Gilly Express DKS Records an Early Win in the Sunshine Tour
Gilly Express DKS (Diamant de Semilly x Baloubet du Rouet) recorded a win during her first week of competition in 2022! What a great start to her work at the Sunshine Tour in beautiful Vejer de la Frontera, Spain.
With Manuel Thiry in the saddle, she lived up to her name at Sunshine Tour in Spain, finishing her 1.20m class for 6 year olds in the 1st place out of 95 starters. Well done Manuel and Gilly!
We wish the two of them and the rest of the Ecurie Gregory Wathelet team more successful and sunny days in Andalucia!
Here's What to Expect in 2022!
It is that time of the year again- time to present our breeding plans for 2022!
In total we expect 12 young ones from our brave mares (with some help from the dedicated carrier mares, of course). They have been bred to a selection of different stallions, some very famous, some less known...we are expecting some great foals next year!
Our star mare Kumana DKS should have babies by Quaprice BM and Kashmir, Capers carries Diamant colt, Top Girl Kervec has been crossed with Quaprice BM and Baloubet. (Meanwhile, Top Girl’s colt Jalisco DKS has been doing some really amazing things lately for a young horse - we can’t wait to see what he produces.)
It all sounds great, but the first and most important thing is that the mares stay healthy and happy and that they deliver healthy foals...and the rest will come!
More details will be forthcoming as we get ourselves organized for the foaling season!
Two 2022 Foals Selected for Elite Ekestrian Show Jumping Auction
Two of the embryos expected in 2022 (Diamant de Semilly x Clinton and Diamant de Semilly x Capone I) have been selected for Elite Ekestrian Show Jumping Auction on 25th and 26th of January 2022! And we have high hopes for both of them - there really are many “high” reasons for this…read on below.
https://www.ekestrian.com/.../female-by-diamant-de.../13931
https://www.ekestrian.com/.../rare-brother-of.../13871
Both of embryos are by Diamant de Semilly (Le Tot de Semilly x Elf II) one of the best breeding sires ever – the quality of his offspring is unanimously recognized and sought after. He has been placed at No.1 (’15, ’16,’19) or No.2 (’17,’18,’20,’21) of the BEST STALLION IN THE WORLD WBFSH Jumping Sires Rankings ever since 2015! This fantastic horse was a winner in his own sport career. With rider Eric Levallois he was 2002 Team World Champion, Champion of France in 2002 and Team vice-champion in 2003 European Championships. With an impressive regularity, Diamant transmits to his offspring his strong back, scope, great balance, wonderful canter, suppleness, power, uncommon ease and super willingness, which makes him a dream stallion. He sired horses such as Don VHP (Voltaire), European vice-champion in 2017 with Harrie Smolders, as well as the 2016 Olympic mount of the same rider, Emerald van’t Ruytershof (Carthago). A member of national team of UK on WEG with two different riders, Utamaro d Ecaussine (Quidam de Revel) is also by legendary Diamant, as are Dominator 2000 Z, Mumbai, Elvis ter Putte, Andiamo Semilly…many of them are now successful not only in sport, but as breeding sires as well.
The dams of the two embryos are also from families significant for the sports world.
The first embryo, sexed female, is due on 3rd of May 2022. This filly is out of Hacienda van de Molendreef DKS (Clinton x Beach boy), whose dam is the famous Hydra O, a mother of 6 international jumpers and one of the foundation mares of one of Belgium’s best mare lines. Hydra’s children and grandchildren include international show jumpers such as Beezie Madden’s Olympic mount Via Volo, Darragh Kenny’s Twister, Lauren Hough’s Every Way van de Molendreef, and many more. Hacienda's dam sire is elite Oldenburg licensed and tested stallion Beach Boy (Zeus x Lucky Boy XX), whose impressive jumping pedigree has been confirmed by his performance and his breeding results both in Germany and Sweden. Hacienda successfully competed up to 1.40m and produced several foals so far. The oldest, a filly named Hopscotch DKS (Orlando x Clinton) recorded many clear rounds with her rider, Axelle Lagoubie in 2020 and 2021, competing up to 1.30m.
The second embryo, sexed male is due on 30th July 2022. This colt is out of Capers, a 2004 Oldenburger mare (Capone I x Consul), and as such is a halfbrother to Darragh Kenny’s star horse Cassini Z (Cassini II), who represented Ireland in NC and recorded wins and placings at the higest level, including at London Olympia, GCT in Madrid and Dublin. Another offspring of Capers is a gelding named Von Carter (Viva Voltaire) who with his rider Vera Benchimol successfully competes in young horse classes in Belgium. Capers was never tried in sport, but both her parents were international 1.50-1.60 jumpers. Her dam, Nightwatch (Consul x Carneval) competed up to 1.50m, and granddam Karrousel (Karneval x High Rank XX) produced three 1.50m jumpers, as well as Berkeley, the dam of our own Belle Clara DKS, who recorded many wins and placings at Grand Prix level. Caper’s sire, Holstainer stallion Capone I (Contender x Ladalco), was an international 1.60 m showjumper, representing Canada internationally in Nations cups competitions.
