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Now proven as one of the best jumper sires of his generation, Indorado (Corrado I - Ahorn Z - Caletto I – Roman) has been awarded the predicate Keur by the KWPN. Sire of Longwood Stables' Zaria (currently competing in West Palm Beach) and stallion prospect Awesgoode LWS, Indorado is known for producing big, long lined horses with unlimited scope.

Last weekend, Canadian rider Eric Lamaze won the $ 6000,-- Class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with his Numero Uno daughter Take Off.

Eric Lamaze and Take Off were the first horse-and-rider combination into the 1.40m Class. They cleared the course and went through to the immediate jump-off, remaining faultless and setting a time that none of the other 77 riders were able to match.

Eric's sponsor Ashland Stables purchased this Numero Uno x Indoctro x Grannus x Argentinus daughter last spring, and Eric praises Take off for her top quality, her unbelievable character and her carefulness.

Numero Uno awarded predicate "Keur"
Wiemselbach stallion Numero Uno (Libero H x Lord Calando x Ahorn hann.) has been awarded the “Keur” status by the KWPN.

Sire of Longwood Stables #1 Ranked KWPN-NA Jumper Bred Foal in Canada, and #3 in North America, Contessa LWS, Numero Uno is one of the best producers in Dutch breeding and has supplied many champions at foal, mare and stallion grading shows.

Numero Uno already has a total of six approved KWPN sons: Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein), Vincenzo (Numero Uno x Ekstein), Tygo (Numero Uno x Purioso), Unaniem (Numero Uno x Voltaire), Viento Uno W (Numero Uno x Wisconsin) and Warrant (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor).

Numero Uno offspring have also made a name for themselves in international show jumping. Take Off (Numero Uno x Indoctro) won the final for young horses in Antwerp, Tamino (Numero Uno x Farmer) won in Hardelot, was second in Valkenswaard and third during the CHIO in Aachen. Tia Maria ((Numero Uno x Nimmerdor) won in Geesteren and Erfurt and was second in Antwerp. Tatoo (Numero Uno x Lux) won in Zelhem and was third in Giubiasco. Unero (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor) won in Maubeuge. Valentino (Numero Uno x Lux) won in Zwolle. I belong to you (Numero Uno x Hamlet) won the championship for young horses in Mexico. The Numero Uno x Kojak offspring Tom Boy was fourth in the Hickstead Derby and Timo (Numero Uno x Damiro) made his Grand Prix debut last year at the age of only 7, just to mention but a few examples.

Last Saturday night de Wiemselbach's internationally renown stallion Lupicor H passed away after a brave battle with colic. This sudden loss will be felt throughout the breeding industry worldwide, and most poignantly within the Wiemselbach stables.

Lupicor H (Lux Z x Pilot x Cor de la Bryère) was born in 1995 and was bred by the Schroembges family in Wellerlooi ( Limburg). The stunning stallion, bred out of the famous Pilot daughter Jourdette S, was approved at the age of 2 for the Westfalian studbook. He stood at stud with the German stallion producer Heinrich Dowe until his return to the Wiemselbach in 2001.

The talented son of Lux Z competed successfully in both national classes and Dutch stallion competitions under the saddle of Rogier Linssen. By virtue of his great performances he was consequently approved by the KWPN.

Following his international jumping career with riders Ben Schröder and Marco Kutscher, Lupicor became a world class breeding stallion. His first offspring in Westfalia were very promising and as a result Lupicor was able to make his mark within the Dutch breeding industry by producing many champions in foal and mare inspections as well as the stallion approvals. In 2007 Lupicor H was the sire of the #1 Jumper Bred foal for the KWPN-NA in North America, Carte Blanche, owned by Dr. and Mrs. C. Jimenez of Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

For Lupicor H, who belongs to the top 1% of all German stallions and holds a very high breeding index in Holland, his legacy will carry on through his son L'Esprit (Lupicor H x Landgraf I), 2006 KWPN Stallion Champion, and a limited amount of frozen semen.

Two more stallions through to Den Bosch
Stable Horn’s Numero Uno x Lux offspring (catalogue number 231) was already selected for the second showing in Den Bosch. On 22nd December two more stallions of Stable Horn received an invitation for the second showing.

