Modern Hanoverian Sirelines
The modern Hanoverian is a lighter, leggier warmblood than its historic counterparts. There is a definite Thoroughbred influence, and the current preference is for an elastic horse with an active hindleg. They are still bred for an extravagant trot, and sometimes the walk and canter suffer because of this, but for the most part, Hanoverians are bred to excel in both Dressage and Show Jumping. The most popular modern sirelines are basically split into Dressage sires and Jumper sires, and Hanoverians are beginning to be more purpose bred.
Donnerhall (1981-2006)
The name Donnerhall is synonymous with dressage breeding. Ridden by Karen Rehbein, Donnherhall was the most successful dressage stallion of his time, winning dozens of Grands Prix, Grand Prix Specials, and also winning in the comparatively new Musical Freestyle competitions. He was second in his performance test at Adelheidsdorf with a score of 131.2. (Unfortunately the split scores are unavailable) Donnerhall has the highest dressage index of all stallions ranked on the WBFSH rankings with a 271, and he has produced more than 70 approved sons, 84 SPS daughters, and many competition horses. His most well known stallion sons are probably Blue Hors Don Schufro, Don Primero, De Niro, and Davignon I. His stallion son Damon Hill FRH is currently enjoying immense popularity in Westphalen breeding circles, and his success in the FEI Young Horse classes with Ingrid Klimke has been a stepping stone to a winning international career.
Donnerhall offspring and grand-offspring inherit their sire's incredible rideability, as well as honest, forward temperaments, and the strength to handle collected movements. He crosses best on mares with a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood, and one of the "magic crosses" in dressage breeding is Donnerhall x Pik Bube I.
Donnerhall offspring and grand-offspring inherit their sire's incredible rideability, as well as honest, forward temperaments, and the strength to handle collected movements. He crosses best on mares with a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood, and one of the "magic crosses" in dressage breeding is Donnerhall x Pik Bube I.
Donnerhall (Donnerwetter x Ninette x Markus)
Rubenstein (OLD) (1986-2000)
Rubenstein very nearly was not included in the list of prominent Hanoverian stallions because, upon inspection for the Westfalen registry in 1989, the inspectors felt that he was too small and had hindlegs that were not suitable for approval. When presented to the inspectors for the Oldenburg Verband, however, he was approved and missed the gelding bus! Rubenstein was a very successful dressage horse, winning over 40 international Grands Prix, and placing third in his performance test at Adelheidsdorf with a score of 136.56 (135.94 (dressage - 5th place) / 124.82 (jumping - 4th place)). Rubenstein has a 139 dressage ranking by the FN, and is the sire of over 90 approved sons, with more than 400 broodmare daughters. He is currently represented in sport and in the breeding shed by several successful R-line sons, the most prominent of which is Relevant, who was ridden by Lisa Wilcox to an individual 5th place score for the US Team in Jerez, for the 2002 WEG. Other well known sons are Regazzoni, Rohdiamant and full brother Royal Diamond, and prominent Celle stallion Rotspon.
Rubenstein offspring are known for their chiseled heads, correct and stylish conformation, and incredibly good temperaments. They are perhaps the most Amateur friendly of all the top stallions' offspring. Unfortunately, Rubenstein's semen when frozen was of a fairly low quality, and though there is still a small amount available to breeders, there was only ONE Rubenstein foal born last year.
Rubenstein offspring are known for their chiseled heads, correct and stylish conformation, and incredibly good temperaments. They are perhaps the most Amateur friendly of all the top stallions' offspring. Unfortunately, Rubenstein's semen when frozen was of a fairly low quality, and though there is still a small amount available to breeders, there was only ONE Rubenstein foal born last year.
Rubenstein (Rosenkavalier x Antine x Angelo xx)
Sandro Hit (1993) (OLD)
Sandro Hit has singlehandedly (hoofedly?) founded a dressage dynasty. Although the stallion is only 18 years old, he has successfully competed at the FEI Levels in dressage, and his offspring consistently win at young horse approvals, bring high prices at foal and young horse auctions, and are continually successful in the Bundeschampionat. Sandro Hit won the World Championships for Young Horses as a 6 year old, and was the Best Young Stallion of 2000. He had an amazing 10 approved stallions from his first foal crop, and he is the sire of the record breaking auction mare Poetin (1997-2005), who sold for 2.5 Million Euros at the 2003 PSI Auction, after winning the World Championship for 6 Year Olds in her father's footsteps. Other well known offspring include Stedinger, Stilberaster, Sir Donnerhall, and Sworofski. Many of his offspring have been champions of their respective breed approvals.
