




| |
December
3rd, 2008:
The
“EQUESTRIAN” prints the following congratulations:

|
December
2008:
The magazine SIDELINES (credit to http://sidelinesnews.com/
) has published the following articles. The first was written by Cathy
Cottrill, what a wonderful author she is, a huge thank you to her!
The second one is an article with questions to Elizabeth Ball
about her, her horses and for sure about Selten
HW, we attached that too for your information, we are delighted that
he has such a wonderful new mom. It's quite funny that both articles
were in the same issue, neither Beth nor Irene knew that this would be
printed at the same time, even better!

|
November 19th, 2008:
Huge congratulations to Kris and Dormellosohn (Dormello
HW), another match made in heaven! Kris just sent a picture and her
year end results, we are very proud to share them with you all. What an
impressive and successful result list this is, we were sure she would
have lots and lots of fun with him and be able to collect the ribbons,
but she far expected our expectations by taking him everywhere and show
him off as often as possible and look at all these scores?! WOW, just
stunning, just really, really breathtaking, what a horse, what a pair!
Hi Irene: I have been waiting for all the year end
results to send you an update. I've attached a photo from the Region 8
Regional Championships also.

Year End results for Kristine A Smith DVM and
Dormellosohn (Dormello
HW):
USDF Year End Awards |
Training Level |
|
First Level |
Adult Amateur 3rd place - median
71.2% |
|
Adult Amateur 5th place - median
69.667% |
Vintage Cup 2nd place |
|
Vintage Cup 2nd place |
Dressage Horse of the Year 29th
place out of |
|
Dressage Horse of the Year 43rd
place |
|
USDF All Breed
Awards - Oldenburg (GOV) |
Training Level |
|
First Level |
Open 4th place |
|
Open 5th place |
AA 1st place |
|
AA 2nd place
|
Vintage Cup 1st place |
|
Vintage Cup 1st place |
|
|
Musical Freestyle 2nd place |
|
|
|
USDF Regional
Championships Region 8 Reserve Champion First Level Musical
Freestyle |
|
New England
Dressage Association Year End Awards |
AA Training Level
Reserve Champion 72.8% median |
AA First Level Reserve
Champion 70.0% median |
Musical Freestyle
1st-4th Level Champion 74.375% median |
|
Eastern NY Dressage & CT Association
Year End Awards |
Training Level
Recognized Show Champion 73.007% average |
First Level Recognized
Show Reserve Champion 73.010% average |
Dressage Master
Champion 74736% |
I'm having lots of fun with him, hope to do as well or
better next year at second level. Kris
|
November 16th, 2008:
The girls keep it coming! Always in the ribbons,
including the BLUES!
Gold Coast Dressage in Wellington, Florida, Fall Fling
show, what an exciting and successful show:
Elite
Donatella HW, what a dream horse. To collect the ribbons is like
clock work for her. She managed to get the first high point of the day
with Michelle Gerlach on board, they broke the 70% mark and won their
class at Third Level, that was Donna’s 2nd time to show 3rd level and
she won both classes! Afterwards, in another class, Vivienne Wiederhold
tried her best with Donna at Third Level (Vivienne’s first time
showing 3rd level ever!) and they tied for 2nd and 3rd place. With this,
Vivienne (17 year old girl) is now only one score away from the Bronze
Medal within less then a year and with the same horse, which she even
broke herself. This mare is truly amazing, showing always that she is a
pro in the show ring, confident and fun to watch, no matter if the rider
is a professional or a young rider trying new levels for the first time,
she always gives 100%. She showed off clean flying changes, amazing
extended trot, great lateral work and made us really proud. We can’t
wait to see her son Sundance HW go under saddle in two years.
Elite
Candidate Santina HW, what a lovely, lovely horse and she was again
a STAR! This was her second horse show in her young life and she
collected her first blue ribbon with a score of over 71% in Training
Level. In addition, she placed in her other class at Training Level,
both tests were with young rider Vivienne Wiederhold on board. This
horse is always in the ribbons! They rode in 4 different rings,
including a covered riding arena, where the rain came (super loud noise)
and went within their test and Santina kept her cool. She was acting
like she has done it often before and was super sweet to handle all the
time. The many other horses, trucks, trailers, tractors, water trucks,
tents, nothing really bothered her. No lunging, no fuss, we just tacked
her up in front of the stall, Vivienne hopped on and off they went to
the show rings. Hard to believe that a 3 year old horse can be as
confident and reliable and it is fun to see her mature and progress.
|
November 11th, 2008:
THE AMERICAN HANOVERIAN prints the following article
of Selten HW:

|
November 8th, 2008:
Three classes, four ribbons (one for each class plus
the High Point Champion ribbon and a saddle pad!), what a successful
day!
