Monday September 25, 2006

Stallions Show off at Die Deutsche Hengstparade at 2006 World Equestrian Games

By Charlene Strickland

At the 2006 World Equestrian Games, a crowd of 7000 watched a 4-hour parade of German stallions (Hengst in German) of renowned bloodlines. The stallions represented dynasties, each founded by a leading sire of the 19th or 20th century and proven over the generations.

For each sire line, private owners and state studs presented an older sire and one or two younger horses of that line. Some of the German breeding societies brought their superstars, who awed spectators with their presence. The German national federation, the FN, sponsored the show on the WEG's “rest day” (no competitions).

The stallions were from both jumping and dressage lines. Take our tour to view the highlights of the parade, and to admire these outstanding sport horse sires. For each sire line, we include background on the founding sire, including the years he stood at stud. Names of contemporary stallions include sire and damsire, year foaled, and breeding area in Germany.

Sire Line Adeptus. Of the “old” A-line of Hannover, Adeptus xx (1884-1904) added blood to maintain courage and action. He influenced the breed through his descendant Agram (1942-1962).

Another branch has bred on through Eindruck II (1955-1972). ("E" names were added to the A-line in the 1950s). His son Einblick (1973- ), more refined that his old-type sire, sired good performance horses.

Eisenherz I (1972-1990) had a great influence on the A-line, producing many sons and daughters. His son Eiger I (damsire Abermals; 1975 Hann. ) is known as a consistent producer. Ehrentanz I (Ehrentusch-Frühlingsrausch; 1990 Westf.) represented the Adeptus line.