Catalogue number 376 Abraham-Lisa was the only Vancouver offspring who was presented to the grading committee. The grey Vancouver x Lord Capitol stallion jumped with a lot of power and ease and received an invitation from the grading committee for the second showing in the Final in Den Bosch. The Vancouver offspring is bred by Mr. J.B. Mittendorf in Tubbergen and owned by Horn Stable.

In the four-year-old and older horses, catalogue number 431 Zellobee (Berlin x Corland) was given the go-ahead from the KWPN grading committee for the second showing in Den Bosch. This stallion comes from a very interesting mother line, is bred by P. & A.M. Rinkes-Tjeenk Willink in Pesse and is owned by Horn Stables B.V. and Eurocommerce Promotion B.V.

De Wiemselbach Stallion offspring top KWPN-NA keurings
#1 Jumper Foal in the US & #1 Jumper Foal in Canada

Osgoode, Ontario -The stallions of de Wiemselbach have confirmed their ranking as top producers to breeders in both the United States and Canada following a victorious showing of their offspring at the KWPN-NA keuring tour held at the end of September.

Carte Blanche SCF, a stunning colt by Lupicor and out of Wildcard SCF Prov Keur (Goodtimes X Silvio 1 Elite Pref) is the 1st Ranked Jumper Foal in North America, and the 1st Ranked Jumper Foal in the United States. Contessa LWS, an exquisite filly by Numero Uno and out of a keur Nimmerdor mare is the 1st Ranked Jumper Foal in Canada and holds the 3rd spot in North America.

Numero Uno was also represented by Ammeretto (out of a keur Goodtimes mare) owned by Equine Holdings, in the Two Year Old Jumper Bred division with a 2nd place tie in the North American standings. Cavalier (formerly shown by Franke Sloothaak under the name of San Patrignano Mister) is sire to Alma (owned by Silver Creek Farms) who finished 4th in the same division

Carte Blanche SCF, is bred and owned by 2006 KWPN-NA Breeder's of the Year, Dr. Carlos and Karin Jimenez of Sporting Chance Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Their first premium colt received excellent compliments on his type, movement and conformation. He was called back into the Championship Ring and named Reserve Champion. "We are absolutely thrilled," remarked Karin Jimenez following the release of the official top 5 list from the KWPNNA. "Carte Blanche SCF is a dream come true."

Contessa LWS, bred and owned by Longwood Stables located in Osgoode, Ontario "embodies everything that breeders strive for," said Tracy Holmgren. "She has a phenomenal character, is an athletic, balanced mover and is strikingly beautiful." Contessa LWS received rave reviews from both the jury and spectators alike at the Prima Equestrian Center keuring, and along with her 1st Premium designation and class win, was named Best Young Horse defeating weanlings, yearlings and two year old Jumper Bred horses.

"We are delighted by the performance of our stallion's offspring in North America," said Daan Horn of de Wiemselbach. "It is a goal of all mare and stallion owner's to have offspring make the top 5 list in North America, but to have the 1st ranked jumper foals in both the United States and Canada in the same year is truly momentous."

The Lupicor offspring Lupicat (Lupicor x Carte D'Or) ridden by Hendrik Zurich won two out of three ‘Youngster Classes’ during CSI-2* Roeser (Luxembourg). The 7 year old bay won the Final on Sunday with a double clear and the fastest time.

Castle Forbes Libertina, the daughter of the ‘Preferent’ stallion Libero H was the winner of €60,000 in the heavy Grand Prix of CSI-5* Cannes (FRA). Jessica Kürten of Ireland, rode three clear rounds with the Westphalia Libero H x Polydor daughter.

American rider Eliza Shuford won the Hamina Grand Prix in Finland with her 11 year old bay gelding Olymp, an offspring of Libero H. Only 2 riders were clear in the jump off: Shuford and Thomas Velin (Denmark) who placed 2nd with his French Laudanum xx offspring.

A 7 year old mare by Lupicor and out of a Daenenkoenig mare, placed second in the Final for 7 year olds during CSI-3* Deauville (FRA) last weekend.

Regretfully the Westphalia mare Lara Joy II (Lupicor), ridden by Geoff Luckett (GBR), had 1 fault in the jump off but placed 2nd. Last weekend this Lupicor offspring won two international classes in St. Tropez (FRA).

