Tag Archives: Iron Spring Farm

Iron Spring Farm Says Goodbye to Grand Prix Stallion Hedser 465, Sport

IPhoto: Terri Miller.

Coatesville, PA — Iron Spring Farm said goodbye to the Grand Prix stallion Hedser 465, Sport last month. The 15-yer-old Friesian passed away from colic. Hedser was a barn favorite, full of personality with a deep love for peppermints. Although retired from dressage, Hedser enjoyed his days standing at stud and spending time in the lush pasture at ISF.

Hedser was a true Grand Prix horse, finding ease in the toughest movements, including piaffe, passage and tempi changes. “He loved his job and was a delight to ride,” remembered his owner and rider, Mary Alice Malone. “I knew he was special the moment I sat on him.”

Before being imported to the United States, Hedser was a dressage star in Europe. With Kristel van Duren-Bodewes, Hedser earned several championships. “The first time [I rode him] was a great feeling,” she recalled. “His movements were big, and he had a nice rhythm in the trot. His walk was big, and his canter was really to the top.”

She continued, “Time and time again, I was amazed at his ability and his eagerness to work. The collected trot was very easy for him, and he was born to do the passage. He liked to piaffe.” In July 2010, the pair debuted together in Grand Prix; Hedser was only eight. Eventually, Hedser competed with Laura Zwart in Europe, before being imported to the USA.

Three Generations of Approved Grand Prix Stallions

Hedser’s wonderful disposition and athletic ability can be attributed to his exceptional bloodlines, the result of thoughtful breeding. Hedser was a third generation Approved Stallions showing at Grand Prix. His sire, Adel 357, Sport, competed in Europe with Peter Spahn. Hedser was also the three-quarter-brother to the Grand Prix stallion, Anders 451, who competed at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Hedser’s mother was the Prestatie mare, Hasjem, by Ouke 313.

Hedser will be missed, but three of his young offspring, Amore ISF, Absolute ISF, and Devita ISF, carry on his legacy. Visit www.ironspringfarm.com for photos and videos.

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Iron Spring Farm Named 2013 USEF #1 Breeder for Dressage Breeding

Jupiter ISF, by Maeije 440 Sport, was named Reserve Champion Colt/Gelding at Dressage at Devon, 2013. Photo credits: Stacy Lynne Photography.

Coatesville, PA – In the final 2013 standings, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) ranked Iron Spring Farm as the #1 breeder for Dressage Breeding.  Both warmbloods and Friesians bred by the farm accrued points by successfully competing in dressage breeding competitions. Point earners included Floraya ISF, by Florianus II, who was Reserve Grand Champion, Champion Young Horse and Champion Filly at Dressage at Devon, and Jupiter ISF, by Maeije 440 Sport, who was Reserve Champion Colt/Gelding at the same show.

“North American dressage breeders have worked hard to produce top quality sport horses,” said Mary Alice Malone, owner of Iron Spring Farm. “To be ranked number one amongst these dedicated breeders is a great honor.”

A standout among the horses earning points toward the ranking was Darling ISF Star. Now owned by Cara Kettenbach, the 2008 mare, by Sir Sinclair out of Saigon Elite by Jazz Preferent, had a fantastic show season. At the 2013 NEDA Fall Festival, Darling ISF was named Mare Champion and the GAIG/USDF Breeders Mare Champion. She also won the NEDA Dressage Stallion Auction Futurity with a 79%, as well as the Dutch Warmblood class.

Four of the horses that contributed points to the number one ranking were blue ribbon winners at Dressage at Devon: Izara ISF and Heavenly ISF both by UB40, Hailey ISF by Florianus II and Melody ISF by Uwe 458.

Floraya ISF, by Florianus II, earned Reserve Grand Champion, Young Horse Champion and Filly Champion at Dressage at Devon. Her results contributed to Iron Spring Farm's #1 Breeder ranking by the USEF in Dressage Breeding
Floraya ISF, by Florianus II, earned Reserve Grand Champion, Young Horse Champion and Filly Champion at Dressage at Devon

Izara ISF and Isadora ISF, both by UB40 out of Watch Me by Sir Sinclair, impressed at Dressage at Devon. Isadora ISF was named Champion Foal and the Reserve Foal Champion in GAIG/USDF Breeders East Coast Finals. Izara ISF was Reserve Champion Foal and Foal Champion in GAIG/USDF Breeders East Coast Finals. The sisters were produced by embryo transfer.

