Latest from Horse & Hound in Woodlander-farouche

Michael Eilberg on regaining his love for competing, and the horse he thinks could be the next big thing

Polly Bryan — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:02:57 +0000

When Michael Eilberg scored three top-three small tour placings at Keysoe CDI earlier this year, it was his first international competition in four years. With his last top grand prix horse, Marakov, having taken a step back from competing in 2018, Michael has been absent from the international dressage scene for a while, but he has certainly kept busy, bringing on the next generation – horse and human.

“I’ve had a period of downtime; we’ve started a family [with wife Maya] and rebooted the horsepower,” Michael says on episode 108 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, supported by Amerigo and their UK distributor Zebra.

“We’ve started our own breeding programme and we have quite a depth in horsepower now, with some horses now at the age where they’re starting to do some serious stuff. Maybe by the end of this year we might be getting out at grand prix,” says Michael, who names the nine-year-old Dante Weltino x Quattro B son MSJ Dante VX as “probably my favourite”.

“We’ve had Dante since a foal and he is a real special horse,” he says. “He can be a little insecure and in his younger years he took time to become confident in certain surroundings.

“He did the four-year-old classes, but at the semi-final he ran out of the arena with me. As a five-year-old he qualified for the final, but then came last in it as he wouldn’t walk or halt. As a six-year-old he won the semi-final, and as a seven-year-old he won the final. As he’s gone through the years, he has got more confident and we have developed a really good bond. He trusts me now.”

As well as being crowned 2020 seven-year-old national champion, Dante, who is owned by Michael, his father Ferdi Eilberg and Nicky Hannam, has had success at small tour level, with prix st georges and inter I wins at Keysoe and Somerford Park Premier Leagues this summer.

“I just love riding him, as he’s one of those horses who always tries his best,” says Michael.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have sat on some really good horses, and he gives me one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. Marakov was always a lovely horse to ride, but his problem was spookiness and his conformation. I always said I wished I could have a horse who rode Marakov but wasn’t spooky, and had better conformation and paces. I think Dante could be that one.

“He has a lot of boxes ticked when it comes to the marks available to him, which is why I rate him so much. His walk is unbelievable – he walks for a nine or 10 – and he also has extremely high talent for piaffe-passage and the pirouettes. He has enormous talent, and if he keeps his cool I think he’s going to be one of the best.”

Michael Eilberg: ‘I’ve had a different outlook on competing’

As well as bringing on some exciting younger horses, with other future stars including Figlio and MSJ Distinction, Michael explains that having had a break from top level competition has helped him enjoy the sport again.

“I did a lot of top level competing when I was younger and I had quite a lot of pressure on me with horses like Woodlander Farouche and Half Moon Delphi. So I’ve really appreciated taking a breather. I had a while where I felt a bit ‘off’ competing, but over the past year I’ve had a different outlook. My inspiration comes from training horses, but I’ve got the buzz back and I’m really happy to be riding these horses and enjoying shows.”

Listen to more of Michael’s thoughts on episode 108 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – listen here or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

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(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Not just for trotting over: Michael Eilberg shares his innovative use of poles

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

The scales of training explained for horse riders of all levels

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Eilbergs break silence on Farouche’s future

A decision has been made about Woodlander Farouche's future

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

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The daughter of this year’s Badminton star — and six other foals we’re excited about

Polly Bryan — Mon, 28 May 2018 08:33:31 +0000

With foaling season well underway, Horse & Hound’s sport horse breeding editor rounds up some of the most exciting foals of 2018 so far

1. The Farouche legacy

A Devon stud has welcomed two exciting foals out of the double world young horse champion, Woodlander Farouche. A colt (above) and a filly (below), both by Valverde, were born at Lorna Wilson’s Newton Stud earlier this month, where Farouche’s grand-dam Claire also lives.

“The foals were the result of a double flush performed at Twemlows Stud — Claire and her family have a tendency to double ovulate which is great for the embryo transfer work,” says Lorna. “I’m so grateful to Ally Walton for allowing me to buy these embryos in utero at the end of last season.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I couldn’t be happier to have both a colt and a filly! The filly will in all likelihood be retained and the colt will be for sale. The filly arrived first, in the middle of the day, and is a real character with that ‘look-at-me’ quality just like Farouche. The colt kept us waiting an extra week, but he is huge, long-legged and has a beautiful frame, so it was worth it!

“We haven’t decided on names yet and are open to ideas which must start with a V!”

Farouche’s earlier offspring have already made an impact, with her 2010 embryo transfer daughter Woodlander Walk On The Wild Side scoring two higher first premiums as a youngster, and her 2011 approved son Woodlander Wild Child already building a reputation as a stellar sire.

2. The daughter of this year’s Badminton winner

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Kiwi event rider Jonelle Price is excited about an embryo transfer filly out of her hugely popular Badminton winner, the Classic daughter Classic Moet. The foal, who is by Upsilon, was born on Good Friday at the end of March and has now been named Faerie Good Golly.

“If she’s a patch on her parents, she’ll be a formidable filly!” says Jonelle.

3. The grandchildren of Britain’s most exciting dressage hope

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Emma Blundell’s Mount St John stud has welcomed two foals out of daughters of Charlotte Dujardin’s World Equestrian Games hopeful, the majestic Mount St John Freestyle. A Vivaldi colt (above) out of the Ampere mare Mount St John A La Freestyle arrived at the beginning of April, followed by a “stunning” Total US filly out of the De Niro mare Mount St John Dancefloor at the end of May. If their stellar dam line is anything to go by, we predict big things for these two.

4. A multi-purpose filly bred in the purple

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The gorgeous Geminis Classic Dancer was born at the Gemini stud in late May, with all the breeding credentials to go on to a successful career either as an eventer, or in the show ring. The filly is by Geminis Classic Opera, a Cuddy finalist at Horse of the Year show as a three-year-old, whose grandsire Chico’s Boy is the sire of Gemma Tattersall’s international three-star mare Chico Bella P. Classic Dancer is out of Lemington Night Dance, full sister to Piggy French’s three-star partner Lemington Letts Dance.

“She is a stunning nearly black foal who has a fantastic career ahead of her,” says Georgie Belton of the Gemini stud.

5. A possible star sire of the future

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Dressage bloodlines don’t come much better than that of grand prix dressage rider Rebecca Cowderoy’s beautiful colt foal Spider, born on 12 May at Fosshey Stud, out of her international small tour and keur mare Celicia (Florencio x Gribaldi). Spider, whose full name is yet to be decided, is by the stallion of the moment, the Vivaldi x Ferro son Dream Boy, who is clocking up international grand prix victories with Holland’s Hans Peter Minderhoud.

