Classic Oldenburg

The term "classical Oldenburg" is a bit of a misnomer in itself, because the breed has changed so much in the past centuries, and although the standards are set very high, they are not necessarily breed specific. They emphasize correctness in conformation and fluidity of movement, but many types of horses are approved from thoroughbred to warmblood types. Traditionally, the Oldenburg is the heaviest German warmblood breed, and also tends to be one of the tallest. Originally it was developed from the Friesen because it was a strong cart horse. It was crossed with Spanish and Arabian blood, then "stabilized" using thoroughbred, Cleveland bay, Anglo-Normandy and Hanoverian stallions. This was in the 17th century. Today they are crossed a lot with the Dutch warmblood. The original purpose of this breed was as a cart horse, but over time it has developed into a powerful riding and sport horse. In spite of it's size, the Oldenburg is a compact horse with a short, broad back, short, straight, heavy-boned legs, and large barrel. They have short, thick necks, with heavy muscle and natural, free-moving gaits. Their temperament is calm and reliable, but it can be bold and daring, which is what makes it such a exceptional jumping horse. So, the Oldenburg is an all around exceptional horse for performance. In order for a horse to be registered as an Oldenburg, their parents must be inspected and approved, and the horse should be inspected at 3-4 months. If it is to be used as a breeding animal it must also be inspected at the age of 2-4 years. The German Oldenburg Verband is extremely strict about standard, when it comes to inspections, and for an animal to receive a premium award, though not rare, it is usually merited.

Dammar's sire is an imported Dutch Warmblood stallion named Dublin. He stand 16.1 hands and is built like the traditional German warmblood. He has good bone, straight legs, muscular topline and incredible movement. Many of his foals are registered Oldenburgs even though he is a Dutch Warmblood(KWPN). The registry feels he adds to the breed, with his phenotype, presence, performance and the success of his progeny. He was the champion of his performance testing at Ermelo, Holland in 1988, with very impressive marks in both gaits and movement and top marks for rideability and character. He went on to compete at the highest national level in dressage and "M" level in jumping. He has sired over 400 registered KWPN offspring, with over 200 competing in dressage, jumping and eventing up to FEI levels. He has produced 2 KWPN approved stallions, 3 STER stallions, 113 main stud book mares, 29 1st premium mares, 32 STER mares, and 9 Keur mares. He is the sire of Juventus, who is owned by iron spring farms in the US and he has also produced many premium horses. He is licenced with the KWPN, the GOV and the CWBHA.

Dublin's sire is Ulft, is know around the world as a sire of both dressage and jumping horses. He has produced exceptional offspring like Olympic Ferro, Caesar, Disney, and Utopia, just to name a few. He has many progeny that are approved and keured. Ulft has proven compatible with sport horse mares to improve temperament, gaits, and athleticism. At his performance test in Ermelo, he not only broke records in jumping, but also was the first stallion to ever receive a 9 in dressage.

Ulft's Grand-sire is Furisoso II, also a Selle Francais and the first Anglo-Normandy stallion of modern breeding times. He is held in highest regard by horsemen/women all over the world. He was the 1968 champion of stallion testing in Germany and has to date 60 approved sons and over 100 states premium mares. He became known, in his time as the "Stamp stallion" because his progeny got his "very good feet and legs, his outstanding neck and shoulder, striking dappled chocolate coat with flaxen tail, and his white markings." In 1979-1989 Furioso was the #1 stallion in Germany based on money earned by his progeny, and in 1990 he was still the leading sire of dressage horses. When you put him next to Dammar, you can see where his influence is. Great legs, strong neck, white feet!

Dublin's dam, a mare named Sulana, was a Dutch Warmblood, of thoroughbred decent. Even though she was a registered KWPN, her sire Lucky Boy was a Jockey's Club registered thoroughbred. Lucky Boy was originally bred in Holland. He is the sire of 2 of the best show jumpers of the 1980'2 in Calypso(World cup winner) and The Freak(Olympic team gold medalist). More importantly though, was his consistent production of steady show jumpers. Twenty-seven of his sons were licenced as sires and his name lives on through them and many of his talented daughters. He had a solid reputation for producing reliable, talented performance horses.
Dammar's dam, a Hanoverian/TB mare named Petra, is a tall elegant mare who excels in dressage. She is a consistent producer of quality Oldenburgs, and because of this, has found a place in the GOV Oldenburg main mare book, and has earned her CWB approval as well. She consistently passes on her height and telescoping neck.

Petra's sire is a Hanoverian stallion named Evergreen. Evergreen was originally imported from Germany by Spruce Meadows in 1989. He placed 4th overall at his performance testing in Adelheidsdorf the year before. A rather large horse, he stamped his foals with size, substance and his bright red chestnut coat! His true talent was jumping, which he passed on to his progeny, but he has also produced many exceptional dressage horses as well.
Evergreen's sire is a Hanoverian named Eiger I. Eiger I has produced numerous top dressage and jumping horses, such as the renowned Elute, shown by Mac Cone, ans Espri. He was named international stallion of the year in 1999.

Petra's dam's side is pure racing stock thoroughbred, which is probably where the long, elegant neck comes from. The thoroughbred has had a lot of influence on the Oldenburg breed, in refining an otherwise bulky cart horse into one of the world's top jumping breeds. Though Tb's tend to be smaller than warmbloods, standing around 16 hands, they are a powerful, athletic, graceful breed, known for their tremendous thrusting, spring-like power in their hind legs. They are also blessed with agility, stamina and courage, making them ideal for high level competition. Their versatility makes them possible mounts for eventing, jumping, dressage, barrel racing or even polo. Quite often they are also used for RCMP horses, due to their intelligence.

The most recognizable Thoroughbred in Dammar's pedigree is a stallion by the name of Native Dancer. Born in 1950, he was quickly and aptly nick named "The Grey Ghost" because of his color and lightning speed. He was named horse of the year as a two year old, the first juvenile ever to receive such an honour, but failed to take the Kentucky derby the next year. This was his only defeat in 22 career starts. He did take the other 2 legs of the triple crown that year, and was again named horse of the year as a four year old. He also ended up with a bruised sole in his four year old year, that later ended his career as a race horse and started one as phenomenal sire. He is the sire of Northern Dancer and Raise a Native, both which have also had immeasurable influence on the thoroughbred breed.
I am looking forward to using Dammar as a breeding animal, due to his pedigree, outstanding temperament and undeniable beauty. He has a short, broad back , short, straight, heavy-boned legs and a beautiful head and neck. He has already received a premium award from the German Oldenburg Verband, and will go back for his approval and licencing as a 3 year old. His temperament, for a juvenile stallion, is exceptional, as he has a very willing, energetic manner. He interacts well with people and horses and will make a delightful stallion prospect. Though I think he will be an all around performance horse, most of his pedigree warrants him to be a jumper, which is specifically what I am interested in breeding. Therefore, the fact that he is very slightly sickle hocked, works in his favor. Sickle hocked horses tend to be more effective and more powerful jumpers. I expect that he will pass on his temperament, build and presence to his offspring, as his sire has passed it on to him.

The Oldenburg is an extremely athletic, powerful, and willing performance partner. It has developed from a sturdy cart horse to one of the top jumping breeds in the world. They are strong, noble, talented horses and Dammar presents to the breed all of these things. From his conformation and pedigree, I believe he will excel at all disciplines, as he predecessors did.