Markim Farm's Impromptu Wins USDF 2003 National Year End Champion Awards

November 8, 2003

The United States Dressage Federation (1) announced that Markim Farms’ Impromptu (Ideal x Frohwind) is the 2003 Nationwide All Breeds Champion Oldenburg N.A. Weanling Colt of the Year. In addition, he is ranked 2nd in the Nation as the Reserve Champion, Horse of the Year for 2003, Sport Horse Colt.

This is a major achievement considering that the USDF, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, had 787 recognized competitions across the US this year. It is comprised of 26,760 members, including 16,654 participating members and 47,232 registered horses in 2003.

Impromptu, born June 11, 2003, was bred by Kim and Mark Ennett, owners of Markim Farms in Carleton, Michigan, and has been on a fast track since day one. The champion colt entered USDF competitions at only 8 weeks old and by 12 weeks had won 11 of 12 classes including three Grand Championships of Show.

His highlight of the season was at the East Central Series Year End Finals held at the Kentucky Horse Park where he captured the 2003 Grand Champion of Show Title in the Cosequin/USDF Breeders Final Championship Class for Colts/Geldings 0-3 years old. And last, but not least, he was also Champion and High Score Premium Foal of 18 foals presented at the ISR/Oldenburg N.A. Inspection held in September.
Impromptu was judged by top rated judges including Hilda Gurney, Judge, Olympic Medallist, Dressage Pioneer, and "American Horsewoman of the Year". She is a many times National Event Champion, was National Dressage Champion, and has been on two Olympic teams. From the Pan-Am Games she holds 4 gold and 2 silver medals. An AHSA “Horsewoman of the Year” she judges FEI and AHSA and sport horse competitions.

Typical judges’ comments were, “ beautiful head; smooth topline; good joints, legs; correct walk; good reach; elastic; nice lift; athletic; attractive; well put together colt; lovely prospect.” These are the qualities that made Impromptu Champion.
Kim and Mark Ennett will be presented awards at the Awards Banquet on December 6, 2003, during the USDF’s 2003 National Conference and Symposium in Dallas, Texas. These awards bear testimony of the success of Markim Farms as a leading elite breeder of modern World Class Champion Oldenburg Sport Horses for Dressage, Grand Prix and Eventing.

Owner Kim Ennett stated, “Markim Farms is very selective in our breeding program. Our commitment is to improve the breed both in temperament and athletic ability based on premium pedigrees. My husband Mark and I are very pleased that our premium breeding program resulted in the No.1 Champion Oldenburg N.A. Colt as well as the Reserve Champion Sport Horse Colt in the Nation for 2003.”

Impromptu (affectionately called “Cedar”) was the result of their 2002 breeding season. Markim Farms selected Ultimate Piaffe's Oldenburg Stallion Ideal**** as the sire and Markim Farms’ Oldenburg mare Liaisonne (by Frohwind*****). Ideal**** was sired by the great stallion Inschallah. His pedigree also includes Zeus and Israel, his grandfathers, as well as Furioso II and Arlequin. All are founders of the modern Oldenburg horse.

Liaisonne, Markim Farms’ Main Mare Book Oldenburg Mare was sired by Woodridge Farm’s renowned Oldenburg Five Star Stallion Frohwind (by Furioso II out of Windstille by Weltmeister).

Oldenburg horses are registered warmbloods and are recognized as one of the most successful breeds in Germany and North America. These foals are sought after as competition horses and breeding stock worldwide. Today, modern Oldenburgs are considered to be among the elite for show-jumping, dressage and three day eventing.

Markim Farms LC breeding facility is located in Carleton, Michigan, south of Detroit. Kim and Mark Ennett stated that, “The primary focus of our breeding program is to improve the "modern" Oldenburg qualities for World Class sport horse competition at the highest international level. The elegant and refined modern Oldenburg is what our breeding program focuses on. Our objective is calm, cool, collected, and balanced horses with World Class athletic ability."

Related Links
USDF
Horsesdaily 2003 Breeding News