Superb results for de Wiemselbach offspring during the KWPN Mare Inspection in Lonneker (NED). In total six 3 year old mares received an invitation for the Central KWPN Mare Inspection. Of the 6 mares, four of them are offspring of de Wiemselbach stallions.

de Wiemselbach stallion Van Gogh’s full sister, Zovera (Numero Uno x Bernstein) received the ‘Ster’ award, the Judge awarded this beautiful mare 80 points for Exterior, Jumping, Gallop and Reflex. As a result of this score, Van Gogh’s dam Movera was awarded the Preferent title !

At the Vrouwenpolder (NED) KWPN Mare Inspection, the 3 year old Solitair offspring Zelmira received the ‘Ster’ Award. As a result of her jumping results, 75 points for jumping and 80 points for power, the Solitair x G.Ramiro Z mare is invited for the KWPN Central Horse Inspection.

The 3 year old mare Zedijtje (Lupicor x Iroko x G.Ramiro Z) and the 7 year old mare Tossa (Numero Uno x Burggraaf x Le Faquin) left a good impression during the EPTM mare capability test in Deurne (NED)

Lupicor offspring Zedijtje received 7.5 points for her gallop. Reflex, technique, power and overall jumping was awarded 8 points. Breeder of Zedijtje is J. Jansen, Hooge Mierde (NED) and the owner is H. de Roover, Strijbeek (NED)

Numero Uno offspring Tossa received 7,5 points for her gallop and overall jumping. Her reflex, power and ride-ability was awarded 8 points. Breeder of Tossa is J. Venderbosch, Varsseveld and the owner is J.Rewinkel, Toldijk

The offspring of the Preferent stallion Libero H were very successful during the International CSI-3* show in Balve. (Germany)

Irish rider Jessica Kürten won with her 11 year old bay stallion Castle Forbes Libertina (Libero H x Polydor) on Saturday. The Libero H offspring was 3 seconds faster then the German rider's Christian Ahlmann with Lorenzo and Franke Sloothaak with Legurio.

German rider Markus Renze with the Caretino offspring Conally edged out the 9 year old Libero H x Coriolan gelding Lambrasco and his rider Janne Friederike Meyer (Germany) to win the Balve Grand Prix. The offspring of the legendary Libero H placed 2nd and won € 10.000.

Lupicor offspring are dominating the European Youngster Tour. In St. Tropez (France) a 7 year old Lupicor x Daenenkoenig won two out of three Youngster competitions. The Westphalian Lupicor mare Lara Joy II, ridden by Geoff Luckett (GBR), won the Welcome Youngster Class on Friday. They ended the CSI-3* show with a victory in the Youngster Tour Final on Sunday.

The Lupicor stallion Wizzard van de Silverhoeve convincingly won the 3rd KWPN Hendrix Youngster Competition for four years old horses in Meerlo, Holland. The beautiful Lupicor x Voltaire x Nimmerdor ridden by Mark Martens also won the 2nd competition and now leads the Youngster Competition in the current rankings. Judges Mr. Bert van de Oetelaar (NED) and Mrs. Desiree Johnson (CAN) awarded the Lupicor offspring with an 8,2 for jumping and a 7,9 for the ride-ability.

At the KWPN studbook Inspection in Beek, Holland the 3 year old Lupicor x Haarlem x Dageraad x Gondelier mare Zianne, received the following score: Exterior 80, Jumping 80, Reflex 90, Technique 85 and Scope 80. These high marks resulted in the title of “Best Jumping Mare” and Zianne received the ‘Ster’ Award.

The 7 year old Numero Uno x Farmer gelding Tamino, ridden by the Dutch rider Marc Houtzager, placed 3rd and 7th in the International 1m40 jumping competitions during the CSI-3* Outdoor Gelderland in Arnhem, Holland.

The bay gelding L.B. No Mercy (Libero H x Dillenburg) and his rider Christine Liebherr placed second in the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland, capturing CHF 30,000. They finished the best Swiss combination during the Samsung Super League Nations Cup with only 4 faults.

Numero Uno offspring Warrant received the title Champion KWPN ability test 2007. The judge awarded the Numero Uno colt a 9.5 for scope and for the overall jumping an 8.5.

In 2003 Tygo (Numero Uno x Purioso) received this title and in 2005 it was Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) who, with the highest score ever, became the undisputed Champion.

de Wiemselbach offspring won four international jumping classes during CSI-2* Zelhem (NED). Gerco Schröder won on Sunday with the Legendary Libero H offspring Eurocommerce Ventimiglia. The grey Libero H x Darco gelding was double clear.

