Woodlander Dornröschen Passed Away

Breeding

Hanoverian

Woodlander Dornröschen, Michael Eilberg's former international Grand Prix horse and distinguished broodmare, has passed away. She was 22 years old.

Dornroschen was by Dimaggio out of Claire (by Caprimond x Der Clou). She was bred by Manfred and Karin Hoerner in Germany

Woodlander Stud

Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud in Great Britain bought her as a foal at auction in Germany and Dornröschen became one of her foundation mares in her breeding programme through embryotransfer.

She became the dam to double World Young Horse Champion Woodlander Farourche and produced four licensed stallions: Franz Ferdinand, Freddie M, For Kingdom and Fosbury.

She also bed three daughters including the 2020 Futurity Foal Champion, Die Rose (by Danciero) now held in partnership with a top German dressage rider. Her daughter Elite Farouche bred licensed stallion stallion Woodlander Wild Child.

Michael Eilberg

Dornröschen was sent to Michael Eilberg for training in 2008 and she became the reason why Michael stuck to dressage instead of show jumping.

Dornroschen won the 2008 British Young Horse Championships as a 6-year old, beating Valegro and the 2009 British Dressage Championships at Advanced Medium Level and in 2011 at Prix St Georges level.

The duo made its international show debut at small tour level at the 2012 CDI Vidauban, where they placed fourth in the Prix St Georges and won the Intermediaire I. In 2015 they competed in the medium tour and by July 2015 they contested the senior Grand Prix classes. In 2016 the pair showed only in Valencia, Roosendaal and Rotterdam.

Retirement

Dornröschen was retired from sport in January 2017. The last 18 months she spent her retirement with Nicole Nelson at Malthouse Farm.

Unfortunately on 22 December 2024 Dornröschen suffered from a severe bout of colic.

"Sadly, in the early hours of this morning she suffered a severe and unusual colic, having been fit and thriving with individual care and love from Nicole Nelson," Crowden announced. "She was a queen having safely retired sound six years ago. We chose not to let this wonderful mare undergo a likely unsuccessful surgery on veterinary advice and we took the decision to let her fly away. She will always be at the heart of the past and future Woodlander breeding."