season as well.
News from Belgium of Spanish son of Damsey! We received an email from breeders in Belgium Frans and Sylvia de Rooij-Tonnaer concerning their lovely 4 year old stallion by Damsey. Our partnres Susanne and Jens tell us that the Hanoverian Verband suggested Damsey as a possible sire for this cross and it looks like it really worked! Here is the information we received: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Leatherdale, We have a beautiful 4 year old (2008) stallion whose sire is your stallion Damsey. His mother is Carinosa a Cartujana (Pure Spanish Bred) mare from our own farm. He is now being trained by our rider Caroline Ulrici and she wants to start competing with him in Belgium. I'd like to share a short video showing his wonderful gaits that I took today in our very wet outside arena. We are very excited about our cross breeding with our Spanish Mares. We also have a 3 year old mare (Berline) whose sire also is Damsey. He is a wonderful sire. Please visit our website: www.residelca.com The link for the video is: http://www.youtube.com/embed/WZ-NTAvUbpg Once again our compliments to the beautiful stallions you have. Best regards, Frans and Sylvia de Rooij-Tonnaer Kessenich, Belgium Thank you for writing and we look forward to hearing more about this wonderful stallion. Louise
Great news from Australia--HH son born to breeder Kylie Gumley! Well, Kylie has done it again! This is her third His Highness offspring bred at her farm in Australia. Here is the news: Hi Louise and Doug, Introducing Redgum Haydos, he was born Friday 20th, 10pm. From Our Rotspon Mare, Fairbanks Ratina, by your Fabulous His Highness. He is pictured at 2 days old, and very alert and happy. He is the biggest foal this mare has had, and we are very happy with him, well put together, and we are surprised how developed he is born 1 week early! He has a nice temperment, and naturally inquisative, and wants to come and say hello! Feel free to use the pictures for your web if desired. I will keep you posted on his progress. I'm sure he will grow to enjoy playing with his 2 full sisters! Regards, Kylie Gumley Redgum Saddlery Australia
This summer in Verden Germany Damsey competed in the biggest of the qualifiers for the prestigious Nurnberg Berg Pokal---the important dressage competiton for 7,8 and 9 year olds in Germany. In front of thousands of spectators, Damsey was the winner over many German team members to qualify for this event. Only 12 horses in all of Germany will compete in Frankfurt December 16-18. This is a most "electric" venue for the young horses and again there will be thousands of spectators on hand! zWe are so proud of damsey and his rider Steffen Framm and trainer Jonny Hilbareth. Just to participate is a real honor. Hengststation Meyer already has a bus load of "Damsey fans" going from the north of Germany to cheer them on!!! Damsey is also listed with the FN as one of the top dressage stallions.
News from Swedish breeder Christina Olsson about her HH stallion son "A'ha!" We received a wonderful email from Swedish breeder Christina Olsson about her His Highness son "A'ha." Here is what she wrote: "Hi Louise I also thought that my wonderful stallion A´ha was very like his father. I send you some pictures when he was 3 year old. A´ha also jumps good. His mother was a diploma mare as three year old (same as statspremium in Germany) She got one foal, A´ha as four year old before she went to sport. Aperitif is now competing in M dressage. She is by the dutch stallion Prestige VDL by the Holsteiner GP dressagehorse Silvano. Prestige was in competitions in Prix St George ridden by Hans Peter Midehound before he was sold to Australia. Grand mother of A´ha is a Donnerhall mare, Dame Fortune that was very succefull in dressage competitions before she got injured. Dame Fortune was then a gorgeous breeding mare, super temperament, beautiful, clever and wonderful babies. All of her offsprings has been rewarded with Diploma as three year olds!! She died earlier this year but was awarded with Elit, the highes premium in breeding in Sweden two years ago. She hade one son in the finals on Flyinge for three year old dressage horses. A´ha a grandson was in the finals for five year olds and Aquarell a grand daughter was second in the Swedish final for the best three year old dressagemares this year!! A Dame Fortunes mother was Elitmare in Denmark and she has left the approved sons (two of them in S dressage), Dame Fortune and another mare that was one of the best Danish mares and mother to Maggie that was in the final for world championchip for five year old dressaghorses and denmarks highest rewarded you mare. absolutely wonderful motherline!! I love this motherline and as you can understand A´ha has Donnerhall twice in the pedigree in combination with Prestige VDL (Prix st George), Silvano (GP horse) and Hohenstein on the fathers side. And highly rewarded mares in three generations in the motherline. A´ha e. His Highness u Aperitif ue Prestige u Dame Fortune – Donnerhall – Ibikus -ManoleteXX I have three young stallions, A´ha five years (doing flying changes now), and two three year olds and might have to sell one of them. You can use the pictures on him on your homepage Best regards Christina Olsson" From Novemeber 27th email: "Hallo I have a absolutely wonderful five year old stallion by His Highness and bery succefull motherline that I think is very like his father. My stallion is succefull in dressage and a black beauty that is lovely to handle and have wonderful caracter. He was in the finals for five year old dressagehorses in Sweden recently and I send some pictures from that. Best regards Christina Olsson" Obviously, another wonderful example of how His Highness passed on so very much to his offspring. Louise