On Saturday there was victory for the Numero Uno x Lux Offspring Tattoo, Maikel van der Vleuten rode the 7 year old daughter of Numero Uno.

The 6 year old stallion Unominko (Numero Uno x Uniek) ridden by Kevin Olsmeijer was 4th in the Youngster Tour on Saturday. In this class Jur Vrieling and the 6 year old bay gelding Wadro Ulanov (Lux x Purioso) placed 6th and Eric van der Vleuten with Audi's Utascha SFN (Lux x Indoctro) placed 11th. Audi's Utascha SFN is the 1st horse bought by the Dutch Jumping Horse Foundation.

Peter Geerink won on Sunday the 1m35 class with the Lux x Goodtimes
On Sunday, the bay Lux x Goodtimes offspring Ragnar, won under Peter Geerink the Accumulator 1m35.

During the Final Day of CSI-2* Zelhem, there was again a victory for a Numero Uno offspring. The Numero Uno x Nimmerdor daughter Tia Maria, ridden by Wesley Heijdens, won the Final 1m35 Competition.

During the International Show in Wiesbaden, German rider Christian Ahlmann placed 2nd with the Lux x Ramiro offspring Sebastian in 'Championat von Hessen' Prize.

Wizzard van de Silverhoeve, a stallion by Lupicor out of a Voltaire x Nimmerdor mare convincingly won the KWPN Hendrix competition for 4 year old horses in Sevenum, Holland.

The beautiful dark bay stallion was presented by rider Mark Martens and received a score of 8.8 for jumping technique and 8.5 for ride-ability. These high marks resulted in an impressive overall win for Wizard. Our congratulations go to his breeder S. Swierstra and owner C. van de Boogaard.

In the 5 year old competition it was once again an offspring of de Wiemselbach that claimed success. In this competition, Thijs Meulenmeesters lead his stallion Vykarlos (Numero Uno x Holland) to victory. The jury awarded a score of 8.4 for jumping and 8.5 for rideability.

Jourdette S, mother of our internationally reknowned stallion Lupicor has been placed 5th in the Dutch breeding indexes for showjumping mares. Jourdette S herself competed internationally in the jumper ring.

Among the best 25 mares, 4 are by Libero H, a great achievement considering the few offspring of this famous stallion.

During the 1st Samsung Super League competition of the season it was Maike, daughter to the legendary Libero H who left all competition behind, claiming € 22,000 in prize money.

With two great clear rounds the Numero Uno daughter Take Off won the young horse finals during the Antwerp jumping show.

Wesley Heijdens and his mare, Tia Maria (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor) competed successfully in Antwerp. The seven year old daughter of Numero Uno finished 2nd in the 1.35m speed and 4th in the 1.35 two phase.

At the CSI Maubeuge it was German Rider Ralf Runge with his bay gelding Umero (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor x Abgar xx) who took first place in the 6 year old finals.

Athletica the 9 year old daughter of the legendary Libero H has won the CSI*** Grand Prix of Modena. With two impressive clear rounds, Italian rider Giullia Martinengo Marquet took home the first place ribbon and a cheque for € 20,000.

We are proud to present you our 2007 stallion DVD and catalogue.
For your complimentary copy, please email longwood@sympatico.ca or call 613-327-3599.

Tamino (Numero Uno x Farmer, breeder E. ten Hoorn from Hoogersmilde) ridden by Marc Houtzager, won the ‘Future Elite’ during CSI** Hardelot (France).
Out of 42 starts, there were only three combinations double clear in this Final for 7 year old horses. The Numero Uno offspring realised the fastest time and won the competition leaving Belgian rider Rick Hemerijck and his Darco offspring Quarco de Kerambar to place 2nd.

Under the English rider Tim Gredley, Timo (Numero Uno x Damiro, breeder G.J. Bosman, Heerde) made his first 1m50 appearance during CSI-4* in Birmingham (GBR).