Well, well, everything was going as planned and the
hard work paid out. At the SWFDA show, Elite
Donatella HW was able to shine at her 3rd level debut, being only 6
years old and with a foal in 2007, that’s quite an accomplishment. She
was High Point Champion, won her class and showed off her flying
changes, lateral work and her trot extensions which scored nice 8’s.
As we left the show grounds in the afternoon, she even had the highest
score of the whole day, what a girl. Congratulations and huge thank you
to Michelle Gerlach.
Elite
candidate Santina HW had a debut too. This was her very first horse
show and our 17 year old daughter was in the saddle of this 3 year old
sweet girl. With enough power and stamina to show off but super safe
nonetheless, it was really fun to watch the two. They placed 2nd and 3rd
in Training Level, congratulations to Vivienne Wiederhold for a job well
done and thanks to Michelle for coaching and training them.
|

October 2008
Copyright
and Newsletter, Hilltop Farm Inc: It's been a whirlwind here at Hilltop
Farm recently with excellent results at Dressage at Devon and USDF
Regional Championships. Thursday
was the start of the performance classes, where Selten
HW (Sandro
Hit -Hohenstein) and Michael Bragdell, still on their
victory streak from Young Horse Nationals, commandingly won the USEF 4
Year-Old Test on Thursday and Friday with the consistent score of 81%.
In the FEI Dressage Test for Six Year-Olds, Cabana
Boy (Contucci
- Bordeaux) and Chris Hickey won with a top score of
83% on both Thursday and Friday.
Additionally,
both Cabana Boy and Selten HW won the North American Breeders Futurity
for their respective age groups.
|
October 15th, 2008:
Hi Irene,
Just an update on Cameron.
He has had a very good show season.....all at USDF recognized shows.
This weekend, we were at another recognized show in Raeford, NC where he
won two large classes.....a Training 2 class with at 73.9 and a Training
3 class with a 76%. The 76% was the high score of the show!
He is such a kind boy.....always nuzzling your neck,
etc. We just love him!
Best to you!
|
October 11th, 2008:
Sandjour
Hit: Highpoint of the day!
We are just back from the horse show in Fort Myers,
Florida. It was great to see all friends and horses again and to see how
much they have improved within the last months of competition summer
break in our extremely hot area. One especially caught my eye, he was
even prettier then in the videos and has filled out nicely and was super
attractive. Sandjour
Hit developed extremely nice and what a fancy mover he is - he
scored solid 8’s for gaits in both of his tests.
Huge congratulations for Holly and her boy, a job well
done, keep up the good work!!! She just sent the following e-mail:
Hi Irene: Thank you so much for being at our first
show. Sunny was a star. He got the highest score of the day, 71%, and
65% in his second test. Two blue ribbons our first time out and before a
very well respected Judge in Joan Humphrey. I so appreciate you and
Vivienne being there for me. You have been so supportive of our
progress. Your help is inmeasurable (if that is a word). Holly
|
October 8th, 2008:
Hannahlea
HW was the Super Star at the Oklahoma Hanoverian (AHS) mare
inspection and she won her mare performance test as well as the
inspection itself and was declared CHAMPION MARE!
This is the 3rd horse imported by HW Farm whom can
claim this valuable title within just 3 years!
She is a super lovely girl whom got lots and lots of
8’s and the judges and the audience absolutely adored her. She was
well behaved, showed off her super rideability, scoring an 8.5 (!!!!)
and was even taped for the TV showing off her Champion ribbons. Amanda
Bailey did an outstanding job to prepare her properly for this important
day in a mares life in all disciplines. She showed outstanding in the
jump chute, in hand as well as under saddle.

A huge thank you to Amanda, you go girl!!!