“We can’t wait to see him develop over the years; for now we plan to keep him entire,” says Rebecca. “He is naturally uphill with great balance and beautifully put together, his head is extremely pretty — you can see his mum in him — and he has a huge wow factor about him meaning you can’t help but look at him!”

This week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 May 2018) is our cobs special, where we meet Our Cashel Blue and find out how to bag the perfect cob

Don’t miss next week’s issue (31 May 2018), where Badminton winner Classic Moet is our Horse Hero of the week

Eilbergs break silence on Farouche’s future

Polly Bryan — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:42:40 +0000

The double world young horse champion Woodlander Farouche is to be retired from competition for the foreseeable future.

The 12-year-old Fürst Heinrich x Dimaggio mare, who was bred by Lynne Crowden and is owned by the Eilbergs and John and Ali Walton, will instead focus on her breeding career after sustaining an injury in 2016, when on the brink of grand prix.

“We are going to stop trying to bring Farouche back into work, and focus on embryos with her,” Michael confirmed to H&H. “We have invested a lot of time and money into our youngstock and we want her to be a part of that breeding programme.”

Farouche topped the World Breeding Dressage Championships as a five- and six-year-old and went on to excel at small tour with Michael, until suffering a severe fetlock sprain just after her double small tour victory in a strong field at Aachen in July 2016.

“She had time off and we nursed it back to health, but the problem is that she seems unable to sustain harder work on it now. If I work her lightly she’s OK, but the minute I step it up a notch she goes sore again,” Michael told H&H.

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I turned down a lot of money for Farouche — I wouldn’t do that again’: Lynne Crowden’s top tips for breeders

From focusing on the best mare lines to making good business decisions, Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud shares her tips

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

11 things you (probably) didn’t know about Woodlander Farouche

From having her teeth brushed every other day to making soup every day in her stable, we find out more

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Not just for trotting over: Michael Eilberg shares his innovative use of poles

Farouche bred two successful embryo transfer foals before her competition career escalated — Walk On The Wild Side and the approved stallion Wild Child — but struggled to produce embryos while in full work.

“When she’s in work, she doesn’t seem to want to be a mummy,” said Michael. “I also felt she used to switch off a bit when we were doing embryo work with her, and wasn’t as nice to ride — we always said we would stop with the embryos once she started the serious work. However, since she’s been off we’ve done really well with embryos from her — we had a foal from her last year and have another on the way this year — so it makes sense to pursue that now.”

Michael has not ruled out bringing Farouche back into work at a later stage, though acknowledges that it will be difficult as she gets older. He is also keen to see her carry her own foal at some point.

Michael still has a number of exciting competition prospects, including the eight-year-old Daltrey, currently competing successfully at small tour, and several younger horses coming up through the ranks, such as MSJ Dante and Mount St John Valencia, though is currently without a grand prix ride.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Don’t miss this week’s issue for our special report from the British Dressage Winter Championships, plus full analysis from the Grand National — including expert comment, pictures and more. Read our report from the dressage and showjumping World Cup finals, and in this week’s ‘vet clinic’ we discuss the facts about fitness.

‘I turned down a lot of money for Farouche — I wouldn’t do that again’: Lynne Crowden’s top tips for breeders

Polly Bryan — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 17:08:12 +0000

Woodlander Stud’s Lynne Crowden received the loudest cheer of the night at the 2018 British Breeders’ awards dinner in London (13 January 2018), when she was unveiled as the winner of the Stallion AI Services Meritoire Lifetime Achievement award, presented as recognition for a lifetime’s contribution to the breeding industry.

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Among Woodlander’s stars are the double world young horse champion Farouche, as well as the record-breaking home-bred stallion Wild Child, and the highest scoring Futurity entrant of 2017, Gloria.

Northamptonshire-based Lynne shares with H&H her advice for aspiring breeders.

1. Don’t waste your time with poor mares

“In the early days I wasted a lot of time with mares that weren’t good enough. The time is wasted both commercially and literally — you’re always getting older. I tried to talk up the mares I had and make the best of them, but that best simply wasn’t good enough.

“If you really can’t afford a very good mare, buy a really good foal instead. Spending the time waiting to breed from the foal won’t be time wasted.”

2. Know what you want to breed

“However much you love a mare, there’s no point breeding from her is she doesn’t have good pedigree, type and movement, and if she isn’t bred to breed what you want. You can’t try to breed a showjumper from a dressage horse — be clear about what you’re aiming to get.”

3. Think in generations

“You have to be able to look ahead, and learn from mistakes. I turned down an awful lot of money for Farouche (pictured, below) when she won at the world young horse championships, but if I could go back I wouldn’t turn it down again. For a breeder, you have to take your first profit and use it to carry on trying to make great fillies that are a development on the mares you have. That’s how you can continue breeding.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

4. Focus on the foal

“If money is short, focus on breeding a fantastic foal that you can sell well, before you have to fund finding a rider and everything else that goes with it — a killer for all of us! Even if you don’t sell your foal for a huge profit, it can help you go on to breed the next one, and that’s your development.”

Continued below…

7 things you always wanted to know about breeding, but were too embarrassed to ask

5. Know your dam lines inside out

“Get to know your mare lines really, really well, so you are able to breed the sorts of horses you want. I don’t know why we so late to knowing mare lines in this country. I learnt it from thoroughbred breeding and the focus on ‘black type’ mares. If you want to sell a foal, it’s the mare that influences the price you get for a thoroughbred foal. I always knew it would be the same with warmbloods.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche score six nines on way to another Aachen win

Pippa Roome — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 07:30:37 +0000

British stars Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche did the double in Aachen last night (Saturday, 16 July) when they added intermediaire I victory to their win in Wednesday’s prix st georges.

The 10-year-old mare scored 76.632%, with all five judges placing her first.

“It’s quite an atmosphere in there,” said Michael. “She was less nervous at the start than on Wednesday, but became more excited at the end.

“She was slightly short behind in the one of the two-time changes — the second from last — which was really annoying, but her rhythm and balance in the trotwork shoulder-in and circles are second to none.”

Two judges gave Farouche six for the two-time changes, with the others awarding 6.5, seven and 8.5.

Michael’s father Ferdi commented how impressive it is for Farouche to cope with the packed crowd in the Deutsche Bank Stadium, which was full for the class. The audience are close to the arena and extremely knowledgeable, with gasps accompanying any mistake.

“Horses feel that vibe,” he said.

Michael and Farouche scored six nines last night — two for extended trot, one for an 8m circle, one for extended canter, one for paces and Michael’s riding.

Farouche (Furst Heinrich x Dimaggio) was bred by Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud and belongs to the Eilbergs and Alison Walton.

