Coldstream Solace

Highlights

Wealth of experience at Novice and Elementary level

Training Medium movements

Competed at Werribee and Boneo

Was owned by previous owner from the age of 18 months

Super safe and reliable in all environments

Duke is a stunning warmblood gelding who has been trained by professionals and ridden by amateurs to Elementary level, training Medium. He has proven himself to be a lovely unflappable horse in his current home and has even dabbled in jumping! He is an absolute pleasure in every way and is very reluctantly for sale due to his owner’s divorce.

Bloodlines: Duke is by Sterntanzer (IMP) (Silvio I/ Sandro) x DP Wedonna (Weltmeyer/ Donnerhall). His breeding presents the ‘best of the best’ and the ‘who’s who’ of dressage breeding. 

According to his breeder, Wendy Ansell, of Coldstream Park - Duke is the only foal out of Wedonna, who was a very successful Grand Prix dressage horse for Heath Ryan.

Sterntanzer was one of Silvio’s most successful dressage offspring, competing at the Bundeschampionate finals three times and finishing 4th, twice, with Katrin Burger. In his 100 day performance test he finished with a final score of 129.98.

Weltmeyer: The legend. As the AHS put it, "Weltmeyer continues to almost single-handedly reshape the Hanoverian breed." When it comes to capacity for dressage and the temperament necessary for a top competitor, this stallion simply cannot be beaten. In 2005, Weltmeyer received a Breeding Value Index of 152 points, with an assurance of 99% heritability, from the German Equestrian Federation.

Donnerhall: His talent was apparent right from the start, and he scored 131.92 to be second in his performance test at Adelheidsdorf in 1984. Donnerhall’s competition career is the stuff of legend. He won many Grand Prix, Grand Prix Specials and Freestyles. In 1994, Donnerhall was individual bronze medallist (and team gold medallist) at the 1994 World Championships at The Hague. Donnerhall gives his descendants a trainability and a strength to handle the more collected work.

Conformation: Duke is a classic example of a modern dressage horse - he is built ‘uphill’ and is the picture of strength, balance and symmetry.

Education and experience: Duke is the ultimate schoolmaster dressage horse - unflappable, kind and experienced. He knows and loves his job!

Duke is a well performed horse, having previously competed to Elementary level and training Medium. He has the looks, conformation and presence to be a fabulous show horse too! Duke is now a super reliable and well educated dressage horse, doing low level jumping, trail riding and generally being a lovely bloke to everyone he meets.

General demeanour under saddle: Duke is an intelligent horse who, when ridden correctly, is responsive and willing. He is primarily ridden in a snaffle and is happy in a double. Duke works in a consistent contact if ridden correctly. He is tolerant of rider mistakes and is straightforward enough for confident and capable amateur or young riders to enjoy and compete. 

Current workload/ fitness: Duke is currently in light work due to his owner’s circumstances. He does not need to be ridden regularly to be safe. Duke’s behaviour is not affected by a spell.

Handling: Duke is very well mannered on the ground. He is easy to catch, lead and handle - for farrier,  picking out feet, grooming and washing. Duke is a big horse to load into and unload from a float and requires a confident handler. He is easy and calm to trim with electric clippers.

Behaviour: Duke is 100% safe and very much ‘unflappable’ - he does not buck, pigroot, bolt or rear. He is very calm, quiet and reliable. Duke is not concerned by farm life - tractors, large machinery, trucks, motorbikes, livestock, dogs or other pets. Duke is the same at home, as he is at competitions, whether outdoors or indoors. He is relaxed on trail rides and trips to the beach.

Feeding and management: Duke is not fed any special feed, supplement or any medication. He is currently hard fed and 

Medical history: Duke is 100% sound but has been diagnosed with mild arthritic changes in his hind fetlocks. This is not unusual for a horse of this age and size. His owner has had the joints injected and she is happy to share xrays. She welcomes any vet check. He is relaxed to needle and is reliable with vets. 

Rider Suitability: Capable Rider defined as someone who has  been riding / competing regularly for at least five years, has independent hands and  balanced position/ seat; can walk, trot and  canter on multiple horses both young and educated. Is confident in all situations. Can handle some quirks in horses.

We specify this type of rider, not because Duke has any issues, but because he is a big horse. His seller wants a home for him, where the rider will enjoy him and find him straightforward rather than challenging. 

Ideal home: A confident and capable junior or adult rider who is looking for a fabulous - safe and reliable - dressage, show horse or allrounder.

Reason for sale: Duke’s owner is going through a divorce. 

If you are looking for a stunning new best friend - a loving, kind and smoochy horse who is also willing, straight forward to ride - then Duke is the one for you!