They are a match made in heaven and we’d love to see
Amanda and Hannah in the future together as well, sadly Hannahlea
HW is for sale as we can’t keep them all and somebody else will be
the lucky person to buy and show her as well as to breed her now or
later. ET comes to mind with a mare like her, she is out of a super
strong dam line and all her family is very successful.
What a day – what a mare and yes, what did we say?
Good breeding always shows!
|
October
8th, 2008:
Hannah is
absolutely lovely and a joy to ride. Mare performance test was
indoor but Amanda graciously rode her for me in the outdoor where she is
even more gorgeous in the full sunlight. It was a pleasure to meet
one of your super stars in person.
 |
Hannahlea
HW - Champion Mare
AHS Inspections -
Woodridge
Farm
October 8 scoring 8.5 Rideability on her Mare Performance Test.
Hannahlea is available for purchase. "It's a joy to ride
this mare" |
Check out http://Dressage.com
--- center column :) Updated your ad page, too.
Ky
|
October 7th, 2008:
We are very proud to report, that Santina
HW fulfilled all requirements to become a Hanoverian Elite
Candidate. A huge thank you goes to all whom made it possible. To
Vivienne Wiederhold whom rode her over the year and to Maya Sniadecky
whom prepared her excellent for the mare performance test as well as for
the mare inspection. Thanks go also out to all helpers and a really well
organized inspection site in Ocala, Florida. Santina
HW was super well behaved, being just 3 years old and started this
year, she acted like a pro. She did everything she was asked for,
including free jumping, showing in hand on the triangle and going under
saddle for the performance test. She was a star, never blinked an eye
and always focused on her rider/handler. What a mare! We have huge hopes
for her future carrier. Maya also reported that Santina
HW loved to hack out and go in the fields and that she had a ton of
fun with her. She will be suitable for the amateur and professional
alike, a super combination of bloodlines, looks and brains. Santina
HW is out of a very strong damline and sired by Sandro
Hit, her grand dam is also the dam of Donatella
HW, another really sensational mare.
The judges said: ”This is what everybody should be
striving to breed!”

Good breeding always shows.
|
October 6th, 2008:
Hey Irene!
Hope you are doing well! Riccie
is fabulous, he is currently ranked fourth in the nation in the Amateur
Owner 18-35 hunter division. This year he has qualified for all of the
big national horse shows, Devon, PA National, Washington, and the
Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament! He is such a good boy and
has been Champion or Reserve at most of my horse shows this year. I
still cant believe he is only 6 years old, most of the horses he is
competing against are a bit older and have been competing at this level
for a couple of years. For his first year at this level he could not be
doing any better, he has such a great brain and takes great care of me!
I will send some pics soon! Also, I love Hannahlea
HW, she is so nice!!
Talk with you soon!
Joelle
|
Hi Irene,
I just wanted to let you know that I got a wonderful
surprise yesterday. I found out that Faulkner
was Third Level Open Champion of the Kentucky show that he attended a
couple of weeks ago. It was his first time to show in a year, and his
first time at this Level. I just wanted to take this time to thank-you
once again for finding me such an amazing horse who is well on his way
to being the FEI horse of my dreams!

THANK-YOU!!!!!
Amanda
|
September26th, 2008:
HE DID IT AGAIN!!!!
DRESSAGE AT DEVON 2008:
Just about 2 weeks after being the WINNER at the Young
Horse Dressage Championships in Kentucky, Selten HW was able to WOW the
judges at Devon 2008! With super scores, this fancy black horse won both
of his USEF 4 yo classes. He was well behaved as usual, showed himself
willing and 100% rideable with a smiling Michael Bragdell in the saddle.
Congratulations to this super team and to Beth whom consistently
supports the boys.
|
2008
U.S. Young Horse Championships
Selten HW, Winsor and Cabana Boy Win 2008 U.S.
Young Horse Championships
September 18, 2008
Selten HW, Winsor and Cabana Boy captured the title of U.S.
young Horse Champion at the 2008 U.S. Young Horse
Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, September 12-14, 2008.
In the final day of competition with fierce winds gushing
around 50 miles an hour, it were Nicole Bellah and Winsor who
prevailed by winning the five-year-old championship division
while Christopher Hickey and U.S.-bred Cabana Boy swept the
six-year-old division of the 2008 U.S. Young Horse Dressage
Championships.
Claiming the title in the four-year-old division were Michael
Bragdell and Selten HW, besting 19 other horses
to win with a
score of 8.56. 