The runner-up was the last into the arena, Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt on the seven-year-old stallion Escolar, by Estobar NRW. They scored 73.421%. Yesterday, Hubertus was named the travelling reserve for the German dressage team for the Rio Olympics.

The home side’s Helen Langehanenberg took third on Suppenkasper (73.079%). He is an eight-year-old by Spielberg.

Michael was also best of the Brits in the CDIO5* grand prix special yesterday with Marakov. He rides again in the freestyle this morning, as does fellow Brit Emile Faurie on Weekend Fun.

Full report of Aachen in H&H this week, out Thursday, 21 August.

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche win in Aachen despite nervous early moments

Pippa Roome — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 16:12:04 +0000

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche won the prix st georges in Aachen today (Wednesday, 13 July) with a score of 76.368%.

“I’d be thrilled if we come out on top — you are against the best in the world here,” said Michael after his test.

The 10-year-old mare, who is considered one of the most promising next generation British dressage team horses, was “a bit nervous” in the arena, which showed when she straddled her front legs and tossed her head in her first halt.

“She didn’t want to stop, but I tried to stay cool,” said Michael. “I had to ride it a bit carefully. When you have a first halt like that you don’t want to get on the first diagonal and give them a big kick. But I’m pleased, there were no mega whoopsies.

“That’s exactly why she’s here — to get her in the big arena and get her in that sort of atmosphere before she has to do it on the big stage.

“I worked her in that arena the other day, but it’s completely different with the people — they hear the buzz and the clapping.”

Michael said his mark was “a good score” but he thought it might be a little higher as “she felt very consistent”. There was quite a wide disparity in his points — three judges put him first, with the best percentage being 79.079% from Mexico’s Maribel Alonso at E, but Germany’s Ulrike Nivelle at M placed him second and Austria’s Thomas Lang at B had him in fourth on 73.816%.

Michael and Farouche, who was bred by Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud and belongs to the Eilbergs and Alison Walton, will perform again in the intermediate I on Saturday.

“I will try to get her out and about when there are things happening before then and work on some of the movements which are in that test but not in this one,” said Michael.

Michael also rides in the CDIO5* grand prix tomorrow on Marakov, with whom he was long-listed for the Rio Olympics and was on the British silver medal-winning team at the European Championships here in Aachen last year. He is joined in the British team for the Nations Cup by Daniel Watson (Amadeus), Sarah Millis (Hofjuwel) and Emile Faurie (Weekend Fun).

11 things you (probably) didn’t know about Woodlander Farouche

Polly Bryan — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:25:51 +0000

From having her teeth brushed every other day to making soup every day in her stable, we find out more about this world class dressage horse

1. She is multi-talented

Michael Eilberg, Farouche’s rider, jumps most of his young horses and says that Farouche has a decent jump in her. “The talent’s there and I still jump her now. I’ve jumped her about 1m – it would be silly to do too much, but she enjoys it,” he says.

“It helps with the enthusiasm and freshness; you’ve just got to be careful because the horses are not used to jumping on a regular basis. You don’t want to load their joints in a way they’re not used to.”

2. There are two sides to her personality

“She’s a little queen,” says Michael. “Put it this way, if you can’t reach to stroke her over her stable door, even with a treat, she won’t come to you. She’ll make you open the door and come right in to her.

“She has got a very cuddly, sweet side, but she’ll also make it clear when she wants to be left alone. She is similar to ride – one minute she’ll be very quiet and at ease, the next she’s a firecracker.”

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3. She makes “soup” in her stable

Both Farouche and her mother, Woodlander Dornroschen (Rosie), have a dunking bucket in their stables, for their hay.

“Rouchy takes it a step further and dunks her feed as well as her hay – she makes a right mess,” says Michael.

4. Her teeth are cleaned every two days

“The dentist said she has quite a lot of decay in her teeth so we tried brushing them with a toothbrush but she didn’t like it,” says Michael. “So now she has a mouthwash syringe — she wears a mouth brace and has a slosh on each side. She loves it and it’s done wonders for her teeth.

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5. She’s not quite such a queen when she sleeps

“Rouchy always sleeps with her nose in the straw, and she snores – quite loudly! I’ve got a video of it,” says Michael.

6. She loves to be clipped

“She likes the itching. It’s hard to clip her neckline actually, because she always rubs the wall with her nose so her head and neck wobbles.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Watch Farouche’s winning test at the BD nationals

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche cruise to victory in the inter I class, while Charlotte Dujardin tastes success as an

7. She takes after her mum

“They’re very similar, especially in the way they can switch from lamb to lioness very quickly,” says Michael. “But Rouchy has more confidence and independence than her mother – Rosie is more vulnerable and needy, and takes confidence from me.”

8. Passage hasn’t come easily to her

“The concept of passage was tricky for her, which I didn’t expect,” says Michael. “She picked up piaffe in a week but when it came to passage she didn’t understand the concept. When I said passage she thought I meant piaffe, and I couldn’t tell her off for that because piaffe is good. In the end, I had to avoid piaffe for a year.”

9. She doesn’t like puddles

“We struggle to get her through a puddle. She’ll go into water with enough persuasion, but out hacking she would rather go in the ditch then through the puddle.”

10. She has presence for a reason

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Farouche stands at a lofty 17.2hh. “She always seems bigger at shows at well,” says Michael.

11. Michael has never fallen off her – yet!

Don’t miss our Horse Hero feature in the 15 October 2015 issue of Horse & Hound magazine, where we take a closer look at her conformation to find out what makes her so impressive

Watch Woodlander Farouche win at Hartpury Festival of Dressage: VIDEO

Carol Phillips — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 19:09:56 +0000

Footage courtesy of Hartpury College

Michael Eilberg rode Woodlander Farouche into first place in the innovative Elite Stallions young horse prix st georges qualifier at Hartpury Festival of Dressage today (Thursday 9 July).

The elegant nine-year-old chestnut mare, by Furst Heinrich, scored 77.851% to head the class, which is designed to help develop horses working at prix st georges level. Alice Oppenheimer was second riding Tantoni Sir Soccrates on 75.088% while Kate Cowell took third with Dahling (70.965%)

More about Woodlander Farouche‘There’s life after Rio for Farouche’Why is Farouche so good?Farouche sets record score as young horse world champion

The top eight horses go forward to the second round of this competition, which takes place during the show’s gala evening on Saturday. There is a first-round prize-pot of £350 and a fund of over £2,000, including £1,000 to the winner in the second round.

Lorna Wilson of Elite Stallions said: “These prestigious developing horse classes are so popular on the continent, but not widely on offer in the UK.

