Leatherdale Farms' stallion Beltano (by Belissimo M x Hohenstein) took an important step forward in his breeding and performance career by qualifying for the 2014 Bundeschampionate, Germany's Young Horse championships in Warendorf.
"That hurdle has been cleared," said Susanne Meyer, the manager of Jens Meyer Hengststation in Dorum, Germany, where Beltano stands at stud alongside an impressive line-up of Leatherdale stallions.
The 5-year-old Hanoverian earned his ticket to the Bundeschampionat in Warendorf with a standout performance under Steffen Frahm at the competition in Schenefeld in early July. The qualification is a milestone for each stallion manager because it also allows stallions to bypass the requirement of completing a 70-day trial to remain in breeding usage.
"Each stallion performance test is a huge burden for the stallion, and there are always risks and dangers," explained Susanne Meyer.
Doug and Louise Leatherdale purchased Beltano in 2011 through the Hanoverian stallion market. The striking bay is the youngest of the Leatherdale stallions, and he is already showing plenty of promise for the future.
Beltano is preparing for his career as a dressage horse under the guidance of Frahm, his trainer. Meanwhile, the majestic stallion is attracting notice for his offspring. His first foal crop was a great success with modern, charming types and large, supple movements.
Doug Leatherdale jokingly referred to Beltano as "Best Buy" at the time of his purchase, and the stallion has proven that to be the case with him numerous achievements.
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe.
To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.
Photos © Kiki Beelitz
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