Check out the complete list of USDF year-end award winners: www.ironspringfarm.com/article-detail/2014-01-21/2013-usdf-year-end-awards.

About Iron Spring Farm

For more than 35 years, Iron Spring Farm has been importing and breeding high quality sport horses.  Iron Spring stands nearly a dozen warmblood and Friesian stallions and offers programs to help breeders produce, raise and market exceptional athletes of their own. Visit www.ironspringfarm.com for complete information.

Media Contact:
Christine DeHerrera
Equestrian Sports Promotions
303-263-7531
equestriansports@earthlink.net
www.horseathletes.com

Iron Spring Farm and the KWPN-NA Award $7,500 to North American Breeders

El Paso ISF. Stacy Lynn Photography.

Coatesville, PA — Iron Spring Farm (ISF) has joined forces with the KWPN-NA (North American Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook) to award $7,500 to North American Breeders through the Iron Spring Farm KWPN-NA Keuring Championships. These awards will distribute prize money and recognize the Champion and Reserve Champion Foal and Mature Horses (3-7-year-old stallion, mare or gelding) in each of the breeding directions – dressage, jumpers, hunters, harness and Gelders (riding horses).

“It is important for North American breeders to receive both recognition and monetary compensation for their efforts,” explained Mary Alice Malone, owner of Iron Spring Farm, of her motivation for supporting the awards. “The best domestically-bred horses are on par with what is produced in Europe.” The ISF/KWPN-NA Keuring Championships help shine the spotlight on breeders’ work and determination.

The Champions and Reserve Champions are determined from scores received during the keurings held throughout North America. Horses must be bred in North America. Foals must receive a minimum of 75 points and Mature horses must receive a minimum score of 145 points from the KWPN jury. The breeder of each champion receives $500 and the breeder of each reserve champion earns $250. Prize money and recognition will be awarded at the KWPN-NA Annual Meeting.

Jumper-Bred Foals and Jumper-Bred Mature Horses
North American Champion                            $500.00
North American Reserve Champion            $250.00

Dressage-Bred Foals and Dressage-Bred Mature Horses
North American Champion                            $500.00
North American Reserve Champion            $250.00

Hunter-Bred Foals and Hunter-Bred Mature Horses
North American Champion                            $500.00
North American Reserve Champion            $250.00

Gelders-Bred Foals and Gelders-Bred Mature Horses
North American Champion                            $500.00
North American Reserve Champion            $250.00

Harness-Bred Foals and Harness-Bred Mature Horses
North American Champion                            $500.00
North American Reserve Champion            $250.00

2012 ISF/KWPN-NA Keuring Championship Results

Foals and Weanlings

Dressage

North American Champion
No. 73 Harriet HF 840025201200053
Uphill x Deodora HF ster by Jazz pref
Owner/Breeder: Julie Ballard Haralson, Haralson Farm, Georgia

Reserve Champion
No. 90 Hear Me Sing 840025201200012
Voice x Tamarinde keur sport/dr by Jazz pref
Owner/Breeder: Judith G. Yancey, Yancey Farms, Florida

Jumper

North American Champion
No. 171 Hybritta MG 840025201200130
Crespo VDL x O’bert-E-De keur by Glennridge keur
Owner/Breeder: Kathleen Hickerson, Majestic Gaits, New Hampshire

Reserve Champion
No. 130 Hero 840025201200013
Werner H. x Siena ster by Idocus crown
Owner: Ashley Seufer; Breeder: Ashley Seufer, Pennsylvania

Hunter

North American Champion
No. 95 High Illuczion 840025201200058
Cquito V/H Panishof x Sakura Hill Czola by Alla Czar
Owner: Logistical Enigma, LLC, Blair and Peterson;
Breeder: Sakura Hill Farm, LLC, Florida