“We’re thrilled Hartpury is keen to welcome the class to their busy schedule and we believe this offers a fantastic springboard. It’s an ideal opportunity for riders to expose their horses to a championship atmosphere and for the audience to see what will hopefully become the UK’s next band of grand prix horses.”

Olympic judge Isobel Wessels has leant her support saying: “It’s wonderful we’ve got this new showcase at PSG level; it’s been missing for a long time.

“I’m really excited that Elite Stallions have made it happen as I’ve judged the final of the equivalent class in Germany and my vision would be to build up to something similar over here.”

After each test on Saturday night, there will be judges’ feedback and a mini interview with each rider to get reaction on the test and insight about their horses.

Isobel adds: “This element should enhance the whole thing for the gala evening audience.”

Full report from Hartpury Festival of Dressage will be published in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 16 July

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche win in Austria

Horse & Hound — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:25:23 +0000

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche won the prix st georges at the CDI4* Schindlhof in Fritzens, Austria today (Friday 26 June).

The pair impressed with a flawless test which was awarded 76.5% — more than 4% ahead of second-placed combination Wibke Bruns and Donna Caribica.

This is Michael’s first visit to Fritzens.

“The test felt really good with no real mistakes,” he said.

“This show is amazing and the view is incredible. I told my dad that I have to be careful when I go down the centre line and don’t look at the mountains instead of concentrating on the test.”

It’s been a busy week for Michael. On Thursday 18 June Michael and Woodlander Farouche cruised to victory in the Equestrian.com invitational inter I freestyle at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International.

Their score of 77.62% put them more than 3.5% clear of second-placed Laura Tomlinson.

Then on Sunday (21 June) Michael broke the news that his European bronze medal-winning partner Half Moon Delphi had been sold to the US.

The British-bred 13-year-old Dimaggio x Westwall mare Half Moon Delphi was sold to Bob Price for the American rider Sarah Daehnert with Rio in mind.

And on Tuesday (23 June) H&H revealed that Michael had acquired the ride on another superstar, the €2.31million (£1.6m) auction horse, Sa Coeur.

The Oldenburg gelding, who is by the Sandro Hit son Sir Donnerhall out of a Don Davidoff mare, was sold at the high profile December 2012 PSI Auction in Germany and is now at the Eilberg’s Worcestershire yard.

Meanwhile, Carl Hester has unfortunately had to withdraw from the big tour at Fritzens as his ride Wanadoo got a foot abscess after arriving in Austria.

Wanadoo, formerly ridden by owner Coral Ingham, has only had one outing so far under new rider Carl Hester.

The pair competed at the grand prix qualifier at Somerford Premier League scoring 71.4% to win.

Carl said: “I’m so sorry for him and his owners and he was so on form.”

For full report don’t miss next week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 2 July.

H&H exclusive: Michael Eilberg takes ride on €2.31million horse

Alice Collins — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:55:38 +0000

Following the sale of his top horse Half Moon Delphi, British team dressage rider Michael Eilberg has acquired the ride on another superstar, the €2.31million (£1.6m) auction horse, Sa Coeur.

The Oldenburg gelding, who is by the Sandro Hit son Sir Donnerhall out of a Don Davidoff mare, was sold at the high profile December 2012 PSI Auction in Germany.

In the summer of 2012 Sa Coeur stood world young horse champion in the six-year-old division under Eva Möller. This was a repeat of his five-year-old achievements the previous year, hence his hefty price-tag.

As a five-year-old he received a 10/10 for his walk, and an overall score of 9.38, and as a six-year-old finished top with 9.04.

In 2012, behind Sa Coeur, Laura Tomlinson’s new ride Duvals Capri Sonne Jr captured the bronze medal under his former Dutch rider Dinja van Liere.

The leggy bay arrived at the Eilbergs’ Worcestershire yard a few weeks ago and has settled in well. Though Michael said he will “take some time to get to know him and get him in my way of training before taking him out”.

The Eilbergs already have serious horse power at their yard, in the form of another double world young horse champion Woodlander Farouche — who won the invitational Equestrian.com Bolesworth inter I freestyle last week (18 June).

He also rides her grand prix dam Woodlander Dornroschen (Dimaggio x Caprimond), and has recently broken the 70% barrier at the level.

Michael added: “We had a couple of the horses on the lorry recently and I suddenly realised we had millions of pounds in the back. It’s amazing and exciting — but also a bit terrifying.”

Sa Coeur’s Russian owners already have another expensive horse in training with Michael; the €1.1million (£782,000) black stallion Der Designer, a De Niro son out of a Weltmeyer mare. He was the price highlight at the 2011 PSI Auction and has been winning with Michael on the Premier League circuit at small tour.

Watch Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche’s winning Bolesworth test [VIDEOS]

Alice Collins — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:55:58 +0000

Horse & Hound's coverage of Ashford Farm CSI4* Bolesworth International (18-21 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche cruised to victory in the Equestrian.com invitational inter I freestyle at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International (18 June).

Their score of 77.62% put them more than 3.5% clear of second-placed Laura Tomlinson.

Since Michael rode the now nine-year-old Furst Heinrich daughter to World young horse championship gold medals as both a five- and six-year-old, the pair have gone from strength to strength.

At Bolesworth the chestnut was a little nervous in the atmosphere – given away by blowing her nose and chewing on the bit – but her extended trot was still rewarded with two nines.

Farouche’s dam, Woodlander Dornroschen, is competing at top level, recently posting over 70% at grand prix for the first time on only her third outing at the level.

“Rouchy” heads to Fritzens CDI in Austria next, before contesting the Elite Stallions young horse prix st georges classes at Hartpury Festival of Dressage.

Laura Tomlinson brought her new ride, the eight-year-old Rhodium x San Remo stallion Duval’s Capri Sonne Jr, and occupied second place with 74%.

Laura rode to an old compilation, but one that she had never before ridden in competition.

Apart from a mistake in one pirouette, where the horse lost impulsion, the test was smooth and rythmical.

Third-placed Becky Moody was snapping at Laura’s heels, garnering 73.79% for her test on Carinsio (Painted Black x Beaujolais). The pair are the reigning inter I winter champions, having won both that and the prix st georges class at the Naf Five-Star British Dressage Winter Championships at Hartpury in April.

For a full report on all the action at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International show, pick up a copy of Horse & Hound on Thursday (25 June).

British breeding: why H&H is excited about Woodlander Farouche [H&H VIP]

Polly Bryan — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 09:00:59 +0000

With more and more quality sport horses being proudly British-bred — and getting the recognition they deserve — H&H talks to those behind Woodlander Farouche to find out why she's set to excel in 2015

Name: Woodlander Farouche

Foaled: 2006

Breeding: by Furst Heinrich and out of Dornroschen (Dimaggio)

Breeder: Lynne Crowden

Rider: Michael Eilberg

Woodlander Farouche is one of the most exciting small tour dressage horses. Her career began with a bang when she became the first British-bred horse to win the World Breeding Dressage Championships, taking the title both as a five- and as a six-year-old.

