Thursday September 29, 2006

Rabiola, 2006 Devon Breed Show Grand Champion

Oldenburg Power in Devon

The Oldenburg stallion Dream Along won the Stallion Championship and the USDF Breeder's Championship for Stallions. Dream Along was presented by his owner Margret Gafford. He is by Dream of Love out of Mornels (by Corleone) and is bred by the famous Dutch KWPN and Oldenburg breeder Henk Spekenbrink, who also bred the recently deceased double World Young Horse Champion Rubels (by Rafurstinels).

Winning the Filly of 2006 class was the bay Oldenburg branded Dior. Bred and owned by Melanie Pai of Canaan Ranch in Texas, Dior bested a field of 24 fillies. She is by Donatus out of Lorelei (by Lanciano). Pai also owns the sire Donatus (by Diamont Hit) and with Bruce Griffin the stallion placed second in the 4- years and Older Stallions (also under saddle) class. Pai not only produces own bred champions, she also has an eye for international stars. Pai bought and imported the Westfalian Grand Prix horse Floriano from Germany and let Steffen Peters train and compete the chestnut for over two years, before he eventually got sold to the Brownings.

More glory for the Oldenburg breed came via Der Dollar, a 3-year old Oldenburg stallion by Don Schufro out of Waldroeschen. Under Tracy Masterson, he won the 3-year Old Colt and Gelding Materiale. Highlife Farm purchased this fantastic colt as a foal at the Vechta Elite Foal Auction two years ago. He is the full brother to Highlife Farm's Der Euro, who won the German Young Horse Championships as a 5-year old under Johannes Westendarp. Joan Sims bought Der Euro at the Vechte Elite Auction for a record amount of 300,000 euro.