The 1998 stallion licensing of the Oldenburger Warmblood Association became an historic event. For the first time an Oldenburger stallion, bred by foreigners, became "K–ringssieger" in Vechta. The champion's laurel was received by Royal Dance, a gorgeous liver chestnut stallion by Rohdiamant x Donnerhall. Royal Dance, formerly know as Rubi was bred by the Masson family from Belgium.

This honor prompted an Oldenburger stallion show in Belgium. Dressage 2000, the official Belgian semen distributor of Oldenburger stallions, presented in co-operation with the stallion stations Vorwerk and PSI, a most elite collection of dressage sires in Welkenraedt, Belgium. Double Olympic Champion Nicole Uphoff presented Relevant and Friedensfurst, Dr Reiner Klimke rode his Trakehner, Biotop and Karin Rehbein showed her 17 year old Donnerhall (pictured here), who recently retired from the international show circuit.

Highlight of the stallion show was of course Royal Dance himself and his sire Rohdiamant, who received a standing ovation under the loud clapping of the audience. Dressage 2000 definitely enhanced a greater dressage input in the Belgian breeding tradition.

by Astrid Appels
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Related Links
junior-riders.com
The Oldenberger Website
Nicole Uphoff's Website
Reiner Klimke
Kyra Kyrkland
Performance Sales International