Tom Edwards sends a new update on the wonderful Hope TF! What fun to hear about the His Highness daughter Hope TF again! Owner Tom Edwards writes: " Just a quick update on Hope (His Highness) down here in NC. She is now 3 and a half and doing great! I showed her in-hand at her Oldenburg keuring (you can read about it on page 3 of the attached .pdf, but be forewarned that Dave Barry I am not - my feeble attempt at humor was only so-so). ;-) My daughter, Rachel, is riding Hope about once or twice per week, and Hope is doing w/t/c like a rock star. We are bringing her along slowly, but correctly - and with her health and well-being as the foremost consideration at all times. She gets tons of turnout, and loves to roll in the dirt and feel grass under her feet." Tom also wrote a wonderful article about Hope dealing with her Oldenburg Keuring. The writing is terrific and really is funny too. "Hope Gets Keur’d By Tom Edwards Jim Wofford wrote an article published in the Practical Horseman magazine several years ago in which he made the argument for becoming a true horseman, and not just a rider. In it he listed 28 items he considered important, all but three of which he himself had achieved, and then challenged his readers to add to the list. Some items on his list I’ll likely never do. I think some of them are horse through a flaming ring of fire. 2) Jump my own height on horseback. (Jump 6’? Get real! I get scared at about 2’6”… OK, make that 2’). 3) Ride in a steeplechase. I have done several of the 28 items, including: 1) I have gotten back on a horse that bucked me off, even though I was afraid (Oh, yes – I was gone swimming with my horse. 3) I have had bad days at the office, and said “the heck with it” and went for a hack instead of training my horse. 4) I have held the lead shank while a vet put my horse down. One item on his original list I plan 31st and so I took her to an Oldenburg keuring this past July of 2011. It turns out that if you want to breed your mare, and intend to have the offspring actually be registered, the mare must first be approved by the Oldenburg Verband. I guess it makes sense that, unless you want to risk having a foal that looks and moves like a plow horse, you would ensure only approved mares and stallions reproduce. It reminds me of Match.com on steroids, except the two parties in question don’t ever get to text each other, which is sorta sad when you stop and think about it. “Keuring” is a fancy Olde German word that loosely translated means, “to preserve (ham, for example), as by salting, smoking, or aging”. While you come to grips with that concept, let me explain what actually happens at a keuring. It is very much like an in-hand breed show. Your horse is judged for conformation while standing, then you walk and trot around the triangle upon the judge’s command. The only difference is at the end when the judge makes public comments about your horse while you are still standing there. Now, I can’t speak for you, but I don’t want ANYBODY speaking publically about my hams, smoked or otherwise. In Hope’s case, however, the public comments were pretty good. She got an “8” for her head (which made me smile, given the fact that she is still sans her left eye), lots of “7’s”, and two “6’s”. Everyone should attend a keuring at some point if for no other reason than to check out the new crop of foals. Like youngsters of any species they are simply cute beyond description. I was amazed at how muscular and athletic the foals were. Since they were at liberty, jogging turns and bucks that defied description, as well as the laws of physics. It was also a real hoot watching the handlers trying to catch the little boogers again when it was time to return to the barn. Where else can you get entertainment of that quality at approved Studbook do I choose for her?” All the stallions are tall, dark and handsome, and possess impressive bloodlines and show records. Luckily, the judge herself offered to help me select an appropriate sire. As for me, my only criterion is that The Lucky Fella must have excellent hams. borderline insane. Unless there is big money involved, or someone is holding a pistol to my head, I doubt I’ll ever: 1) Jump my VERY afraid!). 2) I have to do at some point; namely, deliver a foal. This is where Hope comes into this story. Hope TF turned 3 on May The bottom line is that she was placed into the GOV Main Mare Book, and got her passport stamp to prove it. along next to Mama, you never knew just what was going to happen. Some trotted, some galloped, and some did no extra charge? In summary, keurings are an interesting way to add to your horsemanship. For Hope, the question now becomes, “which Lothario in the approved Studbook do I choose for Her? All the stallions are tall, dark and handsome, and possess impressive bloodlines and show records. Luckily, the judge herself offered to help me select an appropriate sire. As for me, my only criterion is that The Lucky Fella must have excellent hams." Way to go , Tom!!!!! Keep the updates coming!
