The last ten years the European horse market went through some notable changes. A large number of dressage and show jumping horses were no longer switching owners on European territory, but the North American continent became their new home.
The German Verband Auctions are featured by a high rate of "export horses"; one third of the Hanoverians in Verden go to foreign places. But not only Germany is excelling in their sales, Holland has became the newest bate of Americans and Canadians. KWPN horses have received the stature of "the best equine" to import. Known for their versatility and good behaviour Dutch warmbloods are "in" in the United States of America.
Foal's Paradise Farm, a successful breeding farm in Pennsylvania, is the latest lucky owner of an imported KWPN approved stallion. The five year old Le Byou by Damiro x Apple King xx will be stationed as show and breeding stallion at this farm. In the beginning of the month Foal's Paradise farm was horse shopping in Holland, looking primarily for an upper level mare, a youngster and an unapproved stallion. It just so happened that they were in the right place at the right time to know that Le Byou had become available for sale.
New owner Mary Huwaldt didn't wait a second to purchase this gorgeous dark bay. " We were very impressed with his concentration and his work ethic. He has the kind of mind and talent that will allow him to get better and better as he goes higher in the levels of dressage. He also is a very well rounded horse, with excellent jumping talent. Most importantly, we were very pleased with his offspring. They all are consistently stamped with excellent conformation, good movement and very good minds. Even when he is bred to average mares he produces well above average foals. For a breeding program, this is very important," Mary tells us with great excitement.
Only placing second in the Talkline Stallion Competition one week ago, Le Byou arrived yesterday in the U.S. and is now in quarantine. He will be at Foal's Paradise in a month to start a new era in his career.
Le Byou's marks at the 1996 stallion approval: gaits walk: 7 / trot: 7 / canter: 7 / jumping scoop: 6 / technique: 6 / ability: 7 / jump: 6
Picture copyrighted by Jacob Melissen. (Taken at the 1996 KWPN stallion approval day)