Photo by Terri Miller |
DONNERSMARK, born in 1997, is an imported Oldenburg stallion out of the legendary multiple European Dressage Champion, Donnerhall. His sire won the German team gold medal, and took the individual bronze medal at the European Championships. His dam is by another notable European legend, Rubenstein, who won gold medals numerous times while also on the German team. Having the most sought after Dressage bloodlines so close in his pedigree makes DONNERSMARK a very special and important stallion for breeding that perfect dressage/sporthorse not only in Europe, but here in the U.S.
Photo by Carol Walker |
Naturally a phenomenal dressage talent, DONNERSMARK can also jump the moon! He scored an 8 for his jumping ability at the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar stallion approvals in 2003. That same year DONNERSMARK won BEST SPORT HORSE overall at the Larkspur Classic, then won first place and overall Champion at the Region V, Cosequin/USDF Breeders Series Championships held at High Prairie Farms here in Colorado. During the 2004 show season, DONNERSMARK debuted under saddle at the Del Mar Dressage Festival where he placed third. Back home in Colorado, he went on to first place wins at multiple shows including Dressage In The Rockies and the Aspen Dressage Festival under noteable judge Axel Steiner. DONNERSMARK and trainer/rider Colin Bate spend a few months every winter preparing for the following show season at The Acres in Moorpark CA. under 2003 Pan American Gold Medalist Jan Ebeling. This union is proving to be a very successful partnership in bring DONNERSMARK and Colin Bate up the levels where they are all eagerly anticipating a highly successful show career.
 DONNERSMARK is proving to cross very well with a variety of mares with his best features shining through. He has managed to stamp his foals with the same strong athletic build, very straight and correct legs, big neck and large eye crossed with Arabians and Thoroughbreds in addition to other warmblood mares. At the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar approvals in 2003, his three filly's took the top three scores overall, two of which scored a rarely given 8.0 and an 8.1 for movement, the highest scores given all day!!! During the 2004 show season two of his yearling filly's placed in the top three showing in hand! His foals have his same unique characteristics, from his great temperament and amazing presence to his incredible movement. We are pleased to see the number of breedings continue to increase each year as DONNERSMARK foals enter the show ring.
 When considering breeding your mare to DONNERSMARK, not only will you be breeding on some of the best bloodlines in the world, but the classic style of the Dressage Champions of Europe. Amazing to think, the opportunity to breed to this high caliber of sport horse is available right here in the US!
For more information on DONNERSMARK, please contact Colin Bate, stud manager of Middle Fork Ranch located in Lyons, Colorado.
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