Danciano de Malleret Strikes Again at 2023 French Young Horse Championships

2023 French Young Horse Championships

Danciano de Malleret, the flagship stallion of France's most exclusive dressage breeding yard Haras de Malleret, has struck again at the 2023 French Young Horse Championships in Fontainebleau as the sire of two National Champions.

The 2023 French Young Horse Championships were held on 7 - 10 September 2023 and the sunny, summer temperatures made the event a feast for dressage horse breeding.

Dicasso de Malleret

The black Dicasso de Malleret (by Danciano out of Sadira de Malleret (by Sir Donnerhall x Don Schufro) bested the field in the 2-year old stallion class and grabbed the national champion's title.

Dicasso is bred and owned by Malleret and convinced judges Marian Dorresteijn (NED), Iben Stroem (), and François Fischesser (FRA) with his conformation and gaits. The young stallion scored 8.5 for walk, 9.5 for trot, 8.8 for canter, 7.93 for conformation and 8.8 for general impression. With a winning total of 86.18 points he outclassed nine other stallions in the division.

"Dicasso is the full brother of the Dancelot (6-yo), Dédicace (4-yo) and the lovely foal Dear Elizabeth II," Martinez says with a twinkle in his eye. "This marriage between Danciano and dam Sadira works wonderfully each time, which is why I haven't changed this fantastic union for several years. Their offspring evolves harmoniously as they grow and have everything to succeed at high level: conformation, strength, gaits and also and above all, a fantastic character."

Martinez is now preparing Dicasso for the pre-selection for the 2024 Oldenburg Stallion Licensing.

"I think he has everything to become a sire," said Gérald. "I wouldn't try it if I didn't believe in it a little bit. However, I won't compromise on the quality of a stallion, even if I’m his breeder. If he isn't one of the best of his approval, I won't keep him a stallion. There are too many approved stallions that are not of exceptional quality and for breeding, it’s important to offer extraordinary stallions. If Dicasso doesn’t meet the expected success, he will be gelded and undoubtedly make a fantastic sport horse."

Kankaline de Ticop

Trophy magnet Kankaline de Ticop continued her winning streak and is now a triple French champion.

This black Selle Français mare by Danciano out of Cybele de Ticop (by Soliman) is bred by Anne Jung and owned by Caroline Rioche of Ecuries Saint Val. Already in 2020 she excelled at the French Championships as she claimed the Foal Champion's title. Kankaline returned to Fontainebleau in 2022 to claim the 2-year old mare champion's title and this year she even upped the ante and wielded the axe of power in the 3-year old division.

Not only did Kankaline win the "freedom class" for mares and geldings, but she also won the under saddle class under French Olympian Maxime Collard with a total of 90 points. In the freedom class she earned a winning 90.53 points with 8.8 for walk, 9.5 for trot, 9.2 for canter, 8.68 for conformation and 9.5 for general impression.

"I am very proud of Kankaline as a worthy representative of Danciano," said Martinez. "She has been winning titles since her birth. She has all the physical qualities required for sport and seems to have the famous golden character that Danciano transmits to all his foals. I obviously wish her a magnificent sporting career in the future."

Danciano de Malleret

Purchased by Gérald Martinez of Haras de Malleret as a 4-year old in 2014, Danciano (by Dancier x Rotspon) stayed the first few years in Germany to breed and show until July 2016 after which he moved to France where he continued his stud duties. Martinez produced the stallion to FEI level and in 2021 he made his international show debut at the 2022 CDI Jardy in the medium tour and won the Intermediaire B. In 2023 Helen Langehanenberg's student Manuel Dominguez Bernal took over the ride and established the stallion at Grand Prix level in Germany.

When asked which qualities Danciano passes on, Martinez proudly stated that the offspring stands out with "their character. Danciano produces horses that are very kind, easy and always ready to please their rider. They are often very chic, elastic, and have quick and strong hind legs." Gérald believes that Danciano crosses best with S and F-line mares. "Theses crosses have for sure proven to be successful," he said. "He also mixes well with KWPN blood, because he calms the explosive energy in some of the Dutch horses and gives a lot of quality in the hindlegs." Gérald added with a wink, "I would also love to try the cross Danciano x Vitalis, but haven't found the broodmare yet for that."

Successful Danciano offspring in sport are Danny Cool (Helen Langehanenberg), French young horse champion Harpège Grez Neuville (Jessica Michel Botton), Dolciario (Frederic Wandres, Martin Christensen), Daily Show (Emily Miles), Deep Infinity (Tessa Frank), Davy G (Charlotte Lenherr), Danciella (Carmen Walin), Dancielle de Malleret (Lucie Planchet), Dark Knight (Nicole Levy), Debonaire (Jonni Allen), amongst others.

Discover Danciano de Malleret at www.haras-malleret.com or meet him in person at the upcoming "Stallion Show" at Malleret on 10 February 2024.