Bragdell and Selten HW came into this competition in first
place after qualifying. Bragdell decided to ride in the
optional warm up class the day before the championship, which
helped him and Selten HW get a feel for the arena along with
the overall show environment— ultimately they placed first
in the class.
“I was pretty confident that he would be okay with all the
stuff but you never know— it’s a four-year-old,” said
Bragdell.
Selten HW (by Sandro Hit out of MS High Princess by
Hohenstein) is a black Hanoverian stallion owned by Cadence,
LLC., and was bred in the U.S. by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold.
Selten HW has been at Hilltop Farm since he was a yearling and
Bragdell, who is a trainer at Hilltop, started him when he was
three years old. Though lightly shown, Selten HW’s
accomplishments have been big, including starting off his show
career with a Reserve Champion at the Devon Horse Show when he
was only two years old.
“He’s such a super horse,” said Bragdell. “He just
goes in there, the winds blowing… I felt the wind gust kind
of grab a hold of me and he still is just clucking along like
nothing. That’s the part I love about him—the
trainability. He just goes wherever I point him.”
Bragdell described Selten HW’s personality as very easy
going and he knew the horse was special when he sat his first
canter on him.
“His canter is unbelievable,” said Bragdell. “I guess it
takes you away. It’s truly an incredible feeling.”
Bragdell hopes to build on Selten HW’s success and return to
the Young Horse Dressage Championship next year to compete in
the five-year-old division.
More Coverage and Interviews on this championship at Dressagedaily.com
Related Links
Scores
of the 2008 U.S. Young Horse Championships
Guenter
Seidel and U II Win the 2008 US Developing Horse Championship
|
|
September
15th, 2008:
2008
USEF YOUNG HORSE AND DEVELOPING HORSE DRESSAGE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Huge
congratulations to Selten
HW, he scored perfect 9’s for trot and canter, 8’s for walk and
submission and an 8.8 for general impression. All combined results in
the winning score of 8.56! He was the only horse in the competition of
nationals best 19 horses in the four year old class, scoring 9’s on
trot and canter. We are so proud to have bred this boy and thankful that
he is in super hands with Hilltop Farms Inc. and we’d like to thank
them for the continued support and phenomenal education this horse
receives on a regular basis.
Selten
HW was bred and raised at HW Farm in Cape Coral. After his first
year he got included in the stallion herd at Hilltop from there on.
Michael Bragdell broke him and rides him since and it is amazing to see
these two compete.
|

Selten
HW is NATIONAL YOUNG HORSE DRESSAGE CHAMPION and BEST US
BRED FOUR YEAR OLD 2008!!!
|
On
the Scene - 2008
Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships and
Developing Horse Championship
From
Across the Nation America's Finest Young Horses Come to
Kentucky
By Jeannie Blancq Putney for DressageDaily
The
nation’s top young horses from California to Massachusetts
have gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park home of the 2010
Alltech World Equestrian Games for the Markel/USEF National
Young Horse Championships and the USEF National Developing
Horse Dressage Championship. For some it was an arduous
journey but well worth the honor of being invited. One
family left their farm in Florida with Hurricane Ike bearing
down on them.
One
made the cross-country trip from California and camped out
along the way. Some are first-timers. One is an
Olympic athlete. One of the interesting tidbits this
year—the fifth year of the Young Horse program—is the
number of horses that are U.S. bred. Another is the
number of competitors who have competed in this program
multiple years, some with the same horse, allowing them to see
true progress in the development of the nation’s strongest
young equine talent.
|
|
On
the Scene - 2008
Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships and
Developing Horse Championship
Michael
Bragdell and Selten HW Win Markel/USEF National Dressage
Four-Year-Old Young Horse Championship
By
Jeannie Blancq Putney for DressageDaily
On
a hot and sticky day that would have made it hard for any
youngster to keep their composure, 16 of the nation’s top
young horses showed us how it was done at the four-year-old
finale. Two of the first four riders of the day, Michael
Bragdell and Emily Gershberg walked away with the champion and
reserve champion titles respectively.