The only 7 year old Numero Uno offspring was double clear in The Midland Masters and placed 8th. Dutch rider Leopold van Asten with VDL Groep Kaid (Brett St.Clair) won the class, 2nd was Ellen Whitaker with the KWPN bred Kanselier (Notaris x Nimmerdor) followed by Robert Smith with Vangalis S (Nonstop x Feinschnitt).
In the Grandstand Classic, Table A 1m45 with Jump Off, the Numero Uno son was double clear again and placed 8th. The victory was for English rider Robert Whitaker with Nureev du Houssoit (Limbo x Lugano) followed by Dutch rider Eric van der Vleuten with the KWPN bred Pitareusa (Andiamo x Legaat) and the Belgian rider Dirk Demeersman with his BWP bred Tiquila (Major de la Cour x Heartbreaker).

This was a fantastic debut for this 7 year old Numero Uno offspring. In 2005 Timo was sold at auction for a record amount of € 140.000,00 during the 2005 Dutch Sport Horse Sales in Weert (Netherlands).

The Numero Uno offspring Tia Maria (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor, breeder Mr. H. Veldhuis, Borculo) was nearly unbeatable with rider Wesley Heijdens during the Youngster Tour in Erfurt (Germany).

The KWPN bred mare won the first competition of the Youngster Tour. The KWPN bred Sarina (Mr. Blue x Nimmerdor) and the KWPN stallion Sarantos (Emilion x Larome) were placed 2nd and 3rd with their riders Frank Plock (Germany) and Gert-Jan Bruggink (Netherlands). In the second competition Tia Maria was placed 3rd just after the German riders Markus Merschformann with Chablis du Lys (Champion du Lys x Alexis Z) and Mylene Diederichsmeier with the KWPN mare Anuberta (Mermus R x Joost).

During the Final of the Youngster Tour, Table A 1m45 with jump off, the Numero Uno x Nimmerdor daughter again showed two clear rounds and impressed once more by winning the Final competition in front of the German riders Philip Rüping with Coco Bonga (Corrado I x Rinaldo) and Pia–Luise Aufrecht with the Cassini II daughter Ophelia 48.

During CSI-W Indoor Brabant, the grey gelding Eurocommerce Ventimiglia (Libero H x Darco) won the Speed Derby with his rider Gerco Schröder.

During the Zwolle International Stallion Show, the AES approved stallion Rebar’s Valentino (Numero Uno x Lux) won the first qualification for the title ‘Future Stallion Jumping 2007’.

The Numero Uno offspring, ridden by Anne van Vulpen placed 3rd in the final competition. Over two qualification Rebar’s Valentino received equal points with the final title winner, but the highest score in the final competition decisive for the title Future Stallion Jumping 2007. Valentino placed 2nd in the final ranking.

De Wiemselbach 'On Tour'

Sunday 11th February the stallions Numero Uno (Libero H x Lord Calando), L’Esprit (Lupicor x Landgraf I) en Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) were guest at the stallion show in Reims (France). The French breeders reacted very eager on the stallions, who showed themselves grandiose!
At the Family Aufrechts pleasant accommodation in Afalterbach (Germany) the stallions Numero Uno (Libero H x Lord Calando), Lupicor (Lux x Pilot), L’Esprit (Lupicor x Landgraf I) and Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) showed themselves very well last Sunday the 18th of February.
The weekend of the 24th and 25th February the young stallions Upgrade (Heartbreaker x Pilot) and L’Esprit (Lupicor x Landgraf I) will show themselves at the stallion show in Rheine (Germany) and the older stallions Numero Uno (Libero H x Lord Calando), and Lupicor (Lux x Pilot) attendance at the stallion show in the Saint Lo (Normandy, France)

New challenge for Michael Korompis
After an engagement of 2.5 years at the Wiemselbach, stable rider Michael Korompis starts a new challenge at the stables of World champion Jos Lansink.

At this moment, the especially accent of the Wiemselbach is breeding and training of young horses. It will take another few years training to reach the international level with the breeding stallions and young horses. Michael prefers to compete at a higher level and that’s why he made his decision to follow his career at the stables of Jos Lansink from the first of April.

Ultime Espoir convincing winner of Stallion Competition 2006/2007
Thursday evening the 1st of February during the Stallion Show in ’s Hertogenbosch, the Final of the Mitsubishi KNHS/KWPN Stallion Competition 2006/2007 took place.

After a sensational competition season, stable rider Michael Korompis rode the KWPN and Zangersheide approved stallion Ultime Espoir (Chellano Z x Laeken), on a fantastic way to the victory Final of the Mitsubischi KNHS / KWPN Stallion Competition 2006/2007.

