Unbreakable Bonds:
Three Oldenburg Brothers Stay Connected By Patti Schofler
three full brothers, each a distinct individual and yet all three much the same. Te three brothers—Dominus, Delano and Dax—are all
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sons of Oldenburg stallion Donnerschlag (Donnerhall x Pirola x Pik Koenig) and Oldenburg mare Paquita (Pa- varotti x Larona x Larone) and are equally hand- some, smart and willing, with dressage move- ment that promises a noteworthy future. Yet each is his own “man.” Te smallest one is the over thinker and acts like his father. Te tallest and youngest is the most trusting and the most advanced. Te middle one is taking his time to develop and looks most like his sire. Donnerschlag came to the U.S. in 2000 after
a dual career as a Grand Prix competitor and as a breeding stallion, standing as the main sire at Gestut St. Ludwig’s stud in Germany. In 1993 he was winner of a finals class at the Federal Championship for dressage horses at Manheim. He went on to post many wins and placings at Grand Prix. His sire, Donnerhall, was a stallion of legendary proportions. His dam, Pirola, was a full sister to Pik Bube I and II with her dam line based on international jumper Dohlenfürsten. “S” Dressage Judge Sue Curry Shaffer and husband Dyke
Shaffer of Santa Rosa, California, bought Donnerschlag with Sue’s intention to compete him. Instead, because of his notable talent, sensitivity and accommodating attitude, she trained her students on him. “He gave many of my students their USDF silver medals and the feel of an FEI Grand Prix horse,” she recalls of the stallion who today is retired at her ranch. Dressage notable Christine Traurig hand selected Paquita (who died four years ago) and six other broodmares to estab- lish the Fairwind Farm breeding program. Dyke became ac- tively involved with the purchases and the breeding program. “It was a gamble, but it worked. Paquita was a beautiful
premium mare, well balanced, and sensitive. She has many amazing foals. Christine’s eye, expertise and knowledge cer- tainly proved to be correct and true when it came to finding good candidates for world class offspring,” says Sue. Te three full brothers were born and grew up together at
Sue’s farm and began their dressage training with her assistant trainer and head rider Riana Porter. And they have not strayed far from home as they have advanced up the dressage levels. It’s a family affair.
40 May/June 2015 SPECIAL Oldenburg SECTION
n this day of traveling horses, transported semen and worldwide breeding, rarely do you find strong connec- tions between horses both through genetics and their human relationships. However, such is the happy fate of
DOMINUS: 2005, 16.1 Te oldest brother and yet the smallest of the three, Dominus (Dom as he is known around the barn) was stabled next to his father for a few years and demonstrates more of his father’s traits than just his father’s elastic, forward gaits. Both father and son have been known to do yoga stretches, the popular “downward-facing dog” in the crossties, points out Dom’s owner Janelle Frazer.
Dominus, the oldest brother, with owner Janelle Frazer (left) and young trainer Riana Porter (right).
“It’s special to have a horse that has a connection to his
father. How many people can say they got to ride their horse’s father and knew his mother?” Janelle says. “I wanted a young horse to move along under the tute-
lage of a more experienced seat and trainer,” Janelle recalls of her search in 2010. “I wanted a smaller, compact horse who Riana would ride while I keep my riding skills fresh with a schoolmaster. Dominus fit that perfectly. He has such a huge personality. He’s engaged and engaging and present for the process. He’s always thinking which is what I like about him. He vibrates when he sees you because he’s so excited. He’s a very rewarding horse.” Currently living in Hailey, Idaho, Janelle has returned to
school through an online curriculum, which frequently takes her to southern California. Her connection to Dom’s breeder Sue Curry Shaffer was locked in when she put Dom in full training with Sue Martin in southern California: Sue Curry Shaffer taught Sue Martin for many years, starting when the younger Sue was 12. Until she moved to Idaho, Janelle was a hands-on owner,
grooming and braiding Dom when he was showing. She hopes her academic schedule will allow that again when he debuts this year with Sue Martin at Prix St. Georges.
Photos by
TerriMiller.com
Oldenburg Horse Breeders’ Society
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