Gelders

North American Champion
No. 234 Hanna-Dessa 124007201200063
Paganini crown x Adessa keur by Koss pref
Owner/Breeder: Beverley Hilton, Ontario

Harness

North American Champion
No. 39 Hovan 840025201200005
Zion-JC x Keberna keur by Fabricius pref
Owner/Breeder: Bill and Janet Bradley, Bradley Horseshoeing, California

Reserve Champion
No. 1 Harley 840025201200084
Whiskei x Angel by Jonker
Owner/Breeder: Steven Graber, Indiana

Studbook Inspection

Geldings and Stallions – Dressage

North American Champion
No. 162 El Paso-ISF 840025200900057SterProkIbop
UB 40 x Toscane ster pref by Cabochon keur
Owner/Breeder: Iron Spring Farm, Inc., Pennsylvania

Reserve Champion
No. 17 Downtown S 840025200800216Ster Q.
Johnson x Raindancer S ster by Zeoliet keur
Owner/Breeder: Sonnenberg Farm, LLC, Dan & Gina Ruediger, Oregon

Geldings & Stallions – Jumper

North American Champion
No. 216 Eragon 840025200900159Ster Q.
Goodtimes x Nirvana ster by Fleming
Owner/Breeder: Larry and Kathy Childs, Crooked Post Farm, Kansas

Mares – Dressage

Reserve Champion
No. 176 D’Orites SSF 840025200800174Sterk/Elig
Donatelli x Orchis keur by Jazz pref
Owner/Breeder: Carroll & Carol Tolman, Shooting Star Farm, New Hampshire

Reserve Champion
No. 175 Carpe Diem SSF 840025200700011Sterk/Elig
Farrington keur x La Liscia by Pass The Glass
Owner: Susan M Wildman, Sugar Meadow Farm; Breeder: Carroll & Carol Tolman, Shooting Star Farm, New Hampshire

Mares – Jumper

North American Champion
No. 51 Evelien DG 840025200900132Sterk/Elig
Mr. Blue keur x Corvelien Z by Carthago Z

Owner/Breeder: DG Bar Breeders, Inc., Sierra Vista Sporthorses, California

Reserve Champion
No. 86 Eclipse SCF 840025200900088Ster
Balou Du Rouet x Nova keur by Consul
Owner: Amanda Lorinc; Breeder: Dr. Carlos & Karin Jimenez, Sporting Chance Farm, Pennsylvania

Mares – Hunter

North American Champion
No. 150 Cheval Bronze VF 840025200700146Keur
Indoctro pref x Oyez ster by Idocus crown
Owner/Breeder: Pamela Ann and Nicholas Volpone, Volterra Farm, Pennsylvania

Reserve Champion
No. 48 Dior 840025200800101Sterk/Elig
Idocus crown x Regina by Riverman
Owner/Breeder: Jeffery and Candace Bastow, Utah

Media Contact:
Christine DeHerrera
Equestrian Sports Promotions
303-263-7531
equestriansports@earthlink.net
www.horseathletes.com

Florianus II’s Son, For Set, Approved Westfalen Stallion

Coatesville, PA — Iron Spring Farm’s Florianus II is most recognized for his international Grand Prix career, and now his offspring are making a name for him as a sire. His son For Set was recently approved by the Westfalen Verband in Germany, and his daughter Florencia B is winning at Grand Prix CDIs in Europe, and is currently ranked number 82 in the world.

For Set, a 2008 stallion out of the States Premium mare Riwera by Royal of Loh, earned 9s on his interior and constitution, as well as an 8.5 on his riding test during his stallion testing. Florencia B, ridden by Katarzyna Milczarek, the Polish National Grand Prix Champion, won the Grand Prix Special at the 2012 CDI3* in Brno.

“Florianus personifies the modern dressage horse,” explained owner Mary Alice Malone. “He has exceptional movement and elasticity, along with a wonderful attitude — qualities he passes on to his offspring.” Noteworthy sons and daughters helped Florianus II win the prestigious Get of Sire class for two consecutive years (2011, 2012) at North America’s largest breed show, Dressage at Devon.

