Gribaldi

2010-03-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

This news of his death came as a huge shock , especially after seeing him just a few weeks ago, at the time he was hooded/rugged up ready to go to a stallion show in Germany, quietly snoozing away in his stable. He looked fantastic two nights previously at the KWPN stallion show, with arguably two of his most successful sons, Painted Black and Totilas. He received a standing ovation as he trotted around the arena in front of thousands. Speaking to the yard manager she seemed excited, talking about the busy stud season ahead of him and how proud they were of his achievements, in both sport and breeding. There is no doubt he had been a major influence in sport horse breeding, this Trakehner stallion has been a big influence in many studbooks but I believe none more so than the KWPN, he really ‘nicked’ well with the KWPN mare base and his legacy will live on his sons and offspring. I feel extremely privileged to have met him on a few occasions and been at his retirement parade. RIP Gribaldi.

KWPN Stallion Show

2010-03-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Back from the KWPN stallion show in Den Bosch, Netherlands and it has definitely been the best show yet in all the years I have been. The show continues to grow, improve, and become more ‘foreign member’ friendly. More than 30,000 people attended the show held over the four days; the Friday (Dressage day) was a complete sell out with a fabulous display/masterclass from Edward Gal on Totilas. Gribaldi’s Retirement ceremony was fantastic, fireworks, music and a video was shown of him when he was newly born, a really nice touch, Totilas and Painted Black (who under Hans Peter looked fantastic, Anky was in the US) also came out and showed everyone why Gribaldi was worthy of his newly decorated Preferent title. Not many dry eyes in the house that evening!

The college day for the foreign visitors was once again very educational and concentrated on the importance of dam lines, something I whole heartedly agree with. It was fantastic to see some of these amazing dam lines in the flesh, with horses such as Helena from the VDL stud, with her daughter Be Helena and grandson Bugatti VDL. They also bought out horses from all four different breed directions that together make up the KWPN, Dressage, Showjumping, Gelder and Harness. Bart Henstra, a KWPN judge since 2003 and manager of Stal Henstra, explained what they look for in each breeding direction and it was great to see a good representation of the ‘stamp’ they are trying to achieve. I was also surprised how, in such a short time the dressage and showjumper horses have developed away from each other in type. I do have some reservations about this topic, but will save it till another day.

Adelinde Cornelissen (who was absolutely lovely) spoke about her success with Parzival, how it all started, the difficulties she had along the way and her special partnership with this fantastic horse. We also got to see horses from Parzival’s dam line including the stallion, Armani, who claimed second place in the championship ring two years ago behind Ampere, I liked him then and he is developing nicely, big boy, his legs go on forever but his topline and neck set could be better, I am waiting to see how his offspring develop, his foal report is certainly positive, his dam is full sister to Parzival so he shares some very special blood. I am surprised he hasn’t been marketed more; he is owned by one of the largest stud in Holland and is from a very special damline? Maybe I have just missed the hype?
I will spend some time translating my notes and add the photos to the Gallery page on www.adivastud.com very shortly!

Adiva Stud

Gribaldi

KWPN Stallion Show