The UK’s biggest stallion event is set to take place at Hartpury International Arena on the 29th January 2011. Over 60 graded stallions are scheduled to present at the one day spectacular, which has motivated international riders and horses from the Continent to attend.
British Olympic rider Emma Hindle will be there with several stallions including Chequille Z (Caretano Z x Lavall II), Fifty Cent (by Floresco x Rubinstein), Longton (Locksley I x Rohdiamant), and Wie Weltmeyer (Weltmeyer x Dynamo).
International riders Maria Eilberg with British bred Woodlander Rockstar and Spencer Wilton with Zambucca will also be making an appearance, along with a host of fantastic up and coming young dressage stallions.
The dual purpose KWPN stallion Hemmingway will also appear at the show, as well as the Prix St George Trakehner graded stallion Woodcroft Garuda K. They will be attending along with many young stallions and an audience of over 500 breeders and riders are expected to attend on the day.
"In our first years of running this event, it was well supported but there was some scepticism from stallion owners as to whether it would be worthwhile," said British stallion owner Lynn Crowden, who will be commentator on the day for the British Stallion Event. "It is now unmissable for the serious stallion keeper and we are delighted to welcome top riders, international competition horses and successful ponies. Big lights, great music and big names. The stallion lines are established and modern with Florestan. Donnerhall, Rubinstein, Sandro Hit, Weltmeyer and Lauries Crusader well represented by sons and grandsons. All stallions presented are licensed."
The British Stallion Event was the vision of the Lead Body for the British Bred Sport Horse (BBSH) and supported by the British Equestrian Federation. Jan Rogers, BEF Head of Equine Development, said that “we aim to provide visitors with an audio visual experience presenting these stallions at their best. We hope they will go away inspired to look carefully at the mares they are using and breed even better British horses”.
"Breeders are becoming much more critical of the quality of their mares and have learned what good looks like from the output of the Futurity programmes where they get the opportunity to see the better young horses and foals," said Crowden, who chairs the BBSH. "There is then the other half of the equation, and the stallion event presents some 50 stallions for three disciplines, all in one place. A great chance to see and compare what is on offer. With AI techniques and expertise widely available in the UK, the breeder need not use the horse down the road regardless of his suitability or results."
There will also be a shopping village, trade stands, celebrity interviews and a spectacular gala evening.
A full list of stallions attending and more information can be found here
Photos © Brookhouse Stud
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