Australian His Highness mare continues to be outstanding! This is the sort of email that always makes me realize just why I loved His Highness so much! Here is what Holly's breeder/owner Megan Shepard has to say about her! " I hope this email finds you well. Just thought I would send you an update on My HH Mare Revelwood Highlife (Holly) From Australia. Well the time has come for her to be broken in and after only 1 week at the breakers she was backed, I was lucky enough to be there and witness this and she was so fantastic, just took everything in her stride, the comments from the breaker have been so positive, that she has the BEST temperament, she never says no and is so willing to please and will try anything! and he said it is just a bonus that she is so beautiful to look at. :) The photo was taken at 3 weeks at the breakers and we will be bringing her home next week. We are so proud of her but I always knew she would be fine and deal with this new experience like an old professional. She is only 3 years of age but has the confidence and brain of a 6 year old, the first time I seen her work on the arena it took my breath away. She has a big future in front of her as she has movement to die for, the body of a goddess, stunning to look at and above all the trainability and willingness to perform. Standing and looking at her and without knowing this horse you would think she is a stallion and has fooled alot of people as she can be so imposing standing at 17 hands! She is a truly magnificent animal and we feel so blessed to know that she is ours and I can not wait to ride her myself which will be sometime next week and I cannot wait to have this type of horse beneath me, she is a dream come true and this is one filly who will never be sold!." Regards Megan Shephard
Belissimo M Son bought by Leatherdale Farms at Verden stallion licensing! Leatherdale Farms is proud to announce the acquisition of a new stallion for our stallion station Hengststation Meyer in Dorum, Germany. This Belissimo M son is remarkable and is now started under saddle showing the same extraordinary talent we saw in him in hand! Please send "B" names to Louise!!!!!!
Wonderful email about "Hannah"-a Hampton Daughter! This is always the way to start a day when receiving a great email like this! "Dear Louise, How are you ? I hope you and your family are all well and that your are enjoying the summer and watching healthy and happy foals out at play on your beautiful farm. This is just a quick update on our Hampton - Lauries Crusador xx filly (barn name 'Hannah'), who is a well developed, beautiful two year old now. Every time I see her trot across the field, it sends a little shiver down my spine thinking 'OMG, I can't believe, this gorgeous creature is actually mine!' :-D And she is such a good girl as well, always very sweet and cooperative. Introducing her to the bridle in preparation for the mare show was no problem at all. And she just looked awesome on her big day at the prestigious Freiburg mare show, all braided up and her coat all shiny and dappeled.... She acted quite the pro and was not phased a bit by all the spectators, tents, music and all the excitement. We are biased of course ;-)), but the judges liked her as well and she became Reserve Champion of her class of two-year-olds and received an Ia prize. We are so proud of her. I can hardly wait until next year, when we can ride her. What joy that will be !! I hope, you will enjoy the pics. You are most welcome to use them on your website. Please be so kind and credit the photographer, though (c Philipp von Thaden) Thank you. Best regards from Germany, Brigitte btabertshofer@yahoo.com"
News from our partners Susanne and Jens Meyer regarding fairbanks at his 70 day testing in Schleickau! It's not easy to turn a magnificent stallion over for testing for 70 days and wait for the results and hope they are not injured . I remember the first time as we watched our super special His Highness go across country in his testing jumping over very immoveable fences at a high rate of speed....my little heart was beating rather fast even if His Highness loved it! Seeing photos of Fairbanks doing the same this morning has not lessened my hysteria but again he seems to be thrilled with doing so! He is getting great marks for rideability, jumping, free jumping and the cross so far . We will go for the final testing in September to be with our boy, Our friend Caio has his Herzensdeib son Herzenswunsch in the testing too and he sounds great as well.