Emerald-Hacienda van de Molendreef DKS (Clinton-Beach Boy) Colt Selected for Ekestrian Elite Auction in June 2021
We are pleased to announce that our dazzling colt born May 2021 by Emerald out of Hacienda van de Molendreeef DKS (Clinton-Beach Boy) has been selected for the Ekestrian Elite Auction to be held online 22-23 June 2021.
Emerald recorded many wins and placing at a highest level with his rider Harrie Smolders, including wins in NC and GCT. He represented Holland at the Rio Olympics and was second in the 2016 World Cup final in Gothenburg. He finished his sporting career in 2019 to fully focus on breeding. Inheriting their sires great character and technique, various Emerald offspring are now successfully performing at the highest level, among them Igor (team gold and individual bronze with Jos Verlooy at the 2019 European Championships), I’m Special de Muze, Kasper van het Hellenhof.
Hacienda debuted in the 1.40 m classes in the spring 2017, winning her first class at that height!She went on to compete in the 1.30 m open division at the Gulf Coast Winter Circuit with great success. Hacienda’s dam is the famous Hydra O, who is the dam of 6 international jumpers.Hydra is the foundation mare of one of Belgium’s best mare lines.Hydra’s children and grandchildren include international show jumpers such as Beezie Madden’s Olympic mount Via Volo, Darragh Kenny’s Twister, Lauren Hough’s Every Way van der Molendreef, and many more.
2021 Foals Selected for Ekestrian Elite Showjumping Auction and ET-Auction
We are pleased to announce that several of our 2021 Foals will be offered at auction at three separate events held throughout the late-winter and early-spring.
On 26 and 27 of January, the Ekestrian Elite Showjumping Auction will be held online, featuring our own Diamant de Semilly filly out of Capers (Capone I-Consul). For more information, please visit the Ekestrian site.
On 5-8 of February, ET Auction will be offering our Chacco Blue colt out of Hollywood Girl (Baloubet de Rouet-Diamant de Semilly).
On 19-22 of February, ET Auction will be offering two options from our 2021 Foals. First, our Kashmir van Schuttershof colt out of Top Girl (Diamant de Semilly-Darco), and second, our Cornet Obolensky colt out of Otoucha van’t Roosakker (Kannan-For Pleasure). For more information, keep an eye on the ET Auction page.
Hanley DKS Becomes an Approved SF Stallion
Hanley DKS (2017 colt, Kannan - Kumana DKS) is an approved Selle Francais stallion!
Many congratulations to his owners Elevage Dual (Christine & Gilles Croquennec).
This is the second approved stallion from our wonderful Kumana DKS (2010 mare, Cumano - Cento). The first one is, of course, the 2019 French Champion Ekano DKS*Semilly.
This week, after stallion testing in St. Lo, Hanley was approved by the Selle Français studbook, earning the top predicate "Très Prometteur" (Very Promising).
Where are they now?
Every year, DK Sporthorses sells a few of the fine jumpers we breed (can’t keep them all!). We caught up with some of them to check what they have been up to:
Nina Simone DKS (2013 mare, Kannan x Cento) competed regularily in classes for 7 year olds in 2020, jumping them with ease and confidence with her rider Regis Villain. The bay mare, half-sister of our Kumana DKS (Cumano x Cento), exits the YH category next year and we hope to see her perform just as well in “grown-up” classes.
Another Kumana half-sister, Mira DKS (2012 mare, Mylord Carthago x Cento) went to USA where she is competing with an amateur rider. This gray mare is exceptionally easy to ride and looks a perfect partner for her owner Hope Meinen-the two of them recording many clear rounds and podium finishes.
Nic Nac Quality (2013 stallion, Kannan x Clinton), after getting his approval as a stallion for Zangersheide and competing in Europe, continues his career in the USA with Peter Lutz. This stricking jumper, that we produced in partnership with Quality Stud, is regularly placed in his classes for 7 year olds, showing power and agility.
Drago 123, born Mostar DKS (Darco x Cassini I) jumped first in Germany and lately in the USA. His recent owner Mollie Hartung described him as “a horse with the greatest mind I ever had”. Jumping with great style Drago is an ideal confidence giver and will continue his career with another amateur rider requiring his expertise.
Ekano DKS Semilly (Kannan x Cumano), the most famous of Kumana’s progeny, after becoming the champion of France for 5 year olds in 2019, continued his career in 2020, easily moving up in height with his rider Alexis Gourdin for Haras de Semilly. An approved stallion, Ekano’s foals are already showing their quality.
Another Kumana’s baby, Forget me not DKS (2015 mare, Diamant de Semilly x Cumano) after a few introductory courses last season, started her sporting career in full this year and recorded many clear rounds in 5yo classes with her rider Jean Hinet. In the arena she has shown a steady and focused mind, as well as a desire to jump clear.
So, what are they up to?
Well…we can say with pride they are all jumping!
Nina Simone DKS
Mira DKS
Nic Nac Quality
Drago 123
Ekano DKS
Forget-Me-Not DKS
Season Finale: Lilly Express DKS, Hopscotch DKS, Ombre de Quidam DKS
The season has finished for our three working girls, deserved holiday is on!!