Under Michael Eilberg, the 17.2hh chestnut mare won on her first attempt at prix st georges (PSG) last year, and wowed the crowds at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with her inter I debut in the Mount St John Future Elite championship, prompting judge Stephen Clarke to call her “the best young horse in the world”.

But Farouche was not intended for a star-studded dressage career, as her breeder, Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud, explains: “Farouche was a very serendipitous piece of breeding. She had an amazing mother in British-bred Dornroschen, whom I discovered was from the mother-line of Florestan.

The most important thing in breeding is to have an outstanding mare. Research the damline and breed with prolific and successful female lines. Those mares will do business for you,” she says.

“Farouche was very tall and narrow as a foal, and we could see by the time she was six weeks old that she was a huge mover. She was very strong and powerful and was a foal champion and a Futurity champion as a two-year-old. After that, we decided that she needed to go under saddle, and she has kept surprising us ever since,” says Lynne.

“Her paces are effortlessly big and she has real energy and stamina. She is very uphill; her only challenge is learning to manage all her power.

“As for her character — well, she’s a queen. She believes the world is there for her, and needs everything doing for her. As a yearling, she wouldn’t even break the ice on the water.”

Farouche has proved herself able to cope very well in the spotlight — a big plus for rider Michael Eilberg.

“She was thrown in the deep end at HOYS, but she’s able to handle the pressure. Plenty of good horses have something missing, but she has it all,” says Michael.

“The plan for 2015 is to consolidate her small tour movements. I’ve always thought that you never really know how good a horse will be at grand prix until you actually get them in the arena at that level. I hope she can go all the way.”

Don’t miss our Best of British special issue of Horse & Hound magazine in the 8 January issue, where we look at more British-bred horses to watch and round up some of the best British equestrian events

Woodlander Farouche set to delight dressage fans at Olympia

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:37:44 +0000

Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg are to spearhead a star-studded line up of demos at this year’s Olympia, The London International Horse Show (16-22 December).

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) silver medallist Michael will ride the exciting daughter of Furst Heinrich during a masterclass with his father Ferdi on the opening night of the show (Tuesday 16 December). This will take place ahead of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup dressage grand prix, supported by Horse & Hound.

Spectators for Wednesday (17 December) evening’s performance will be treated to a masterclass from Olympic team gold medallist Laura Tomlinson, who gave birth to her first child this summer.

Last year was an emotional occasion for Laura, as she retired her British team stalwart Mistral Hojris at the show. This December she will be riding one of her up-and-coming horses, the huge 10-year-old mare, Unique.

Following Laura’s demo there will be a medal parade of the British equestrian teams. Great Britain finished at the top of the medal table at WEG this summer after clinching a total of seven golds.

Also in 2014 British youth teams have won 14 medals this year, while other senior teams have also enjoyed European success, helping to bring the GB equestrian medal tally to 31.

Champion vaulter Joanne Eccles will perform a vaulting display on Thursday 18 December. The individual women’s world vaulting champion, Joanne Eccles will perform with her sister Hannah. The pair took bronze in the pas de deux at WEG.

“British equestrianism has a lot to celebrate right now and what better way to mark all these great achievements than at the world’s biggest equestrian party,” said Olympia organiser Simon Brooks-Ward.

“We are thrilled to have so many stars — both human and equine — appearing at this year’s show. I think it is going to be the biggest and best Olympia yet.”

For more information and to buy tickets online visit: www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

Don’t miss the dressage showdown at HOYS

Alice Collins — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:55:45 +0000

The Mount St John Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is now in its second year — and dressage fans are in for a treat this week.

The championship is the brainchild of HOYS and Emma Blundell, the owner of the Yorkshire-based stud Mount St John.

Emma hopes that the class will continue to attract Britain’s top riders and will come to be seen as a showcase of the nation’s future team horses.

This year the class — an inter I freestyle test — has attracted two of the best small tour horses in the country; Woodlander Farouche and Selten HW (though the latter is ridden by the Dane Anders Dahl, so possibly a future team prospect, but not a British one). Charlotte Dujardin, Emile Faurie and Spencer Wilton are also in the line-up.

The class, inaugurated last year, sees dressage returning to HOYS after a long absence.

Emma is also conscious that the class offers rare big atmosphere exposure for up-coming horses.

“We saw there was a gap in the market for an advanced class like this. HOYS is a huge party and horses have to cope with it,” Emma points out. “Many horses will have mostly only seen the inside of an arena, so it’s good for them to get used to performing in a big atmosphere, rather than riders trying to desensitize them at a final when it counts for a team medal.

“Not all riders have experienced an atmosphere like it either — though of course Charlotte knows HOYS well as her background is showing.”

As the class is a freestyle, it allows riders to sculpt a test which shows of their horse to its best; experienced horses can be shown off and riders can help out a greener one.

Prize-money is another draw. The pot is £3,000, with £2,000 to the winner. Prize-money is handed out to all eight starters.

“It’s good money; not what you’d get at a normal show,” adds Emma. “So we hope to attract those top riders — it’s not just your average test, which is what finals should be about.”

There is also a lucrative prize for the highest-placed mare; likely to be Woodlander Farouche this year.

Emma is offering the top mare an embryo transfer package at Mount St John.

“We like to promote the breeding side to people — not everyone at the highest level has had exposure to affordable AI [artificial insemination]. Any mare in the top few at that sort of level should probably be considered for breeding,” she says.

The class takes place at 6pm on Friday, 10 October. The starting list is:

1. Alfons and Spencer Wilton

2. AMD Don Rosso II and Matt Frost

3. Excalibur and Matt Hicks

4. Selten HW and Anders Dahl

5. Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg

6. Zamboucca and Spencer Wilton

7. Barolo and Charlotte Dujardin

8. Bohemo Tinto and Emile Faurie

Find out how to watch HOYS on TV

Michael Eilberg: ‘There’s life after Rio for Farouche’

Alice Collins — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:51:17 +0000

After winning the prix st georges (PSG) championship title at the British Dressage national championships yesterday (Thursday 18 September) with over 76%, Michael Eilberg talked to H&H about the future for the wonder horse Woodlander Farouche.

She remains unbeaten, and whispers about her being Michael’s Rio Olympics ride abound. But the 27-year-old rider from Redditch refuses to be dictated to by the calendar of events.

“We’re not pushing for Rio, but if it comes at the right time in her training, then great,” he said. “We’ll take her week by week and not aim particularly for any shows. When she’s ready, she’s ready.”