Emily
came into this championship ranked first and Michael, ranked
second. Both riders have ridden with Chris Hickey who
enjoyed a proud moment today. Michael’s mount, Selten
HW, is a Hanoverian stallion by Sandro Hit out of MS High
princess by Hohenstein, owned by Cadence, LLC and was bred in
the U.S. by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold. Michael’s
winning score of 8.56 was evident by the judge’s highly
complimentary feedback even before they gave their collective
marks. “He is just so long-legged,” they said.
“It looks like he has spider legs. He is so balanced
and so much off the ground. We are sitting here, and you
make it look so easy. He seems to have a workmanlike
brain and a lot of personality. Today that personality
was for good and not evil. We all know what stallions
can be like.”
Selten
HW received 9s for his walk and canter and 8.8 for his overall
impression. The two have been a pair for a year since
Michael started with him as a three-year-old.
Michael’s first year in the championship was last year when
he competed in the five-year-old class. Michael
describes Selten as easygoing and kind of like a big child and
says he knew Selten was special when he first sat his canter.
“It’s truly an incredible feeling.”
Originally
from Sweden, Michael is a Hilltop employee who started out as
a working student.
|
|

Michael
Bragdell and Selten HW Win the Four-Year-Old Division in the
2008 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships
presented by Collecting Gaits Farm
Release: September 13 2008
Lexington, KY – In the second day of
competition at the 2008 Markel/United States Equestrian
Federation (USEF) National Young Horse Dressage Championships
presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, claiming the title in the
four-year-old division was Michael Bragdell and Selten HW,
besting 19 other horses to win with a score of 8.56.
Bragdell and Selten HW came into this
competition in first place after qualifying. Bragdell decided to
ride in the optional warm up class the day before the
championship, which helped him and Selten HW get a feel for the
arena along with the overall show environment— ultimately they
placed first in the class.
“I was pretty confident that he would be
okay with all the stuff but you never know— it’s a
four-year-old,” said Bragdell.
Selten HW (Sandro Hit x MS High Princess by
Hohenstein) is a black Hanoverian stallion owned by Cadence,
LLC., and was bred in the U.S. by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold.
Selten HW has been at Hilltop Farm since he was a yearling and
Bragdell, who is a trainer at Hilltop, started him when he was
three years old. Though lightly shown, Selten HW’s
accomplishments have been big, including starting off his show
career with a Reserve Champion at the Devon Horse Show when he
was only two years old.
“He’s such a super horse,” said Bragdell.
“He just goes in there, the winds blowing… I felt the wind
gust kind of grab a hold of me and he still is just clucking
along like nothing. That’s the part I love about him—the
trainability. He just goes wherever I point him.”
Bragdell described Selten HW’s personality
as very easy going and he knew the horse was special when he sat
his first canter on him.
“His canter is unbelievable,” said
Bragdell. “I guess it takes you away. It’s truly an
incredible feeling.”
Bragdell hopes to build on Selten HW’s
success and return to the Young Horse Dressage Championship next
year to compete in the five-year-old division.
|
Hi Irene,
You'll probably remember I was the one who bought Chiccolino
off of you a couple years ago. I have always felt bad that I never gave
you a testimonial. We were just in the process of moving and I was
finishing school and things just seem to slip by. So after two years Chico
as he's known at the barn has been one of the best young horses I have
ever worked with. He has been competing second level this year and has
been getting scores in the high 60's low 70's we just competed in our
provincial championships and regional championships which he was open
champion for both. What's been really nice about training him, he is the
first 6yr old I have ever been able to go on vacation for two weeks come
back and go riding outside and he is just happy to work and never does
anything goofy or scary.

I hope all is going well!
Stephanie
|
September 15th, 2008:
Hannahlea
HW was in Kentucky at the Kentucky Horse Park and proved to be a one
of a kind youngster. Easy to handle, a total blast at the show grounds,
Amanda Bailey (her rider) was able to just tack her up in front of the
stall and ride her down to the many show rings without blinking an eye.
Many people commented on her rideability, stunning looks and movement
and that it is near unbelievable, that she is only a baby. Unbothered by
the new surroundings, heat, very strong winds and many more things she
continued sure footed to win two of her classes as well as to secure a
second and a third place all in one weekend! We were so happy to see her
again and to witness how she keeps developing. Her temperament is near
unflappable and she will make her future mom or dad very, very happy.
She is for sale, check her out!
