Belgian show jumping stud Studbook Zangersheide (SZ) is urging breeders wanting to use its stallions to contact the stud direct, after severing connections with France-based Ken Rehill, who acted as the British agent for the stud.
Now breeders who bought SZ semen for artificial insemination via Mr Rehill are in limbo.
H&H reader Ginny Smith, who runs Oakwood Farm Stud in East Sussex, put her mare Ballykett Blue Diamond in foal to Amiro Z through Mr Rehill.
The foal is due in March and she contacted Zangersheide after problems getting a covering certificate.
Another breeder, who wishes to remain anonymous, said three foals from last year still need passports and branding and she is due a covering certificate for this season.
Zangersheide owner Leon Melchior told H&H: “We regret the situation with Mr Rehill and the problems his actions have caused to UK breeders.
“Mr Rehill never was an agent for Zangersheide and does not represent the company. We recommend UK breeders place any orders directly with us.”
Breeders who can produce a receipt from Mr Rehill for SZ semen can apply for a Zangersheide passport.
But Mr Rehill has shown H&H a contract between himself and Zangersheide signed in February 2008.
He says Zangersheide owes him €9,000 and is considering suing for defamation.
He said: “I am concerned at how Zangersheide has treated my clients and in the future I will certainly avoid working with stud farms like this.”
For this article in full, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (19 February, ’09)