“It’s not all about Rio – there’s life after that.”

The mare has such huge paces that the only question mark is over whether she will be able to collect sufficiently to be as good a grand prix horse as she has been at the developing levels.

But, it’s important to remember that the last horse around whom the same concerns coalesced was Valegro, and his ginormous canter has been no impediment to him becoming the best grand prix horse in the world.

Michael added: “If we do things right with Farouche, and get all the mechanics correct, there’s no question that her scope for grand prix is fantastic. The basic quality isn’t in question.”

Michael made some mistakes in his PSG test at Stoneleigh, but they were mostly through the mare trying too hard.

“If you’re going to have mistakes, these are the best sort to have. In the three-times she slid in a one-time change, and you can’t get cross with her for that.”

Michael and Farouche are now set to head to the Horse of the Year Show for the Mount St John Future Elite Championship, where they will go head-to-head with the other small tour sensation, Anders Dahl’s Selten HW.

For the full report from the 2014 LeMieux British Dressage National Championships don’t miss H&H’s 11-page magazine report, out on Thursday (25 September 2014)

Watch Farouche’s winning prix st georges test from Hartpury [VIDEO]

Alice Collins — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:10:08 +0000

The biggest names in British dressage are doing battle at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage (9-13 July). The show encorporates the Hartpury Premier League, CDI and para international competitions.

On day one, the huge prix st georges (PSG) was split into two sections, with Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche topping one. Watch highlights from their test below:

“The test felt great and she was lovely to ride,” said Michael of the eight-year-old Furst Heinrich mare. “She felt more composed despite the big atmosphere, and the canter pirouettes had a lot more jump, even though I rode them too big. She jogged a bit in her extended walk, which dropped me a few marks, but she is coming on great and her trot work felt really special.”

Michael also posted a second win on the show’s opening day riding Farouche’s dam Woodlander Dornroschen. The pair scored 70.22% to lead the inter II class. They will also contest the Premier League grand prix today.

“I was really pleased, but she tried to push a dropping out during her test,” added Michael. “I keep telling dad [Ferdi Eilberg] that we can’t let the horses stop to do their business at home because it carries through to the competition arena, but dad hates droppings getting mixed up in the school surface.”

In the other PSG section, Charlotte Dujardin triumphed with her relatively new ride, Barolo. watch Charlotte’s ride below:

Judge Peter Storr said: “Barolo is a very nice horse and the test was really well ridden, as you would expect from a rider like Charlotte. She didn’t give a mark away, except in the collected walk, which wasn’t always in the same rhythm.”

Read Horse & Hound magazine’s full report from Hartpury’s Festival of Dressage, which will be on sale 17 July 2014

Thanks to Hartpury College for providing these videos.

New ownership for Woodlander Farouche [H&H VIP]

Martha Terry — Fri, 16 May 2014 08:00:44 +0000

Woodlander Farouche’s breeder Lynne Crowden has given up her share in the megastar dressage mare.

The double world young horse champion, who has made a winning debut at prix st georges at the age of eight under Michael Eilberg, was jointly owned by Alison Walton, Lynne and the Eilbergs. Lynne has now stepped out of the ownership, saying she wanted to cut down on “training costs”.

“I am her breeder and can enjoy her without owning her,” Lynne told H&H. “A little shuffling around happened so that I could own her son Wild Child and Faraouche’s unborn Sezuan embryo transfer foal, which sadly turned out not to be there.”

Farouche has already bred two embryo transfer foals successfully, Wild Child and Walk On The Wild Side, and Woodlander Stud remains Lynne’s primary focus.

Woodlander Farouche storms to advanced medium freestyle victory at Windsor [VIDEO]

Sophia Heath — Wed, 14 May 2014 18:19:57 +0000

Michael Eliberg and the superstar mare Woodlander Farouche won the advanced medium freestyle by almost 10% on the opening day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show (14 May, 2014). The partnership scored 84% to take the class ahead of Charlie Hutton and Super Blue in second.

This class was a step down for the eight-year-old Furst Heinrich/Dimaggio mare, who made a winning debut at prix st georges earlier this month.

Danish judge Leif Tornblad awarded the partnership 89% for their flowing test ridden to elegant piano-based music.

H&H caught up with Michael after the test to hear more about what makes this mare so special and his plans with her for the future.

Michael said: “She felt pretty mega really. She loves the spectacle. She got in there and she just felt like this is MY space. She felt really good.”

When asked about what makes Farouche so special, Michael said: “Her temperament to come to shows like this and perform really well. She’s got three fantastic gaits, she’s a lovely stamp of horse with a great attitude. She’s just very, very talented and has got high marks in pretty much everything. I just need to keep her natural ability as I train her through the movements.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Woodlander Farouche makes a winning prix st georges debut

The 8-year-old double world young horse champion wowed the judges on her prix st georges debut last weekend

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why is Woodlander Farouche so good?

We take a look at why the double world young horse champion is so successful — from her top-class breeding

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Woodlander Farouche crowned world champion with record-breaking score

The wonder-mare's extraordinary presence and movement won her the six-year-old championships in Verden, Germany

Michael was keen to emphasis that Farouche’s success is the result of a team effort: “It’s a combination of all of us. I talk to my dad, my sister, my girlfriend. We all decide what’s the right thing to do. You just have to be really patient, not be greedy and take it as it comes.”

And what are the immediate plans for the future with Farouche? “I think she’ll do a few small tour shows, and just see how she comes on with that. Obviously my main plan is to train her to grand prix, so we’ll be ticking along with that at home.”

Woodlander Farouche off to Royal Windsor

Alice Collins — Tue, 13 May 2014 16:36:02 +0000

Dressage fans are in for a treat at CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show as the double world young horse champion Woodlander Farouche (pictured) is competing.

She lines up under long-time rider Michael Eilberg in the invitational national advanced medium freestyle to music, which starts at 2pm on Wednesday 14 May. The class takes place in the main arena.

Having recently made her winning prix st georges (PSG) debut, this is a step down for the 8-year-old Furst Heinrich/Dimaggio mare. But she will see stiff competition in the form of Matt Hicks and Don Carissimo — another combination to have scored over 70% at PSG — and Charlotte Fry on her reliable Flemmingh son, Z Flemmenco.

International CDI classes

In the international classes Charlotte Dujardin continues to build her relationship with Carl Hester’s Olympic ride Uthopia, while Carl rides the Appleton family’s Fine Time.

The grand prix takes place on Thursday evening at 6.30 and the freestyle is at the same time on Friday.

Michael Eilberg will be in action again, this time with his Europeans ride — another British-bred mare — Half Moon Delphi.