Huge congratulations, hugs and many thanks to Amanda
and this super star!
|
September
15th, 2008:
Huge
congratulations to Faulkner
and his owner Amanda Bailey. Faulkner
was his first time out showing 3rd level and came home with
THREE BLUE RIBBONS! They were in Kentucky at the Kentucky Horse Park over the
weekend and he was shown by Jim Koford. We were there too and witnessed
outstanding movement, lots of airtime and impressive gaits and uphill,
clean flying changes. Wow, what a boy. He grew into his body, super
balance, stunning looks and he developed into a real star and show
stopper. He looked like a true FEI horse and we are sure he will keep
going his way up the levels and we will see many more great results in
the future.
|
September
14th, 2008:
Congratulations
to Summer, she was
2nd in a dressage horse class at First Level, scoring an 8,5 for trot, 9
for canter and 8 for walk!
|
Finn (Fly
Away HW) and I are having a great time and I’m so in love with
him. I am so lucky to have found and purchased him, thank you!
We have been slowly showing, I’m taking it easy with him. We
recently had a really great show and got a 67% at training. He was
a very good boy! Anyway, I hope business is well for you. I
was just looking and
Hudson
on your website and think he is really cute!
Talk to you soon. Take care,
Yvonne
|
July
16th, 2008:
Selten
HW, in place 2 for the 2008 USEF National Young horse Ranking List
for the 2008 National Championship sponsered by Markel Insurance. He has
an overall average of 8.48 as of now, first place is at 8,5, that’s
really close!
|
July 13th, 2008
Hi Irene,
I know you think we have dropped off the earth.....but
we haven't! We purchased Cameron
HW (out of Contendro)
from you 2 years ago....and somewhere in the process, we changed e-mail
servers.....so you had no way to contact me. Anyway.....wanted to give
you an update on Cameron.

He is now six. He did quite well his first
year.....then went through a "growth spurt"... and needed to
"figure out his body, etc". We took him to mostly local shows
and he did win end of year High Score for a series at one farm. We did
not want to push him....wanted to take it at HIS pace instead of ours.
We actually put him out to pasture for about 3 months.....and it was one
of the best things we could have done. We started him back up last fall
and he is very happy in his work. We have been to 3 USDF recognized
shows this year (showing Training Level) and has won numerous classes
with scores in the 70's and is frequently getting 8 on gaits. I keep
show results, etc updated on our website (with pictures)....so I will
give you the link.........On our farm page, the photo of the horse
looking out the window is Cameron. He is a happy boy and we are very
happy with him. We have just sent off to have him registered with the
American Hanoverian Society (for yearend award eligibility)....and have
submitted the name of Cameron OR Cameron
HW.

Just wanted to update you....
Cathy
|
July 10th, 2008
Hi
Irene,
I
have been meaning to write with all my good news.
Dani
is
doing great. He had his first show debut in April right at our
barn. My trainer rode him and he was just perfect, both in
the warm up and his classes. He ended up winning both his classes
easily as well as overall high-point for the show with a score of
77%. He won a fancy halter and a great pair of MDC stirrups.
The owner of MDC stirrups sponsors the prize of a pair of these neat
stirrups for the "75% club" for rides of 75% or over at
selected USDF shows. Two weeks later my trainer took him to
his first away show and he again won his classes with scores above 70%.
The weather was cold and windy, and he was still a perfect
gentleman...very steady and relaxed. There was a 2 hour trailer
ride to the show grounds. He trailered beautifully, got off the
trailer like he did this every day, had an uneventful lunge in the round
pen in his halter and lead line, and then my trainer warmed up about 10
min under saddle before going in to ride a wonderful test. He
could not have been better. He munched hay in the trailer all day
while other horses were showing, and trailered home and back the next
day for a repeat performance. He was happy and relaxed and seems
to really enjoy showing! In May, I started riding him for my lessons and
am having a blast. The first night I rode him was a Tuesday night at
6:30 after work. That night it was cold and windy. Up until
that night, he had only been ridden in the day, and always by my
trainer. He was relaxed and wonderful for her, and I hopped on and
he was just as good for me, and so easy and fun. In fact, it
was so easy and fun that I decided to show him 3 days later at a
USDF show at our barn. We got a 67+%, despite my rider
errors. I am totally hooked and in love and have been loving
every ride since. I usually ride 3 days a week, and my trainer
works with him the other days. We are entered for our next show in
2 weeks....can't wait.