News update about a gorgeous Fairbanks filly in Germany! Having received Leonie Bramall and Volker Dusche's regular newsletter about their successes in the dressage ring as well as their young stock we were very happy to hear a news update abut heir lovely Fairbanks filly, Frangelika. Here is what Volker writes today about her: "Our Fairbanks filly: Yes, she is something special and we hope, that Leonie will ride her one day successful in tests. She has super movements, is very beautiful and has a fantastic character. We enjoy her everyday !!!! This will be an exceptional filly I think. Louise
Damsey Wins Big at World Young Horse Breeding Championship in Verden! Huge success in the ring is always thrilling and Damsey's triumph was no small matter! What fun to hear our partner's Jens and Susanne Meyer on the phone early in the morning with tears in their eyes telling of how Damsey was able under rider Steffen Framm to successfully win over some of Germany's finest team riders and their mounts at the largest selection trail for the prestigious Nurnberger Burgpokal for 7,8 and 9 year olds. This is the Bundeschampionat for this age group doing PSG, I1 etc in Frankfurt in December. (There goes my time to Xmas shop.....)Eurodressage writes, "Damsey produced several highlights in his test:the straight and uphill flying changes and his regular and relaxed extended trot with plenty of overtrack...." We are so very proud of all the work our rider Steffen Framm and coach Jonny Hilbareth have done to prepare Damsey for this event. Many thanks to both of them! German Magazine interview: http://www.nuernbergerburgpokal.de/cms/front_content.php?client=1&idcat=0&idart=0&lang=1&error=1 Youtube video of Damsey at Verden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKcg8_YlnEM
At her first show in hand, a Hampton 2010 Canadian filly a hit of the crowd! Breeders Marjorie and Rick Haus writes from Ontario to tell of her Hampton filly, Highland Lily: "Hi Louise Here are some pics of Lily at her first show. She enjoyed the experience and was a definite hit with the crowd! Our next show will be the Hanoverian Foal Show at Parkwood Stables in Rockwood, Ontario. We're also thinking of travelling to Devon. We hope to see you there. Kind Regards, Marjorie" It's so good to hear from our breeders and know all about the offspring of our stallions. Keep those emails and photos coming, please! "Lily" is wonderful!
News update about His Highness daughter Highness Serena. We received a lovely email from Lisa Hankin owner of the lovely mare Highness Serena. Lisa writes the following about her "Ellie"----- "I thought you might be interested in a brief update on Highness Serena, and some photos of her from the shows this spring. We brought her to Saratoga and showed at St. Clement's and the Skidmore Saratoga Classic, both USEF 'AA' shows for the hunter divisions. She was reserve champion the first week at St. Clement's (after not having set foot in the show ring since the previous summer!) and received some top ribbons in the Pre-Greens at Skidmore Classic, as well as being reserve champion in the Local Hunters there. "Ellie" continues to be a delight to be around. Needless to say, we are thrilled at her continued progress, and appreciate her bravery, beauty, and wonderful attitude every day! Best regards, Lisa Hankin We are so glad to have such a positive update on the wonderful mare. It appears His Highness has sired some very good hunters....our Hamilton is training very successfuly at LEatherdale FArms West in San Diego as a hunter and we sold our Heiress L as a hunter to our good friends and vet the Markells in Rancho Santa Fe as well. I should have known at HH's 70 day test that that was an excellent possibility the way he flew over the cross country course with ease! Louise
Robby W struts his stuff at selection trials for Pan Ams! It was a great weekend up in Canada August 5,6 and 7th near Orangeville, Ontario. There the best of riders competing in the first round of selection trials for a spot on the Canadian Pan American team for Mexico took place. Diane and our grey Robbie W (a gelding purchased from Blue Hors in Denmark) did very well coming in second the first day and first the second day! Now those scores will go into the mix with scores this next weekend (August 19-21) from the final tests of PSG and freestyle at Palgrave. At the same time, Diane was also winning twice in GP with our chestnut home born Devon L. It was a good weekend! Keep your fingers crossed for Diane and Robby W at Palgrave! PS Just to make my tired brain more confused...in Canada a red ribbon is first place and blue ribbon is second place. I can't even begin to handle German colors.....L)
News from Germany re Fairbanks colt of Walnut Farm. We received a call from Linda Woltz of Walnut Farm today telling us about how wonderful her Fairbanks colt out of SPS Ladybug(Londonderry) is turning out to be. He was the top moving colt at Hengststation Meyer foal show today and is showing real promise. Linda wriites on her YouTube video of him (http://www.uoutube.com/watch?v=qFph1sth6YY "This is going to be a huge elastic mover. Very good to handle as well." The first crop of Fairbanks foals are turning out to be spectacular. Fairbanks has just started his 70 day testing at Schlieckau (Helmar Bescht) this week and we anticipate he will score extremely well as he did on his 30 day testing there. This colt is for sale--call Linda at 740-603-7800 or email to Walnutfarm@mac.com