Nikki Crisp and Lara Griffith round off the British contingent, while Roland Tong and Dane Rawlins, who are both based in Britain, will ride for Ireland.

National invitational advanced medium freestyle times:

14:00 Sara Gallop, Summerhouse Bandreo

14:08 Maria Eilberg, Royal Concert

14:16 Charlie Hutton, Super Blue

14:24 Lisa Hopkins, Coole Contender

14:32 Amy Schiessl, Mr Mercury

14:40 Michael Eilberg, Woodlander Farouche

14:48 Debbie Poynter, Keystone For Real

14:56 Matt Hicks, Don Carissimo

15:04 Erin Williams, Fleurie

15:12 Charlotte Fry, Z Flemmenco

International starters:

Mary Hanna, Sancette (AUS)

Anders Dahl, Wie-Atlantico De Ymas (DEN)

Ulrik Moelgaard, Michigan (DEN)

Nikki Crisp, Pasoa (GBR)

Charlotte Dujardin, Uthopia (GBR)

Michael Eilberg, Half Moon Delphi (GBR)

Lara Griffith, Andretti H (GBR)

Carl Hester, Fine Time (GBR)

Dane Rawlins, Sydney (IRE)

Roland Tong, Pompidou (IRE)

Silvia Rizzo, Sal (ITA)

Daniel Pinto, Xelim (POR)

Louis Principe, World Performance Washington (POR)

Denise Hallion, Wervelwind (RSA)

Woodlander Farouche makes a winning prix st georges debut

Sophia Heath — Tue, 06 May 2014 13:19:05 +0000

Dressage superstar Woodlander Farouche made her prix st georges debut a winning one on Sunday (4 May).

The double World Young Horse Champion stole the show at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leics, finishing 10% ahead of her nearest rivals with 70.79% under her regular rider Michael Eilberg.

Despite the impressive mark, there was the odd green moment, particularly during the canter work.

“I had one of those days where the collecting ring felt amazing, and then I couldn’t quite reproduce that feeling in the ring. But I’m delighted,” Michael told H&H.

“She just needs to relax and keep breathing — it will just be a matter of time.

“I also need to ride without too much pressure on everything feeling absolutely perfect, especially at these higher, more difficult levels.”

The Hanovarian chestnut mare, by Furst Heinrich out of Woodlander Dornroschen, has been tipped for the top since being crowned the 5-year-old champion at the world breeding championships in 2011.

British dressage enthusiasts hope she might be ready to represent Britain at the Rio Olympics in 2016, although as the Eilbergs are known for not rushing their horses up the levels, we might have to wait a little longer to see her winning medals for Team GBR.

For full report from Vale View EC, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 8 May

Why is Woodlander Farouche so good?

Horse & Hound — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 12:40:16 +0000

Woodlander Farouche (Rouchie) has been dubbed the supermodel of the dressage world.

Standing at 17.2hh she dazzled in UK young horse classes, before being crowned the 5-year-old champion at the world breeding championships in Verden, Germany, in 2011 with Michael Eilberg — a first for British breeding.

The Hanovarian chestnut mare, by Furst Heinrich out of Woodlander Dornroschen, made Germany sit up and take notice.

“Have you ever seen a horse as good as this?” asked St Georg magazine.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In 2012 she topped her success taking the world breeding championships for 6-year-olds — twice posting the top score of 10.

She became the only mare ever to have won the competition for both age groups, and joined the elite group of double winners that includes the stallions Florencio (WEST) and Astrix (KWPN).

“This ride was almost impossible to top,” said one commentator.

Michael added: “She has three outstanding basic gaits and such a wonderful personality.”

But the mare’s breeder and joint- owner, Lynne Crowden, joked that, as a foal, Farouche was “definitely not very attractive and had a pink nose like a little pig — she was called the ‘Ginger Pig’”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

At the central regional championships earlier this month (9-10 August 2013) Michael and the double world young horse champion posted the highest mark of the show at advanced medium with 77.11%.

“She has real clarity in her walk steps — it’s not easy to find a horse that has all three [collected, medium and extended] there,” he said.

“It’s amazing to have horse power like this.”

But just why is Farouche so good?

“There is no one reason,” says H&H sport horse correspondent Carole Mortimer.

“It’s a combination of several factors that have come together to make a whole.

“First and foremost are her genetics. Through considered breeding they have given her the perfect conformation and mechanics for super uphill and expressive paces — as well as a temperament that ensures she has a trainable mind.

“Secondly her upbringing has meant she has grown strong and is well educated in the basics.

“Since being ridden, her management — in conjunction with the considered and progressive approach to her training — has kept her physically and mentally fit.

“It has allowed her to develop her balance and power to use those naturally impressive paces to their best.”

With Farouche’s credentials it is no surprise that she’s in high demand for embryo transfers (ET).

She has 2 ET foals, including the colt Woodlander Wild Child, who scored a record-breaking 9.79 at the 2011 British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity.

But she shows little maternal instinct towards her ET offspring. “She once met Wild Child and found him quite irritating,” says Lynne.

“We’ve got an interesting photo of them glaring at each other in a car park.”

Discover 6 unexpected facts about Michael Eilberg

The future’s bright for British dressage

Charlotte White — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:25:05 +0000

So, if Valegro and Uthopia are sold, does this signal the end of Britain’s run of international dressage success? Not according to those in the know, who believe we have plenty of young equine talent waiting in the wings.

While Carl, Charlotte and Laura were at Greenwich, Woodlander Farouche and Michael Eilberg were taking the World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses (sport horse, 10 August) for six-year-old horses – a year after she triumphed in the five-year-old equivalent. The mare achieved a record-breaking final score of 9.88.

British Dressage (BD) chief executive Amanda Bond told H&H: “There is a breadth of talent coming through in our sport. Farouche is an excellent example of how the quality of horsepower in the UK is continuing to grow.”

H&H dressage columnist Pammy Hutton said a trip to the Olympics has spurred one of her clients into deciding to buy potential Rio rides for Pammy’s children Charlie and Pippa.

“I have been given the go-ahead to buy two top six- or seven-year-olds – something we have never been in the position to do before,” she said. “It is quite amazing.”

Asked whom she thinks would make next year’s European Championships in Herning, Denmark (19-25 August), if our Olympic horses are all unavailable, Pammy doesn’t hesitate.

“We have Emile Faurie and Elmegardens Marquis, Emma Hindle is back on the scene and Fiona Bigwood will soon be returning [both have recently had babies] and Richard Davison is getting a new horse.

“I would also be very surprised if Carl and [his up-and-coming grand prix horse] Merlin Nemorensis weren’t knocking on the door by this time next year.”