After 4 competitions Ultime Espoir was still leading the stallion competition. During the Final at the KWPN Stallion Show 13 stallions stayed clear in the first round. Also eight stallions stayed clear in the jump off, under which the ultimately competition winner Ultime Espoir. Ultime Espoir’s most direct opponents made mistakes so he only had to stay clear and won on a convincing way the 1m20 stallion competition. The suburb Ultime Espoir had only one strike fault at the competition in Zuidbroek. During the whole stallion competition season he jumped all other competitions clear!

The both KWPN approved stallions Upgrade (Heartbreaker x Pilot) and Ustinov (Libero H x Nimmerdor) also stayed clear in this final competition. With a double clear round Upgrade placed 6th in the competition. Unfortunately Ustinov had one fault in the jump off. Both young stallions have developed themselves very well during the Stallion Competition 2006/2007.

Van Gogh second in Final ranking Stallion Competition 2006/2007
At the Stallion Show in ’s Hertogenbosch, Yves Houtackers rode Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) on a suburb way double clear in the 1m10 final competition for 4 years old stallions.

Apart from that, the Numero Uno off spring Van Gogh was the only stallion of his age who didn’t made any jumping faults during the whole stallion competition season 2006/2007!!

Stallion Show ’s Hertogenbosch
As in past years Stal de Wiemselbach will be present at the KWPN Stallion Show. This year the Stallion Show will be held from January 31^st until February 3^rd.

Whitaker (Clinton x Indoctro), the Jumping Champion of the KWPN Autumn Test 2006 and L’Esprit (Lupicor x Landgraf I), the KWPN Stallion Champion of 2006, will be presented in the main arena on Thursday evening at 7:00pm.

Also on Thursday evening the Final of the Mitsubishi KNHS/KWPN Stallion Competition will take place. The KWPN and Zangersheide approved stallion Ultime Espoir (Chellano Z x Laeken) is on a provisional 1st place in the 1m20 Stallion Competition. In this competition the stallions Upgrade (Heartbreaker x Pilot) and Ustinov (Libero H x Nimmerdor) share the provisional 6th place. The ability champion of 2005, Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) is placed on a provisional 3rd place in the 1m10 competition.

We cordially invite you to visit our stand to enjoy a cup of coffee and learn more about our stallions.

Ultime Espoir leading in the stallion competition
After four competitions, the KWPN and Zangersheide approved stallion Ultime Espoir (Chellano Z x Laeken) is on a provisional 1st place in the 1m20 Mitsubishi KNHS/KWPN stallion competition. In this competition the KWPN approved stallions Upgrade (Heartbreaker x Pilot) and Ustinov (Libero H x Nimmerdor) shares the provisional 6th place.

The ability champion of 2005, Van Gogh (Numero Uno x Bernstein) is placed on a provisional 3rd place in the 1m10 competition. The final will be held at the KWPN Stallion Show (31st January –– 3rd February)

Offspring Numero Uno wins in Veendam
Tamino (Numero Uno x Farmer, breeder E.ten Hoorn from Hoogersmilde) won the 1m30 final during CSI* Veendam (Netherlands). Ten horses qualified for the jump-off, and out of three double clears Tamino, ridden by Marc Houtzager, had the fastest time and won the Final.

We are excited to announce that a lease facilitated by Longwood Stables, culminated in a win for Canada at the 2006 FEI Children's Final, held at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta.

Tango Las Marismas Carries Canada's Taylor Bland to Top of FEI Children's Final

Calgary, Alberta –– Tango Las Marismas carried Taylor Bland to a historic victory by becoming the first Canadian to win the FEI Children's Final held October 24 to 28 at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB.

Bland, 13, of Calgary, AB, piloted the Spanish-bred Tango Las Marismas, owned by Marismas Sporthorses, to the Gold Medal. After placing second in the first two rounds of competition on Wednesday and Friday, Bland was among the six riders to advance to the jump-off in the final round of competition on Saturday evening. With a clear round in a time of 29.10 seconds, Bland was more than two seconds faster than her closest competition. It was an all-Canadian finish as Ben Asselin of Calgary, AB, earned the Silver Medal in a time of 31.12 seconds, and Jake Krembil of Schomberg, ON, took the Bronze in a time of 31.52 seconds.

