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Farrington, Navarone and Schroeder approved Belgian Warmblood (BWP)
Posted: October 10, 2008
Kezie and Robert Mendoza, along with Jody and Steve Potter were gracious hosts for the inspection. We arrived with the 2 trailers with the 3 stallions. This was the first time we took the Dutch stallion Farrington (Wellington x Doruto) off the farm since he was imported 3 years ago. Phil Silva from Ten Broeck farm trailered him for us and handled that day. Phil was thrilled at how easy Farrington was to trailer and handle. As many of you know, Farrington broke his hind leg in a tragic stall accident as a 5 year old and is the only KWPN stallion to received his Keur status on his offspring alone. He produces top horses that easily go Grand Prix in Dressage. I think Phil knows why now and he was very surprised at his big movement and his front legs way out in front oh him during the trot. Even with his slight handicap behind, he moves uphill and with power. I always think about Farrington, had he not broke his leg as a youngster, he would have been an Olympic horse for sure, but I would not have had him at my farm.
Farrington received his BWP approval with the highest score of the 3 stallions; an 83. The judges noted "still a good mover". He received for Topline, head, neck and frame a 9, legs, shoulder and hindquarter 7.5, walk 8, trot 9.5, overall impression 9.5. Farrington is 21 years old this year and he looks the same as when he was young. Thanks to VDL Stud for giving us and everyone the opportunity to have him here for fresh cooled breedings. I think everyone who has had one of his offspring/foals knows how special he is as a sire.
Navarone (Jus de Pomme x Armstrong) our KWPN Dutch approved stallion was easy as usual and thrilled everyone at his fantastic free jumping. He has not jumped in several years, but when you have natural talent, it never goes away. He really enjoyed showing off for the audience. You can see some video of his free jumping on his web page at www.majesticgaits.com Navarone was also approved BWP.
Schroeder (Sandro Hit x Escudo I) our Hannoverian approved stallion showed a nice under saddle test and was also approved BWP. He managed to be a 4 year old on the way home and cut his head open in the trailer and needed stitches. I think the hardest part was going to the next inspection with pink stitches!
We had a nice lunch with the judges in the beautiful home there at Swept Away. We were admiring the gorgeous home and lunch was served on the deck overlooking the pool and beautiful green pastures and white fences. Thanks to Kezie and everyone at Swept Away Farm for making this such a nice trip for us. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the judges from Belgium and also Chris Sallee from the BWP/NAD. The registry has some good goals and we are happy we can provide some options for our breeders. Details are on their website at www.belgianwarmblood.com.
