On 14th January 2002, the most successful dressage sire, Donnerhall, passed away, due to a poisoning in the intestins. Born in Wensin, Germany, on 30th May 1981, Donnerhall was by Donnerwetter out of Ninette
(by Markus x Carnot). Raised at Otto Schulte-Frohlinde's breeding station Gronwoldhof, Donnerhall became a licensed dressage sire in 1983. One year later, he completed his stallion performance test in Adelheidsdorf, becoming the reserve champion of the collection with more than 130 points.
Herbert and Karin Rehbein were immediately put in charge for the further training career of the stallion. Karin Rehbein and Donnerhall formed a dream pair and the combination rose to stardom in Germany and abroad. Numerous victories at Prix St Georges level were an indicator for a promising Grand Prix career. In 1994, the year in which Donnerhall's name was already linked to many approved colts, awarded fillies and winning sport horse youngsters, the stallion participated in the World Equestrian Games in The Hague, The Netherlands. With Rehbein he won the team gold medal and the individual bronze.
At the 1997 European Dressage Championships in Verden, Germany, the duo claimed team gold and individual bronze again. At the age of 17, Donnerhall concluded his career by entering the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome, Italy. He won team gold and individually ranked fourth. His sport career was good for a total prize money sum of 640,000 Deutsch Marks, but his breeding career was even more successful: 77 licensed sons, 84 State Premium Mares and 300 registered sport horses
Donnerhall retired from competition at the 1998 Oldenburg Stallion Licensing Gala in Vechta. Donnerhall became 20 years old.
Photo © Ernst
Related Link
Eurodressage Photo Database: Donnerhall