A Hanoverian inspection most excellent

Riley update: He came off IV bute today (Wed). They called late in the day and said he was uncomfortable in the am, but seemed to be doing better. The surgery site was inspected by a senior vet who pronounced it to be healthy healing.

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Welcome to the highlight of my vacation! I attended the Hanoverian inspection at Rolling Stone Farm on August 4. I have been to about 5-6 inspections in PA and MD in the last few years, and I have to say this one really wow'ed me. A number of mares did their performance testing and several were named elite mare candidates/eligible. One Dutch mare got a 9 on her gaits, which is a rare thing.

Let's face it -- the real stars of the show were the babies. The Rolling Stone babies were all really lovely, big movers with gorgeous heads and necks. Both Rolling Stone Farm and Triad Hanoverians both had a fabulous crop, and Triad Farms babies had a double whammy of big movement and chrome-o-rama. The inspection judges talked about each foal's bloodlines and the conformation/movement in a very organized way, so it was a great learning experience. I so appreciate being able to attend these; Rolling Stone Farm staff made everyone feel welcome.

Top filly at Rolling Stone Farm Hanoverian inspection
Quarterback X Florencio mare

Well, you know I'm a big fan of Quaterback and this filly does justice to the sire. Her elite mare mom's no slouch either. In their runs you're torn between watching the mare vs. the foal. Here is a picture from their run...
In this shot she's in mid-stride and you can't see how far she is off the ground, but she has quite a BOING. She can really power off that hind end.

Two top colts!

Decaprio X Wolkentanz I

The photo above was taken on practically the first trot step, they hadn't even really started their run -- but look at the elegant frame and lightness of his stride. I assume you've all heard of this foal's dad, Decaprio?
This colt's mom was also at last year's inspection and completed the performance test. She really shined (shone?) under saddle both in her movement and in rideability. One of those rich auburn chestnuts, he had a big jump in her too.

Rousseau X Royal Prince mare

Rousseau, a Ferro son, is the sire of the top dutch horse Ampere, well-known stallion show champion in Europe. The photo of this colt was taken in a restful moment, but he has a quite a presence and a gorgeous elegant neck.

Below is a still shot captured from my video -- remind me never to use the Zoom feature again, it blurs everything horribly. Big, expressive movement, what else can you say? Look how far he is off the ground...

And, here is my personal favorite -- Boot Cut by Black Tie. Pardon the blur, doggoned video, but you can see that freedom of movement (also the first photo left is Boot Cut).

Why did I like him the best? I don't know, he was just such a nice overall package--the movement, a pleasant demeanor, and a presence that you can tell will stay with him forever. And okay, the chrome (even a belly splash!). True to his jumping bloodlines, his gaits were ground-covering and elastic, and he effortlessly opened up and compressed his stride. But he lifted through his shoulders too, so maybe he could do dressage, you think?

That's why I love these inspections, horse fodder for all my dreams...