Deep in the Heart of Texas
Lisa O’Brien, a resident of Texas, new mom, and lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, owns Seguin Sporthorses with her husband, David, a veterinarian. For the past several years, Lisa has also served as a member of the AHHA’s Board of Directors and as ombudsman for the general membership. Breeding small numbers of mares every year has allowed O’Brien to focus on extremely high quality and to develop a generational line of mares that would be the envy of any farm. In 2009, O’Brien was recognized by the AHHA for breeding
the highest scoring foal of the tour, however this is but one of many joys she finds in her Holsteiners. “Yes, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive AHHA’s highest award for foal quality across the country,” she says. “But for me, it’s the smile of a junior rider who wins her classes on a Holsteiner I bred, the excitement when somebody selects a young foal to raise and show, compliments from other horse people about our horses, the safe delivery of healthy foals, the chance to sit on my porch with a glass of wine and watch foals and mammas cavorting around the pasture. All of these are little joys I treasure.” “In my experience, the Holsteiner breed is solidly anchored
with a generous spirit, outstanding athleticism and a competitive nature,” she adds. “At Seguin Sporthorses we seek an optimal blend of athleticism and rider-friendly disposition—easy to achieve with Holsteiners. Our visitors are also interested to know that although the horses have a deep foundation of jumping ability, they are also used successfully in dressage, eventing and even in the hunters. Tey are versatile and thoroughly enjoyable for a wide range of riders.” As a recent board member, O’Brien has seen first-hand
evidence of the improvement of the American Holsteiner through recent rule changes and elevated minimum scoring requirements. “I am not a fan of ever-changing breeding rules, however standards must be increased as quality improves. Te AHHA is always keenly focused on improving quality and adjusting standards to reflect that ongoing progress. We strive to see even more Holsteiners bred in the U.S. competing successfully at the
Top: Quintessence SSH, owned by Anne Wilson, is by Quinar out of Victoria’s Secret, a Cacique/Ariadus mare. Bottom: Victoria’s Secret (Cacique/Ariadus) with her Chevalier (ConAir/Quinar) foal, Chamonix SSH owned by Maat van Uitert Dressage and Jotunheimens Staller. Quintessence and Victoria’s Secret were bred by Lisa O’Brien.
38 July/August 2013 SPECIAL HOLSTEINER SECTION
highest levels in their disciplines and to see AHHA Holsteiners recognized as the best of the best sport horses,” she says. Beginning her own study of the breed at inspection events,
O’Brien feels that new breeders are best served by attending these events to advance their knowledge. “Attending inspections has sharpened my eye, increased my understanding of the importance of mare lines and improved my ability to select appropriate stallions for my mares—all resulting in improved quality in our breeding program,” she remarks. “Other breeders also take advantage of the opportunities available during inspections and it shows in the high-quality horses coming to the inspections. You can see firsthand what other Holsteiner breeders are producing—stallions, mares, and foals—and learn as much as possible from our highly qualified and experienced judges from the U.S. and Germany.” She also encourages those who can manage it to
travel to Holstein to visit farms, breed events and the Verband stables as well. Te AHHA meetings in the U.S. are also great resources. “I started going to the AHHA board meetings as a visiting member. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a lot in a condensed time from Holsteiner experts here
in the U.S. Te Board members and other visitors love to talk Holsteiners and there is plenty of time for this after the formal meetings at the end of the day. You can get a wealth of information from these and other personal connections and friendships. Te AHHA bulletin board for members is another great source of information,” she adds.
The View from the Top
Vicky Castegren is the owner of Hyperion Stud, a boutique breeding and sales operation in Barboursville, Virginia. Along with a fantastic team of energetic equine professionals, Castegren manages over a dozen performance breeding stallions, including the AHHA-approved Dakota VDL, a select group of top-tier mares and a considerable offering of competition and sales horses. She has become a regular host of the AHHA approvals each year, providing an outstanding facility for the breeders in her area to showcase their Holsteiner horses. Te stallion Casall is considered one of the hottest young stars in Holstein right now and breeders are clamoring to
Both photos by Terrie Hatcher
American Holsteiner Horse Association
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