I
knew you would be happy and proud to hear what a great boy he is.
Please pass along the good news to his breeder. I am so grateful
to have such a fun, talented, easy, and well-behaved horse. I know
he is happy too.
|
July 08th, 2008
Hi
Irene
: I am so excited to tell you that Sunny
(Sandjour Hit) had his show debut
yesterday in the 4 year old FEI
Young Horse class among some very stiff competition in
Gainesville
,
Florida
and the Summer Sizzler I. He got an overall score of
70% with an 8.5 on his walk and kudos from Judges
Sue
Madden Mandas and Nancy Harris as to his
future as a Dressage Horse Star. He was shown by
Maya Sniadecky
. Sunny just turned 4 in June and this was his very first out.
He now returns home to me to continue his schooling and prep for the 5
year old test next year. Thank you for sending me such a wonderful
and talented horse. Holly
|
June 25th, 2008, info from the Hilltop Farm
Newsletter:
Selten HW (Sandro Hit -
Hohenstein), owned by Cadence LLC, is
currently ranked 3rd in the Nation for Four Year Olds with Michael
Bragdell and just received an amazing 85% in his Training Level Test 4
class this past weekend.
|
June 24th, 2008:
Hi Irene, guess what!!! Our boy (Selten
HW) got an 85% at a show today with a couple of 10's and
multiple nines... Michael is doing such a great job with Selten, who is
nothing less than spectacular.
Hope you're well,
Beth
|
June 16th, 2008:
Nicole writes: WEF-
Dressage in Wellington. I ventured to Wellington for the first time ever
to participate in the dressage show. What a place! I had no idea how
busy it was....the sheer volume of horses in such a small area was a
little overwhelming. Not to mention the show jumping going on all around
the dressage rings! Thankfully my horses were well-behaved but we saw
more than one get excused from the ring. I took my new horse "Prince
Charming" that I have had about a month and did my very first
4th level tests. (Wow - those are some long tests to remember!). He
placed 6th and 7th but only because of the comments "more
forward". This I know.... but until I can sit to his HUGE trot we
have to make do. He was awesome - very attentive in the ring and all
business. I was pleased with the horses and how they did among some very
good competition.
|
June 11th,
2008:
Hannahlea
HW’s half brother by Don
Frederico, out of her dam River Queen (Rotspon/Weltmeyer)
just won the show in Beedenbostel and got accepted to go to the
Elite-Foal Auction in Verden. This foal is a dream in type and movement,
just like the Sir
Donnerhall foal from last year, whom won the show in Wittingen. This
is a fabulous bloodline and strong damline in addition to super
stallions and a lucky and well educated hand by the breeder whom always
picks the right matches.
Congratulations
to Torben to this successful offspring again and again. You rock!
|
June 10th,
2008: Huge congratulations to Beth, Hilltop Farms and Selten
HW!
Hi Irene, just got
news of Selten HW
winning both his classes this past weekend - he's now qualified for
Kentucky! He got 9's on his trot and canter, and 8.7 on walk,
etc., overall I think was around 8.6 or 8.7. I'm so pleased with
Michael's riding, and feel fortunate that Chris Hickey is looking after
them as well. I'll try to go to Ky. for the championships, to
cheer them on!
I've been busy getting
qualified and ready for the Int. 1 champs... it turns out I get to take
both my horses! So, I'm putting together an other Kur, a little
last minute! I'll ride it for the first time this weekend, at a
local show, then the following weekend is the big finals... It's all
really fun!
X Beth
|
May
13th, 2008, e-mail from Nicole, congratulations to this team:
We
did our last show here in Florida and Phatman (Prince Charming) was
awesome. The first day he was a little tense and placed 2nd in the 4th
level 1 test. On Sunday he was great, scoring 62% in the 4th level test
2, winning the class and the second place was on a 55%! We have one more
show in June at 4th level, then we try our first PSG.
|
Quote from Hilltop’s
website:
Spring
Dressage at Morven Park
Trainer Michael Bragdell
got Hilltop’s regular show season off to a running start this weekend
at VADA/ Nova’s Spring Dressage Competition in Leesburg, Virginia. He
came home with several wins, including two first place finishes on Selten-HW,
Cadence LLC’s young stallion, in the USEF Four Year Old Test. Michael
and Selten scored a 8.2 on Sunday and an impressive 8.7 on Saturday,
receiving comments such as “super horse”, “active, expressive”
and “impressively talented” from Judges Betsy Berry, Lorraine
MacDonald and Brenda Minor.
