J Patrick Hanley 12/20/20 J Patrick Hanley 12/20/20

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).

J Patrick Hanley 12/13/20 J Patrick Hanley 12/13/20

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!

J Patrick Hanley 12/5/20 J Patrick Hanley 12/5/20

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!