The 21-year old Trakehner licensed stallion Herzberg has passed away. Owned at Gestut Ganschow, Herzberg was euthanized this week as the dark bay stallion was sufferent from health issues.
"His health was continuing to go downhill and I did not want to ever see him have to live in discomfort," Jennifer Hoffmann told Eurodressage. "I love this sport so much but having to make the decision to let our animals who I love so much leave this planet is just heartbreaking."
Herzberg spent the majority of his career with American Grand Prix rider Jennifer Hoffmann in the U.S.A. He was first approved in Germany in 1996 for the Rhineland-Phalz-Saar studbook, followed by the Oldenburg society in the U.S.A. in 2003. In 2011 Herzberg returned to Germany and was approved for the Trakehner society. He did his 100-day Stallion Performance Test in Adelheidsdorf in 1997 and scored 95,34 points to finish 25th out of 40. Only 11 offspring by Herzberg are registered with the German Equestrian Federation.
Herzberg was born in 1993, bred by Anton Urnau and sired by Leonardo out of Hetra (by Persaldo x Prince Rouge xx).
The stallion started his show career as a 3-year old under Marie-Therese Daniele. As of 1997 he was shown by his then owner Manfred Gloede. Ulrike Schmidt competed him in jumping classes and in 1998 Nadja Greweldinger took him up to M level in dressage and show jumping until 2001.
In 2002 Herzberg made his appearance in the U.S.A in the ownership of Gay Walker. Hoffmann made her show debut at small tour level in March 2003 and moved to Grand Prix level with him in 2005. She competed him at Grand Prix level for two years. In 2007 and 2008 Herzberg was shown but made a comeback at small tour level in 2009 for one show. In 2010, the 17-year old stallion did one more small tour show with Hoffmann. In March 2010 Emma Ransom rode one junior level competition at The Dressage Affaire.
"He carried such an amazing charakter, temperment and strong willpower," said Hoffmann. "Together Herzie and I went from his first third level test all the way to international Grand Prix Classes which included many wins and top placings. Herzie and I were able to also gain our first Dressage World Cup points together. A partner I have alot to thank and one I will never forget.
In 2011 Herzberg moved back to Germany retired from sport to stand at stud at Gestut Ganschow.
"Herzberg had started experiencing medical issues that unfortunetly were making him very uncomfortable," said Jennifer about the passing of the stallion. "So after some very difficult decision making we decide that it was only correct and fair to let our stallion go."
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