stallion showcase

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. A huge pat on the back to the organisers it was worth every penny & well done to a great job. All your hard work paid off!

The choice of stallions, excellant, being able to view them in the stable area, excellant. The Funnells demo, funny but informative. The food, well the daughter made light work of breakfast & managed a couple of helpings of chocolate cake, & no complaints about lunch.

Met Claire, her mum & Legrande, how lovely were they all. My daughters mouth dropped open when Legrande started his trot work. The words you dont need to look at anymore were uttered & she has put in a silent bid for him. He is a delight & will suit both showjumpers & dressage breeders, wanting a sane laid back stallion. Mind they were all pretty chilled Franklyn Sugar was another absolute sweetheart.

I have just one complaint, I am now left in a real delima over who to choose!

ps sorry for any spelling errors, one of my contacts has been driving me mad all day & I am now partly blind!
 
Ok contacts out now. There is nothing negative to say, there were stallions to suit all types of mares & pockets. Even had a lovely Arab stallion in Marcus Aurelius who bought along 2 sons. Brendon Stud had the great idea of having a video playing show 2 weanlings for their stallion Warrior.

We were treated to a great day, to be able to see this quantity/quality of stallions in one place like Addington is great. The stabling was ideal & you had a great view of the boys if you could not enter the stable itself. Though this was not the case with Legrande & Franklyn Sugar, whose owners as I said were lovely. Ballon I thought was a lovely horse & then later on heard him being spoken about in high terms. Randi thought he was a 5yo & still has a spring in his step, again a lovely horse. Power Blade, well as someone else said he has a power walk on him. He was shown in hand, but I can see why he is popular with those breeding eventers/show jumpers & even dressage horses. Really pleased I got to see him.

I think the generosity of the owners in their donations has been overwhelming. Honestly if you missed it, you missed a great day. I am biased because I do prefer Addington over Keysoe. Again a huge thank you to all concerned, owners, riders, organisers, etc.
Roll on next year!
 
Also went today. Was very impressed with how well organised it was. Totally reinforces how good it is to see the stallion in front of you regarding sutability build wise for your mare and being able to check its temperament. Liked the way you could stroll around the stands and still see the stallions on show and also being able to see them in the stables was great. Only negative for me was that I could not see the point in presenting stalllions in hand which were quite capable of being ridden , just made me think "why is this stallion not being ridden - he must be difficult? Can only his competition rider show him off?" Also with the auction, would like to say thank you to the donators - we have made several bids! Also thought the Funnells were great especially Pippa's "yes darling you've practised this" to hubby , etc was most entertaining whilst being informative. Organisers - well done and a huge thank you, hope this happens again.
 
I've gone several shades of green now, you lucky things!

BTW, did anything come about for a number so we could bid on the silent auction does anyone know as I can't find anything on their site or FB page?
 
Fabulous day, would echo everything that has been said above - and there's more to come tomorrow! The organisation was seamless, and everything actually ran to time - first stallion show I've been to where that happened! I loved the fact that you could wander round the stables, talk to the owners and grooms about the horses, have them brought out and trotted up (all under cover of course), and then see them under saddle in the arena. The commentary was great - very clear, knowledgeable, and there were stills and videos running on a big screen whilst each stallion was in the arena, with clips of them going XC, SJing, and of their offspring. Inspired idea.

I think that there were valid reasons why several of the stallions were shown in hand. One was just coming back from having been injured, and another doesn't currently have a rider. And one or two are just too elderly, like Randi, although you would never think it the way he bounced around the ring!!

And yes, the caff was extra good!
 
What a great day! Wouldn't have missed it for the world! A really fabulous collection of stallions old and new, in facilities that left nothing to be desired. The horses were very well presented, and everything ran as smooth as silk - real clockwork stuff, which is a testament to the level of organisation by Shirley and her people, who all knew exactly what was going on and when - very refreshing for a brand new UK parade to compare very favourably to the European gold standard of parades! The commentary was consistently good and accurate, and easy to hear, and the arena layout worked well without you feeling as if you were in the ring when browsing in the tradestands.

It was a real bonus to be able beforehand to go look at all the stallions and their progeny up close and personal in the stables, and talk to the owners/riders, who were all very welcoming and approachable, and then to go back through the stables during the day and/or afterwards just to cement in your mind your likes and dislikes. I have several new choices now which I probably would not have considered had I not been given the opportunity to see them all in one place.