Originally bred for bull fighting, Tango Las Marismas showed his heart and courage by jumping fault-free over three days of competition. Eduardo and Yvonne Muññiz of Las Marismas Sporthorses, an equestrian facility based in the Dominican Republic, purchased Tango as a four-year-old in Spain from his breeder, Manuel Vidriéé Góómez. Yvonne Losos de Muññiz, who is an accomplished jumper and dressage competitor, successfully competed the 15.2hh palomino Anglo-Arab gelding in the jumper divisions, even showing him in the 1.40m open speed classes at the 2001 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. As Yvonne turned her competitive focus to dressage, winning the Individual Bronze Medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, her students enjoyed great success with Tango, competing with him internationally in the United States and Argentina in 2003, and in Spain as well as the United States in 2004.

"Instead of bringing Tango back to our home in Dominican Republic in 2004, we sent him to our farm in Canada," explained Yvonne, who is a dual citizen of Canada and the Dominican Republic. "From there he was leased for a year by a young girl from Ottawa. Following that, Longwood Stables took him to ride in 2006 and facilitated his temporary lease to Taylor at the request of Jill Henselwood. He is a very honest horse, he won't touch a rail, and having been bred for bullfighting, he is very brave and has a heart of gold. With my Canadian background, we are so proud that we could help a Canadian win the Final!"

Bland began leasing Tango Las Marismas, now 12, in August when she came east for three weeks of training and showing with Canadian Show Jumping Team member, Jill Henselwood. Three weeks turned into three months as Bland successfully qualified for the FEI Children's Final after winning the Qualifier held during the Spruce Meadows "Masters" Tournament in September.

"Tango is really good, he is very quick over the ground, so that makes him very fast in the jump-off," said Bland of her partner, who was also named the 'Best Horse' of the competition. "He never stops, so when I go in the ring at least I know I am going to cross the finish line. He is really sweet, he loves attention, and is always searching people's pockets for treats."

Horses run in the family - Bland's grandfather was a member of the RCMP Musical Ride, and her father was a professional saddle bronc rider. Bland began riding at the age of three and five years later turned her attention to show jumping, competing at Spruce Meadows for the first time as an eight-year-old. Having grown up at Spruce Meadows, Bland was comfortable with her surroundings for the FEI Children's Final, and was well-supported by her family and friends who came out to cheer her on.

"I can't really believe that I won, but it feels really good!" said Bland, a grade eight student at Monsignor J.S. Smith School. "It was a really great experience, Spruce Meadows went out of their way to make all of the riders comfortable with each other. I made friends with riders from Brazil, the United States and New Zealand that I will stay in touch with."

The FEI Children's Final, open to riders from around the world aged 12-14, was developed to encourage up-and-coming riders to participate in international competition with support from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Each year, a total of 32 children from around the world gather for a week of show jumping and camaraderie. After two rounds of qualifying competition, the top 16 riders move forward to the Final, while the remaining 16 riders participate in the Farewell Competition. Canada hosted this event in 2003 when Spruce Meadows was the venue.

Osgoode, Ontario - Former Chef d’Equipe of the Dutch Showjumping Team, Hans Horn of De Wiemselbach and Canadian based Longwood Stables are pleased to announce that they have joined forces to offer Canadian breeders access to some of the top up and coming show jumping stallions in the world.

Located in Oud-Ootmarsum, Holland, De Wiemselbach is world renown for standing such famous stallions as Libero H pref, Lux Z, and Peter Pan. With their present-day roster encompassing Numero Uno, currently ranked as one of the KWPN’s leading stallions and Lupicor, one of the highest ranked stallions in both the German and Dutch breeding indexes, De Wiemselbach continues be at the forefront of the European breeding scene.

“We are very pleased to have formed a partnership with Longwood Stables.” said Daan Horn of De Wiemselbach. “With the Canadian industry now capitalizing on the advancements of equine reproductive technology, we are excited to be able to offer frozen semen to the Canadian market.”

Longwood Stables is located in Osgoode, Ontario and is operated by Don and Tracy Holmgren. “Canadian breeders are making tremendous strides in their breeding programs, as affirmed by the Canadian Young Horse Jumper Development Series. We are producing and developing world class horses.” said Tracy Holmgren. “In conjunction with De Wiemselbach, we are thrilled to be able to support this momentum by offering Canadian breeders access to some of the best breeding stallions in the world.”

For more information on the stallions of De Wiemselbach, please visit the website www.hanshorn.nl or email Tracy Holmgren at longwood@sympatico.ca