Lilly Express DKS (Baloubet de Rouet x Cento) finished with a bang, winning her 1.35 m class of 115 participants at AEC Normandy Winter Meet! This was just continuation of good form for the 9 year old mare, steadily rising since the competitions restarted in the summer-she recorded a total of 3 victories and was placed 11 times, out of 27 starts in courses up to 1.40m. That means she was “in the money” more than 50% of the starts and often in very strong company!
Hopscotch DKS (Orlando x Clinton) had an equally busy season and she also finished it well, placing three times in the last couple of weeks in her classes. In total, she had 5 wins and 3 placings since the summer re-start, jumping up to 1.30m. More importantly, Hopscotch who is super capable, but a bit green, is showing steady progress in many areas, slowly becoming more mature.
Ombre de Quidam DKS (Quidam de Revel x Cento) had an action-packed summer, jumping ever more demanding classes for her age group. She went on a well deserved holiday a bit earlier, after finishing her outdoor season in 10th place overall in Cycle Classique for 6 year olds. 8 wins and 2 placing out of 20 starts in classes up to 1.35 is a show record that speaks for itself!
Our thanks go to Axelle Lagoubie, Romain Bourdoncle and Tip Top Cheval Team for what they achieved with our “girl power trio” during this year and we wish them all the best for the next season!
We are so looking forward to the new year with these three capable mares and can’t wait to see what else they can do!
Lilly Express DKS
Hopscotch DKS
Ombre de Quidam DKS
Belgrade DKS Becomes a licensed AES Stallion!
BELGRADE DKS (Darco x Montender) is now an AES licenced stallion!
Born in 2018 (on 1st of April, no less), this guy is strong and gentle at the same time. During the summer we worked him from the ground and he demonstrated a great attitude and a will to learn. Powerful jump and respect for the fence were also evident from the first try.
In late summer he went on for a learning trip to two specialized stables, with two different goals: one, to accept the rider and two, to get ready for licensing. He left the first yard with flying colors, gladly accepting the rider and proceeded to the second, where he concluded his training by getting himself licensed!
During this training trip (he is now in the field again, horsing around with his friends) he has confirmed what we saw from the beginning: great intelligence, workmanlike attitude and excellent jumping skills!
This comes as no surprise, knowing that his father is great Darco (Lugano van la Roche x Codex) one of the most influential stallions of today, while his grandmother is Belle Clara DKS (Concorde x Budweiser 3), a mare that competed up to 1.50 and won so many times in the USA. Based on those credentials, his dam, Belle Starr DKS (Montender x Concorde) entered our breeding program directly and gave us this lovely colt, her first.
Named after DK’s home town, Belgrade DKS is a fifth generation of horses from the same dam-line that Dejan has worked with and we were charmed by him from the beginning.
That he is now a licensed stallion makes us ever so proud!
Normandy Horse Show Part 2
Two more DKS "girls" representing us well at the amazing Normandie Horse show today:
1) Hopscotch DKS (Orlando - Clinton) - clear in the morning class in the big ring.
2) Lilly Express DKS (Baloubet du Rouet - Cento; mother of Gilly from my last post) - clear and fast in the BIG 1.35 m speed class. Without looking like she was going fast, she ended 6th out of 81 entries! Thank you Axelle Lagoubie and Romain Bourdoncle.
As a bonus, the foal championship at the same show was won by a foal by Ekano DKS*Semilly.
Normandy Horse Show
The DKS "girls" took care of business at the Normandie Horse Show today!
Ombre de Quidam DKS (Quidam de Revel - Cento) - easy clear in the stout 6-year-old Cycle Classique (up to 1.35 m in height)!
Gilly Express DKS (Diamant de Semilly - Baloubet du Rouet) - clear round in the 4-year-old Cycle Classique. Gilly has now gone 7 for 7 clear rounds in her first competitive season.
Interestingly, both girls are from the same family as Ekano DKS*Semilly. And Gilly's dam, 9-year-old Lilly Express DKS, will be competing later in the week.
MANY, MANY, MANY thanks to Axelle Lagoubie, Amy Graham, Romain Bourdoncle, Emmanuel Bertho, and their terrific teams for doing such wonderful work in producing our horses.
DKS Family at Auvers
Young horses bred by DK Sporthorses competed again last week at Auvers. And again we had three horses that went clear and one that made a few mistakes. We are happy with all of them!
This time, Gilly Express DKS was double clear with Emmanuel Bertho in the saddle, jumping clasess for 4 year old horses.
Ekano DKS Semilly, owned by Richard and Anne-Sophie Levallois and ridden by Alexis Gourdin was double clear again in 6yo qualifications, while Axelle Lagoubie and Ombre de Quidam DKS were clear the first day, but made some mistakes on the second day of competition in the same category.
Forget-Me-Not DKS, owned by William Leparquier, jumped 5yo clasess and went double clear with Jean Hinet in the saddle.
We congratulate to all riders, trainers and owners!