Great cake as always in the cafeteria!
 
fab day- the Funnell demo was worth the ticket price alone.

And I am absolutely in love with Shane Breen's stallion Balloon- watched him warm up and then in the arena and he was superb. Moved, jumped, beautiful looker with a lovely temperament.
 
It was amazing, very good value for money & I wish I could have gone today as well.

As others said, to look at the stallions in their stables changed my view of Stallions in general. I assumed they'd be wired, shouting & stressed.......they looked calmer than my own horses at home after a good workout!

The food was yummy, and the stands were a good addition to keep your attention for the whole day.

I stayed right to the end & so glad I did. Legrande & Don VHP were 2 I wasn't expecting to hit my shortlist. Without a show like this I would have kept my options very limited.

PS need to have more Dollys, as too many Stallions!
 
Hard luck M but what a fantastic amount of money for a very worthwhile charity. Sadly, I never did find the number/email to use so couldn't take part but by the sound of it, I wouldn't have had a chance either! Must ask Shirley if there are any booklets left for purchase too.
 
I went on Saturday and really enjoyed it. The organisation was excellent. Addington is a great venue and the standard of stallions was world class. It was great to see such big names as John Whitaker, William and Pippa Funnell, Andrew Davies, Louise Pavitt, Max Routledge and several others riding their stallions in the ring.

The best part was being able to see the warmup and also go to the stables to see the boys up close and personal. You learn so much more doing this than you do just watching them giving their performance.

My favourite moment was watching Upton's Deli Circus and Revolution walk round the warmup on a loose rein next to each other while their riders had a chat. What fantastic temperaments from a couple of Advanced eventing stallions! Both of them were just as sweet in the stable. And both have gone on my shortlist.

I absolutely loved Legrande, his paces are incredible and he was a snuggle bunny in the stable. What a lovely stallion. I also loved Balloon. He's beautiful to look at, fabulous temperament, amazing jump and dressage-quality paces. Ticks in every box (if only I had a mare to put to him!)

Another one I hadn't known about and who impressed me was Landpirol. A lovely big powerhouse of a stallion with an international record in GP showjumping and Advanced dressage! He's got the bone and strength through the loin that some modern stallions don't have and would be good on a lighter mare. I really liked his temperament too.

The Billy stallions were athletes. I particularly liked Billy Mexico. He's all curves and cheekiness with a proper big jump.

The Brendon Stud's boys were very smart too. Caretino Glory looks to be a proper dual purpose stallion with paces good enough for dressage (although his walk was a little tense) and Grand Prix jumping ability. I missed Don VHP and Chateau de Brion Quainton which was a shame. Although there were plenty of breaks in the programme I still didn't manage to fit watching the warmup, going to the stables, going round the stalls, talking to people and watching the show into the time available.

There weren't many dressage stallions there on Saturday. Franklyn Sugar was about the only one and he was very nice and a sweetheart in the stable with just the sort of temperament I want in a horse for me. I used to think most stallions are a bit nippy. I've revised that opinion. :)

Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the Stallion Showcase. It was a fantastic show, brilliantly run and I hope it happens again next year with even more stallions.
 
We had a fantastic day today despite getting lost on the way! (first time ever the satnav has let us down!) Fantastic selection of stallions and thought it was great being able to see them warm up and then meet them in the stables, especially as some owners let you go right into the stable for a cuddle :) We went to the stallion parade at Hartpury last year which was good, but I much prefered it at Addington today as you could get so much closer to the stallions.

Fiona Bigwood's demonstration was brilliant and the mini lesson she gave to Shane Breen and Warrior was highly amusing! Such a lovely horse :)

Glad to hear the silent auction raised lots of many for a worthy cause - obviously the actual results cannot be disclosed but does anyone know if all of the lots went or if some were not bid on? I suspect I was outbid! Also, does anyone know when Horse and Country will be showing the video they took over the weekend?

Finally just to say that my eagerly awaited foal's dad, Legrande, did not disappoint! His paces were amazing and we cannot believe how much he has improved since we saw him jump last March so it was lovely to see him being worked on the flat today. I also loved Franklyn Sugar - so laid back especially considering he is only rising 5. Really liked Chellon Z as well.