Sandro Hit offpsring are beautiful, with long legs, compact types, and chiseled heads. They tend to have their father's extravagant movement. Offspring tend to be spooky, hot, somewhat standoffish as youngsters, and are not known for easy temperaments. Their movement, however, makes up for their somewhat difficult natures, and professionals have found great success with these youngsters.
Sandro Hit offpsring are beautiful, with long legs, compact types, and chiseled heads. They tend to have their father's extravagant movement. Offspring tend to be spooky, hot, somewhat standoffish as youngsters, and are not known for easy temperaments. Their movement, however, makes up for their somewhat difficult natures, and professionals have found great success with these youngsters.
Sandro Hit (Sandro Song x Loretta x Ramino)
Florestan (1986) (WEST)
Florestan is a descendant of the very famous Furioso II through his sire Fidelio. Though he was not extensively competed, Florestan did win his performance test in Warendorf, though the scores are unavailable. He stands at the Westphalen State Stud, also in Warendorf, and has produced more than 80 approved sons and over 1000 registered broodmares. Almost 200 of these are SPS mares. One of Florestan's best known sons is the incredible Floriano, ridden by Steffan Peters to great success internationally for the US. Floriano is a gelding, unfortunately, but Florestan's successful stallion sons include Fidermark, who won the Bundeschampionat and his performance test; French Kiss, who also won the World Championship for Young Horses as a 6 year old, and Florencio, who won the WCYH the same year as a 5 year old.
Florestan offspring are known for their kind temperaments, easy trainability, and keeping the look of their sire. Florestan is a very popular stallion for amateur horses as well as horses to be ridden by professionals. His offspring are successful at all levels and with all types of rider.
Florestan offspring are known for their kind temperaments, easy trainability, and keeping the look of their sire. Florestan is a very popular stallion for amateur horses as well as horses to be ridden by professionals. His offspring are successful at all levels and with all types of rider.
Florestan (Fidelio x Raute x Rheingold)
Quaterback (2003) (BRAN)
Quaterback is a young stallion who is incredibly popular at the moment. He won the Bundeschampionat for 3 year old stallions in 2006 with a perfect 10 score for his lofty canter. He also won his 30 day's test at Neustadt Dosse handily. His first foal crop was 2007, and these horses are 4 year olds now. His foals have been selling for very high prices at the foal auctions, and a number have been selected each year for the Vechta Elite Foal Auction for Hanoverians.
His offspring seem to inherit his huge, lofty gaits, but because they are still so young, it is difficult to say much more than that at this time.
His offspring seem to inherit his huge, lofty gaits, but because they are still so young, it is difficult to say much more than that at this time.
Quaterback (Quaterman x Passionata x Brandenburger)
Weltmeyer (1984-2011)
Weltmeyer is nothing less than a legend within the Hanoverian breed. He is one of the most important breeding stallions, and combines the storied blood of Woermann (though his sire World Cup I) and the A line progenitor Abstatz through his dam Anka. Weltmeyer won his performance test at Adelheisdorf with the score of 143.96 (143.94 Dressage (1st), 141.44 Jumping (3rd)). He also won the Bundeschampionat for 3 year old stallions, as well as the Licensing in Verden in 1986. In addition, Weltmeyer was crowned Hanoverian Stallion of the Year in 1998. He has very high breeding values in dressage with a 165, and even his show jumping index is quite high for a horse that is bred for dressage, at 117. He has over 70 licensed sons andnearly 600 registered broodmares of which approximately 250 are SPS mares or candidates. In 2003, Weltmeyer was the USEF Stallion of the Year. His influence on the breed is huge, with the W line bieng well established as a producer of successful sport horses. Weltmeyer's approved sons include Worldly, Wolkentanz, Wolkenstein I & II, Wie Weltmeyer, Werther, etc. His most succesfful competition offspring include the gelding Warum Nicht FRH ("Hannes"), the giant (18.2 hh) ridden by Isabel Werth for Germany, and Wie Weltmeyer, ridden by Emma Hindle for Britain.