Continue reading Florianus II’s Son, For Set, Approved Westfalen Stallion

Iron Spring Farm’s Ulbert Offspring Awarded Championships

Ulbert 390 Sport was a successful FEI horse before becoming a renowned sire. Photo: Terri Miller

Coatesville, PA — Iron Spring Farm’s Ulbert 390 Sport impressed the judges and spectators with his lineup of champion offspring at the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) keuring (inspection) in Coatesville, PA. Ulbert was a competitive FEI horse and is now an exceptional sire. Among the big winners was his daughter Evita ISF, who was awarded 1st Premie Star, along with her provisional Crown predicate. She was also named Champion Mare and Site Champion.

“Great mares are the cornerstone of a successful breeding program,” explained owner Mary Alice Malone, who not only bred Evita ISF, but also rode her father through Prix St. Georges. “We are very excited that Ulbert is producing this quality of sporthorse.” Evita ISF was foaled in April of 2009 and is now under saddle. Check out photos of Evita at http://www.ironspringfarm.com/isfsales/evita-isf/details/2438.

Continue reading Iron Spring Farm’s Ulbert Offspring Awarded Championships

Iron Spring Farm Designated as a KWPN-NA Platinum Breeder

Judgement ISF was bred in the U.S.A. at Iron Spring Farm. He is famous for his many international wins, including the $1,000,000 CN International at Spruce Meadows. He retired sound at 18 years old and is siring champions in eventing, dressage and jumping. Photo: Terri Miller.

Coatesville, PA — In 2010, the KWPN-NA launched a new program to herald North American breeders. The Breeder’s Achievement Awards, sponsored by Rabobank, recognize breeders who have accomplished significant results throughout the years with their breeding programs. Three levels of awards – silver, gold and platinum – are determined by points. Iron Spring Farm was recently designated as a Platinum-level breeder due to their many decorated horses.

To receive Platinum-level status, a breeder must earn 100 points. An explanation of the complete point system can be found at http://kwpn-na.org/display/files/BreedersAchievementAwards_Program.PDF. For example, a young horse awarded First Premium status earns its breeder 1 point; a horse receiving its Star predicate means 2 points to its breeder. A breeder who produces an Approved stallion attains 10 points. So an impressive number of spectacular horses are required for a breeder to achieve Platinum status.

Iron Spring Farm has been producing sport horses for more than 35 years. The goal has always been an athletic horse with a willing, kind disposition. Some of the bloodlines of choice include the stallions Consul, Contango Preferent, Judgement ISF Crown, Rampal Crown, Roemer Preferent, Sir Sinclair and UB40. Mares have been chosen to compliment these lines and have been athletes and champions in their own right.

Continue reading Iron Spring Farm Designated as a KWPN-NA Platinum Breeder

Contango Son Don Tango High Score Dressage at KWPN Stallion Performance Test

Don Tango by Contango was the High Score Dressage Stallion at the 2011 KWPN Spring Stallion Performance Testing. Photo by Jacob Melissen

Coatesville, PA – Contango’s son Don Tango was awarded the High Score Dressage stallion at the 2011 KWPN Spring Stallion Performance Test. The handsome young stallion received 9s on rideability, temperament, self-carriage and balance during the testing. Don Tango became the fourth Approved Stallion by Iron Spring Farm’s Preferent stallion Contango, joining Citango, Maestro and Ravel. Contango, who won both the jumping and dressage portions of his own stallion testing, has become recognized as one of the most influential KWPN stallions of his generation.

“We were very excited about Don Tango’s success at the Stallion Testing. His sire was an exceptional horse to ride,” said his Contango’s owner and rider Mary Alice Malone. Contango and Mary Alice won 33 Grand Prix titles, including the prestigious Grand Prix at Dressage at Devon-CDI-W. Unfortunately Contango passed away in 2007, but he is still available to breeders via excellent quality frozen semen.

Don Tango received excellent scores at his stallion testing. His walk and canter each earned an 8, and his trot received an 8.5. In addition to his exceptional movement, the judges described Don Tango as a balanced stallion with a good temperament. Don Tango is out of Oronia Keur, who is by Jazz Preferent out of the Star mare Joyce, by Ulft Keur.

Continue reading Contango Son Don Tango High Score Dressage at KWPN Stallion Performance Test