Thanks to all for organising such a great day, here's to next year! :)
 
What a fantastic day :) we went along to Addington on the Saturday, my mission was to meet Randi as he will be the grandad to my foal in April. Every one was very welcoming and friendly, no queuing to get into watch the stallion show and you could pick your choice of seat :) many informative trade stands and throughout the day their were also talks by Lizzie Drury from Saracen horse feeds and ED Lyall (MRCVS) the horse vet, lot's of information about mare in foal, foaling down and choosing the right stallion and A.I. You could also walk around the stables and have a chat with the grooms and even the owners, I felt very lucky as I chatted with John Whitaker and he ask me if I would like to see Randi in the stable, so armed with a polo mint or two, I got the chance to meet Randi :) he seems quite laid back, and a nice temperament and he likes to stand there and poke his tongue out :) (just like his son Randi's Rebel, does exactly the same). Randi sure came to life in the ring, while being shown in hand with John, he still has "WOW the look at me" my friend took a video, will post on here later...
After the show case finished about 7.30 ish, we went for a drink in the bar and chatted, while some of the dressage riders exercised their horse's for today's event.
There were some lovely stallion's and very well ridden. All in all a very good inexpensive day. Also H&C was there in force, armed with cameras and crew, so will be on t.v soon, H&C also told us that they will be doing a "stallion slot" on their channel (280), during the adverts.
Randi
randi05022011ataddingon.jpg
 
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Just got home from day two of the Showcase and congratulations for all the competence and hard work that went into a really well run show. We shall certainly be taking more Woodlander Stallions next year. The British Breeding stand was steadily busy with enthusiastic new faces and although today was much quieter than yesterday, we look forward to more dressage horses and a growing audience in 2012...Olympic Year.
Well done Shirley and Jan Rogers, myself and all at BBSH look forward to having our two great stallion events again next year.
 
I had a fab 2 days, it was a great event.
Legrande looked FAB, I was so proud that I have a mare in foal to him.
I also loved Balloon and Landpirol, Franklyn Sugar is also one to watch for me.

A really great event, I look forward to next years!
 
I have just got through the door from what was an amazing weekend and one I hope as has already been said is the start of things to come. I do know that there have been trade stand bookings for 2012 already! I just loved the relaxed feel to the whole show in that all the spectators felt so relaxed as to just visit and cuddle with the stallions in the stables and then watch them in the ring. At times i think the reason it looked quiet inside is because there was a steady stream of people flowing to and from the barns to the trade stands to the viewing stands to seen the horses, etc and so could view those they especially wanted to see and then following them back to the boxes. Also adored the demos on Saturday with Pippa and William who showed what a LOVELY horse Billy Mexico is in that he wowed everyone by jumping MASSIVE fences in his display in the morning and then came back and did the demo with a totally cool and calm attittude. The Shane and Bigwood show today was just truly priceless and surely HAS to be repeated somewhere!

All in all just a super weekend and from what I heard in the stands, etc the only criticisms were constructive ones on how to make it bigger and better as everyone overall seemed to enjoy it.....spectators, stallion owners and stallions!
 
We were there yesterday with Rughavens Jackpot and had a lovely time. Met some lovely people and the show was really well organised with everyone knowing exactly what they were supposed to be doing when. The silent auction was a fabulous idea, with some truly incredibly prizes. It was lovely to have a stable all day so people can meet the stallions and also so that the stallions can relax for the day rather than stand in a cramped box after hours of travelling. I hope this event will grow in popularity over the years.
 
I just wanted to add my congratulations and thanks to the organisers. I had never considered attending anything like this with Marcus Aurelius before - as he is a little different from the other horses there ;) - and Shirley and her team were so straightforward, organised and positive to deal with for a "newbie" both before and on the day that we had a marvellous time. It was also a fantastic introduction to a big event for the two youngsters and will stand them in good stead for the future.