Weltmeyer is not a refining stallion, however he tends to stamp his offspring with his very active hocks, somewhat compact build, and tremendous natural rhythm. The trot and canter are typically very nice, and the weak point, if Weltmeyer offspring have one, is that they are not always blessed with the best walks. He crosses very well on leggy mares with a high percentage of thoroughbred blood, and while there is no "magic cross" with Weltmeyer, crosses on Bolero mares and Laurie's Crusador mares tend to produce lovely, rideable offspring.
Weltmeyer is not a refining stallion, however he tends to stamp his offspring with his very active hocks, somewhat compact build, and tremendous natural rhythm. The trot and canter are typically very nice, and the weak point, if Weltmeyer offspring have one, is that they are not always blessed with the best walks. He crosses very well on leggy mares with a high percentage of thoroughbred blood, and while there is no "magic cross" with Weltmeyer, crosses on Bolero mares and Laurie's Crusador mares tend to produce lovely, rideable offspring.
Weltmeyer (World Cup I x Anka x Abstatz)
Brentano II (1983 - 2010)
Brentano II is a lovely dark chestnut stallion. He won his Licensing in Verden in 1985 and was second in his 100 days test in Adelheisdorf with a score of 129.97 (141.41 Dressage (1st) / 105.20 Jumping (15th)). He currently stands at the stallion station in Artlund, where he has produced 15 licensed sons and 285 broodmares, 67 of which are SPS mares or candidates. Brentano II is a member of the Celle Quadrille Team and is presented at the annual stallion shows, and he has been trained through Advanced Level in dressage. He is the sire of the Celle State Stallion Beluga, as well as the incredible Brentina, who is one of the winningest dressage horses of all time for the USA.
Brentano II offspring are large bodied, with huge trots and good rideability. Because they have the Thoroughbred influence of Black Sky xx through Brentano's sire Bolero, these horses tend to be lighter on their feet than some Hanoverian lines, and they cross well with other lines that have a higher percentage of Thoroughbred blood.
Brentano II offspring are large bodied, with huge trots and good rideability. Because they have the Thoroughbred influence of Black Sky xx through Brentano's sire Bolero, these horses tend to be lighter on their feet than some Hanoverian lines, and they cross well with other lines that have a higher percentage of Thoroughbred blood.
Brentano II (Bolero x Glocke x Grande)
Laurie's Crusador xx (1985)
Laurie's Crusador is a full Thouroughbred, bred in England. He raced as a 2 and 3 year old and won nearly £20,000. Laurie's Crusador was initially purchased for the KWPN, but they neglected to License him, as did the Holsteiner verband. The Hanoverian verband had no such qualms, however, and licensed the colt in 1990. Though the Germans are typically wary of using a "blooded" horse on warmblood mares, Laurie's Crusador produced several notable Sport horses in the first generation cross on Hanoverian mares. He was awarded the title of Hanoverian Stallion of the Year for 2006 and is the first Thoroughbred to receive this award. Laurie's Crusador is the sire of 54 licensed sons and 206 SPS mares, with his most notable offspring including the Celle stallions Lancier, Longchamp, and Londonderry, and the dressage competitiors Laurentianer, Le Bo, and Le Primeur.
Laurie's Crusador xx is considered an improvement sire. He brings long legs, large shoulders, and an improved outline to most of his mares, and his offspring display a wonderful rideability and temperament, as well as the ability to collect, and a freedom of the shoulder. Because he is a thoroughbred, he is best crossed on a slightly heavier type of mare.
Laurie's Crusador xx is considered an improvement sire. He brings long legs, large shoulders, and an improved outline to most of his mares, and his offspring display a wonderful rideability and temperament, as well as the ability to collect, and a freedom of the shoulder. Because he is a thoroughbred, he is best crossed on a slightly heavier type of mare.
Lauries Crusador xx (Welsh Pageant xx x Square Note xx x High Top xx)
Quidam de Revel (1981) (SF)
Quidam de Revel is one of the pre-eminent Showjumping sires today. His offspring appear in all registries and have represented Quidam at the highest levels of the sport, including 10 representative at the 2002 WEG in Jerez and multiple representatives at the last several Olympic Games. Quidam himself was 4th at the Olympics in Barcelona and participated on several French Nations Cup teams. Quidam de Revel was ranked number 1 for the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses in Showjumping in 2003 and 2004, and he is currently ranked 2nd. Notable performers by Quidam de Revel include Guidam (sire of Beezie Madden's Authentic), Quo Vadis, Up Chiqui, and the Celle State Stallion Quite Easy, who is a notable sire of Hanoverian Jumping horses.
