of the progeny by improving only the conformation or the movements of the stallions, but by offering to the breeders those stallions who pass on this ‘mental attitude.’ Conten- dro I combines good conformation, good movement, good natural jumping ability and a very good mental at- titude. He has already proven that he passes those characteristics to his progeny. That’s why we were very happy to be able to buy him for the French breeders.” Contender produced both international jumping horses and also top dressage horses. Contango com- peted at the highest level of dressage with American rider Mary Alice Malone of Iron Spring Farm. Con- tango’s son Ravel won the World Cup in dressage in Las Vegas in 2009 with Steffen Peters and has repre- sented the U.S. at numerous international shows, including the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. Contender also pro- duced four-in-hand-driving horses like international competi- tor Capone II, who competed with Boyd Exell. Capone II’s full brother, Capone I, has jumped internationally with Kyle King. “Contender was a milestone in the further development of
Warmblood breeding, especially for producing jumping hors- es,” says top German breeder and trainer Paul Schockemöhle of Contender’s influence. “He has also put a certain mark on the dressage breeding because of his successful son Conteur. Contender is one of the stallions that has had a powerful influ- ence in German Warmblood breeding.”
CONTENDER’S LEGACY Contender is a classic example of a very important bloodline in the Holsteiner breed. His outstanding conformation, the sportiness of his basic gaits and his very important pedigree, stamm 2472, bring together all the requirements for a great sire. Contender fits seamlessly in the line of breeding and sport heroes with Landgraf I, Lord, Cor de la Bryere, Capitol I, Caretino, Cassini I, Corrado I and now also Casall. This Calypso II x Ramiro x Lady- killer xx son has proven with Concerto II, Con Air and Contendro I his great genetic transmission potential. Contender’s heritage for the Holsteiner breed is firstly seen in delivering an excellent mare base. Contender’s cross to Landgraf I mares was a perfect combination. Many good offspring, mainly daugh-
ters, are made through this combination which is evidenced through his many regional champion mares. Contender has made himself immortal in Holstein because of his offspring: in his younger years he stamped the Oldenburg breed and later on the Hanoverian breed through his son Contendro I. Few Warmblood stallions have such dominant prepotency, which comes together in his consolidated pedigree and his outstanding stamm. Contender was truly a shining star. During his career
he sired nearly 2,000 horses, many of whom went on to be stars themselves. Breeders and competitors worldwide will continue to benefit from this great stallion.
46 March/April 2014
Janne Bugtrup
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