I'm just sorry that I couldn't be with Marcus in the stables so that people could go and cuddle him all of the time - and watch the other horses perform at the same time :rolleyes::D, so I sort of did a bit of both :o

It was lovely to be at an event where everyone that came past sounded happy and postive and genuinely excited about the day they were having :D
 
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Maesfen - I found out last night what happened with the telephone number is that the new sim card that had been bought for the hotline failed to work and once we were there, internet was VERY patchy and so they could not update with this issue. The email address though was the one on the SSGB website as I know quite a few email bids came through there. Sorry ! :)
 
Spent the weekend at SSGB, fabulous event, very well organised and run throughout, everyone managed to stick to their times and it was a real eye opener being able to meet the stallions and their owners, discuss their competition history and progeny.
Had a really good time, and saw some stallions I would not have considered. All the stallions were well behaved and presented. Challon Z for me was a real surprise, plenty of talent, manners to burn and a real gentlemen, definately one for the future! Power Blade was very impressive and I was equally impresseed with Don VHP Z of the Brendon Stud, however Legrande stole the show for me, a truly impressive horse with a temperament to die for - if only I wanted to breed a WB! I did have a few bids so looking forward to seeing if I managed to win anything! Thanks to all involved, a really great event!
 
I went on Saturday and had a really enjoyable day. Addington is such a good venue for this, not as cold and dark as Keysoe. It was well organised and amazingly ran to time.

For me the best bit was being able to see the stallions in their stables and talk to their owners. Temperament plays a big part in my choice of stallion and was great to see most of them relaxed. LOVED Legrande, what a gentle, cuddly stallion and great performer.

Balloon really impressed me, an effortless jump and floating movement. Also liked UDC and Billy Be Cool. I remember Franklyn Sugar last year at Keysoe and was impressed with how he has developed and think he is one to watch for the future.

I hope this can continue to grow and perhaps attract some more dressage stallions in future. A big thumbs up from me.
 
tipsytiger2 said:
Spent the weekend at SSGB, fabulous event, very well organised and run throughout, everyone managed to stick to their times and it was a real eye opener being able to meet the stallions and their owners, discuss their competition history and progeny.
Had a really good time, and saw some stallions I would not have considered. All the stallions were well behaved and presented. Challon Z for me was a real surprise, plenty of talent, manners to burn and a real gentlemen, definately one for the future! Power Blade was very impressive and I was equally impresseed with Don VHP Z of the Brendon Stud, however Legrande stole the show for me, a truly impressive horse with a temperament to die for - if only I wanted to breed a WB! I did have a few bids so looking forward to seeing if I managed to win anything! Thanks to all involved, a really great event!
Click to expand...

100% with you there.

I am still buzzing from a great week end, star-struck from actually having a cuddle with Balloon, Kepi d'Elle and many others. I'm at work at the mo, so will probably write at length about all the high points of the week end later tonight.

Thanks to Shirley, Jan, Jane & everyone else who got this week end together, it was great!

eta: also star-struck from the couple of very friendly relaxed chats with Shane Breen, Fiona Bigwood & Amy Stovold - such a convivial atmosphere I never experienced at a show with such big names before!
 
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One of the highlights for me was the Shane and Bigwood show....truly a comedy act that could go around the country!!! I too was in love with Challon Z as he showed he could not only be bold and jump but then wow everyone in the dressage on the Sunday....definitely one on my list for the future. Re Balloon - I am in LOVE but alas he is too closely bred to the mare I would use him on! :(
 
I was there on saturday and had a truley fantastic day. Echoing everything everyone else has said.. it was great to see these stallions in action and then be able to pop back to their stables for a chat with the owner and a cuddle with the stallion!
Upton deli circus was super and so well mannered in the stable, marcus the arab was a litle stunner and was quite happy to stick his nose in my bag to check it out for food.
Legrande was superb.. embarassed myself by telling his owner that i was going to steal him (didnt know who she was, lol).
Popped a couple of bids on but havent heard anything so dont think i was successfull!
 
I was only able to go on Sunday but had a great day. It was very relaxed and well organised. My favorites were Amorous Archie, Power Blade and Challon Z. Well done to the organisers and stallion owners for putting on such a good show. My only criticism would be I would have liked to have seen more pure dressage stallions on the Sunday. I felt that there were a few stallions that were brilliant, but brilliant showjumpers. However, I understand that this was the first year, and that if stallion owners had travelled their stallions to the show they might as well display their boys on both days. Saying all this, the Breen/Bigwood show was great, so I can't have it all ways!

Dan
 
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