Laura Bechtolsheimer is hoping to ride at Rio with her home-bred eight-year-old Polar Bear.

“Teddy”, by Polarion, who is competing at advanced medium, has never scored below 70% or been beaten in competition.

Former Team GBR rider Anna Ross Davies believes there is a real depth of British-bred dressage talent and thinks places on future European Championships teams will be hard fought.

“The team picked itself this year, but I don’t think it will next,” she said.

Find out which horses Anna Ross Davies tips for future British teams on p21 of the current Horse & Hound magazine (16 August, 2012)

Woodlander Farouche crowned world champion with record-breaking score

Flora Watkins — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:47:03 +0000

The exquisite young mare, Woodlander Farouche has taken the World Breeding Dressage Championships for six-year-old horses – a year after she triumphed in the five-year-old class.

Farouche, a British-bred Hanoverian by Furst Heinrich, twice posted the top score of 10 under Michael Eilberg.

“This ride was almost impossible to top,” said one commentator.

The judges gave the chestnut mare a 10 for her walk and a 10 for her overall impression. They gave her 9.9 for the canter, 9.8 for trot and 9.7 for submissiveness.

This gave her Farouche a final score of 9.88 – which no other horse has achieved before.

“She has three outstanding basic gaits,” said Michael. “And she has such a wonderful personality.”

The mare’s breeder and owner, Lynne Crowden, joked that, as a foal, Farouche was “definitely not very attractive and had a pink nose like a little pig – she was called the ‘Ginger Pig’.

“But from the first time under saddle, everybody could see what a fantastic horse she was,” she added.

Second place went to the KWPN stallion Borencio, by Florencio, with a final score of 9.1 ridden by Emmelie Scholtens of the Netherlands.

And bronze was awarded to a German Oldenburg stallion, Sir Donnerhall II, by Sandro Hit on a final score of 8.78. He was ridden by Denmark’s, Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard.

Sacha Shaw’s breeding blog: Why can’t we get our act together?

Horse & Hound — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:36:57 +0000

British dressage and British dressage breeders have certainly hit the headlines in the last few weeks, firstly with the incredible success of Woodlander Farouche at the World Breeding Championships in Verden, followed by the gold medal winning team at the European Championships in Rotterdam.

There has been plenty of talk on the internet about what a boost this is for serious breeders in the UK but how can this momentum be turned into hard sales — the area so many breeders are struggling with in the current economic climate?

Recent Futurity results have shown that youngstock bred in the UK appear to have the basic credentials to go on to national and international success. Our top riders are showing that they can deliver the results when sitting on the right horse power. But it is the competitive amateur and the non-team member professionals that need convincing they can buy British and get the results they want.

I know that marketing is a vital and oft-neglected tool; one I am guilty of failing to grasp myself. But as small-scale breeders it can be difficult and expensive to promote our stock in the most professional light so as to rival the mainland Europe marketing machines.

With a lack of a traditional auction market place, most of us rely on word of mouth, reputation and adverts in the equestrian press and online. But there already some events that with some tweaking and a good advertising campaign could bring breeders and buyers together.

The Futurity is a prime example. Here up to 80 youngsters may be presented for evaluation in one day, a really good opportunity for a prospective buyer to view and compare a number of foals bred for their discipline.

So why don’t these days attract huge audiences? Is it promotion? Or is the structure of the day, with mixed age groups and mixed disciplines, not focused enough for a potential buyer? Is there scope for breeders to work with the BEF to make the Futurity series a better shop window in addition to being an evaluation tool?

The strong traditional county showing circuit now often incorporates sport horse classes. If the right sort of judges were used (as in sport horse not hunter judges), and the right sort of horses entered (how often do you see a true dressage horse entered in a county show?), then could these classes not become a national series with marketing aimed at attracting prospective buyers to attend the shows and again view a number of purpose-bred youngstock in one location?

These are just two examples of events that are currently established in the UK, that with a few adjustments could give British breeders a unique and viable sales outlet for their stock. There is passion and knowledge within the British breeding scene, and it is growing all the while. But in hard economic times every avenue needs exploring and if the momentum started by the likes of Woodlander Stud and the British dressage team is not to be wasted, British breeders need to club together and make the most of it.

Woodlander Farouche has not been sold, say connections

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:51:52 +0000

Connections have refuted rumours that Woodlander Farouche, the new five-year-old world champion, has been sold.

A rumour circulating this week on the internet suggested that the horse had been sold for an estimated €5m to British dressage star Laura Bechtolsheimer.

But the rider is currently denying this is the case. “I wish!” she said. “It’s not true.”

Farouche became the first British-bred horse to take gold at the FEI World Breeding Championships for young horses, in Verden, Germany, at the weekend (6 August).

Bred and part-owned by Lynne Crowden the five-year-old Hanovarian by Furst Heinrich is currently ridden by 24-year-old Michael Eilberg.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Michael told H&H. “I’ve no idea where this rumour has come from.”

And Lynne posted on the British Dressage forum: “I can say categorically that this mare is not sold to anyone. There was and is a lot of interest in her, but we are looking at several options including further shares of ownership.

“In my mind she is almost without value as I always thought that she was remarkable with no weaknesses and with a convincing mechanic behind and not just flashy in front. Having seen her operate in Verden, I know I am prejudiced, but I think she is the best in the world, whatever age, and there may never be another like her.

“Her foals carry her stamp clearly and to me as a breeder and to the other owners, she is special in every respect.”

Woodlander Farouche scores another top mark at Verden

Horse & Hound — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:25:39 +0000

Woodlander Farouche, the highest scoring young dressage horse in Britain, continued her dominant streak taking the preliminary test at the 2011 World Championships for young dressage horses in Verden, Germany, with a commanding score of 9.28 yesterday (4 August).

Second place went to Damon’s Divene (8.76), ridden by Helen Langehanenberg, and in joint third was Bon Bravour ridden by Tom Franckx-Goen, and Swing de Hus, ridden by Jessica Michel, with 8.64.

Farouche, who is owned by the Eilberg family, breeder Lynne Crowden and Alison Walton, received 9.5 for her trot, 9.7 for her walk, 9.2 for her canter, 9.5 for her submission and 9.5 for the general impression.

The five-year-old chestnut Hanoverian mare, ridden by 24-year-old Michael Eilberg, topped the five-year-old class at Vidauban in France during March before going on to take the Shearwater Young Horse dressage championships at Hartpury in July.

Speaking after her victory at Hartpury judge Peter Holler said: “At five years old she’s astonishing, you don’t see a horse of her quality very often.”

This latest win will make Farouche, by Furst Heinrich out of Woodlander Dornroeschen, firm favourite to take the champion’s title on Saturday 6 August.