German Oldenburg breed society has bestowed Oldenburg youngsters Fiderhit and Fashion Designer with the OLD designation at the 2013 CDI Florida Dressage Classic in Wellington.
This is the third time that the German Oldenburg Society gave OLD designation to U.S. based and owned horses. Marta Kaufmann's California based Sondheim OLD was the first to get the designation two years ago. The OLD suffix is only awarded to the best Oldenburg bred horses which will promote the breed at high profile dressage competitions world wide. Fiderhit and Fashion Designer are both based with American trainer Dr. Cesar Parra.
Fashion Designer (by Faustinus x De Niro) was one of the 4-year-old mares and geldings nominated by the Oldenburg society to represent the breed at the 2012 Bundeschampionate in Warendorf, Germany. Fiderhit qualified for the Brilliant Ring of the Oldenburg Elite Mare Show in Rastede, Germany. Out of hundreds of three- and four-year old mares inspected by the Oldenburg Verband in Germany every year, only a select group are invited to go on to a Mare Performance Test. Out of those, roughly 100 earn the States Premium Candidate title, and out of the States Premium Candidates, approximately 60 are invited to the Elite Mare Show.
Oldenburgs hold a special place for Parra. “Oldenburgs have brought me wins and great support. The quality of the breed’s bloodline speaks for itself. You don’t just read a pedigree, you see it in the horses,” said Parra. In 2007, Parra faced tests more challenging than any dressage arena. In July 2007 he lost his best horse, a 6-year old licensed Oldenburg stallion, Donovan, to colic. Two months later, he suffered a stroke, while on a business trip in Germany. "It was a really difficult year. Lots of tears and frustration, but luckily I had a strong team of family and friends I could rely on. You have to leave adversity behind and keep going.” And Parra is definitely moving forward with new talent in his barn, now especially with Michael Davis' Dutch bred Grand Prix horse Van The Man (by Obelisk x Landjonker).
"The Oldenburg breed crosses the best horses from the best associations with strong dam lines, without being limited to state studs or stallions. These breeders are clear about creating a modern riding horse with a good mind,” said Thomas Rhinow during his recent visit.
Holly Simensen, Director of the North American Oldenburg Verband, agreed: “The Oldenburg Verband history is about being open minded and looking to future improvement.” For Fiderhit and Fashion Designer, the future could be brilliant in the good hands of Dr. Parra and the Piaffe-Performance team.
Photo © LL-foto.de
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