Quidam de Revel offspring have tremendous scope and jumping ability
Quidam de Revel offspring have tremendous scope and jumping ability
Quidam de Revel (Jalisco B x Dirka x Nankin)
Stakkato (1993)
Stakkato is an incredible jumping horse produced from full Hanoverian lines, which is comparatively rare in today's breeding world (most jumpers have holsteiner or selle francais blood). He won the Bundeschampionat in 1998 with a score of 9.9 -- the only reason he was not given a 10 is because the judges saw a tiny portion of his tongue showing on one lip. Stakkato was reserve champion of the Bundeschampionat in 1999 as well. He was also given a 144.39 for his jumping ability at his stallion approvals. In addition Stakkato was honored with the Hanoverian Stallion of the Year title for 2007. Though Stakkato's conformation is less than ideal, he more than makes up for his faults by his incredible jumping prowess. He is the sire of 25 licensed sons and 52 SPS mares. He is represented by competition horses Sambuca, Strizel, and Stakkato Gold, as well as young jumper Spartakus.
Stakkato passes on his phenomenal jumping ability to his offspring. Because he is lacking in type, he should be bred to refined mares to produce offspring acceptible for the foal auctions and riding horse classes.
Stakkato passes on his phenomenal jumping ability to his offspring. Because he is lacking in type, he should be bred to refined mares to produce offspring acceptible for the foal auctions and riding horse classes.
Stakkato (Spartan x Pia x Pygmalion)
Cornet Obolensky (1999) (BWP)
Cornet Obolensky is one of the most successful young jumpers of the current generation. He was second Reserve Champion of the Westphalen licensing, but at his 30 Days Test in Munster-Handorf, he was given the maximum score of 10 for his free jumping ability. In 2008, Cornet Obolensky was a member of the German Olympic team, and he has been a prominent international competitor since then. Cornet Obolensky has produced 46 licensed sons in his first few foal crops, and he is listed as having 257 competitors in the Hanoverian Stallion Book of 2010, which gives him a score of 165 for Show Jumping.
Cornet Obolensky foals are marked with beautiful faces and balanced conformation with lovely, lofty trots. He also passes on his unflappable, honest temperaments.
Cornet Obolensky foals are marked with beautiful faces and balanced conformation with lovely, lofty trots. He also passes on his unflappable, honest temperaments.
Cornet Obolensky (Clinton x Rabanna v. Costersveld x Heartbreaker)
Calido (1991) (HOLST)
Calido is a grey Holsteiner who has been a successful jumper at the international level, but he is best known as a sire of young jumping horses. He received a 10 of 10 for showjumping at his stallion approvals. He has been a leader on the FN breeding rankings for Show Jumpers, with a current index of 144 based on offspring performance. Calido has more than 25 approved sons and 21 SPS mares. He currently has several offspring that are successful international jumpers or approved stallions, including Calido Ass, Candyman, and Count Basie.
Calido passes on his jumping ability to his offspring, as well as his conformation and (often) grey color.
Calido passes on his jumping ability to his offspring, as well as his conformation and (often) grey color.
Calido I (Cantus x Baroness x Coriander)
Baloubet du Rouet (1989) (SF)
Baloubet du Rouet holds the distinction of being the only horse to win three World Cup Showjumping Championships in a row (1998, 1999, & 2000). He was also second in the World Cup Final in 2001 by only 4 faults. He also won the Gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Baloubet was successful beginning in his 7 year old year, when he won the French Stallion test at Fountainbleu. He is represented by several sons, the most famous two being Balou du Rouet and and Balougran Z. Baloubet competed until the age of 18 at the highest levels of the sport and retired sound, which speaks to his wonderful conformation and clean movement.
Baloubet du Rouet passes his excellent jumping ability and intelligence on to his offspring.
Baloubet du Rouet passes his excellent jumping ability and intelligence on to his offspring.
Baloubet du Rouet (Galoubet x Messange du Rouet x Starter)