|
April 25th, 2008:
The April Center Line of SWFDA prints the following article about
the Young Riders Clinic with Anne Gribbons and Steffen Peters in
Wellington, Vivienne Wiederhold and Donatella
HW were participating and had a lot of fun! Read here about their
experiences:
|
April
21st, 2008:
Huge
congratulations go out to our homebred Champion stallion “Selten
HW” and his new owner as well as his rider and the training barn
Hilltop. We could not be more happy and thrilled with their success,
great work and amazing accomplishments.
Selten
HW ranks officially in FIRST PLACE of the 2008 USEF National Young Horse
List, four–year–old–division with an overall score of 8.18!
|
March 24th,
2008, The Center Line (SWFDA) printed the following article written and
submitted by Lisa Braren:
|
A
Synopsis of the Wellington 2008 Junior/Young Rider
Clinic
Submitted
by: Lisa Braren and Vivienne Wiederhold – 3/11/08
Stillpoint
Farm in Wellington, Florida, High Meadow Farm, in White
Fences, Loxahatchee, Florida, and Dr. Cetty Weiss, along with
a long list of fantastic sponsors, played host to a weekend of
fun and educational experiences for eighteen fortunate up and
coming teenage dressage riders. “O” judge, FEI
rider, and trainer, Anne Gribbons, and FEI competitor and
trainer, Steffen Peters, were on hand to orchestrate the
training sessions. Other guest clinicians included Dr.
Gordan, Kathy Connelly, Dr. Steve Engles D.V.M., Mrs. Roberta
Williams, and Mary Phelps. Our own Vivienne Wiederhold
aboard her magnificent mare, EM Donatella HW, was one of the
participants.
The
participants were showered with gifts and parties. A
welcome party, a going away get together, souvenirs of hats,
polo shirts, saddle pads, tickets to Challenge of the
Americas, all helped promote friendship and fun amidst the
education and hard work. Participants were treated to
mini in-services in addition to their private training
sessions. These included Kathy Connelly teaching methods of
long lining, watching a chiropractic adjustment, learning
about equine nutrition from a Purina spokesperson, and Mary
Phelps’ biography of DressageDaily encouraging horse career
opportunities. Attending the Challenge of the Americas
in support of breast cancer awareness and finding a cure was
particularly amazing. Not only was it truly enjoyable,
but it was an education just to see that even top
professionals have difficulties with their horses!
Everybody makes mistakes and has training obstacles to
overcome – even at huge public performances. (A
favorite saying of ours is that the only difference between an
amateur and a professional is that the professional knows how
to cover their mistakes better! And – it’s true!)
The
purpose of a clinic is to boost the horse and rider team ahead
– give some additional goals for them to go back with their
regular trainer and work on achieving little by little at home
- refine particular movements, and/or help overcome a hurdle.
It may serve to reaffirm that you are definitely on the right
track. Additionally, the participants hopefully hear
educational focus and training advice that aligns with what
they have been studying or trying to accomplish in perhaps a
slightly different way. This allows for the same
information explained from a different vantage point to
hopefully make such an impression that the rider experiences
that “ah ha” “light-bulb” “now I get it” moment.
In other words, if you as the rider are listening to the same
opinion from your trainer, the judge at a horse show, and a
clinician, you can be pretty sure that whatever it is, it does
need your immediate and undivided attention. Conversely,
it is almost impossible, no matter how experienced with
numerous pedagogical credentials the clinician or judge has,
for them to be one hundred percent correct and on the money
every time. It is most difficult to assess a whole
picture of a horse and rider team from two rides at a show or
clinic, and that is something that the participant and their
regular trainer have to critique afterwards and either refine
their training focus, or realize that that particular point
was only valid at that one particular moment in time on that
day and not a reoccurring deficit. Every horse, and
every rider, can not be at the top of their game for thousands
of reasons on a daily basis, and this needs to be taken into
consideration. Hopefully, the learning opportunity
presented by a clinic will energize and excite the
participants to desire and strive for continuous improvement.
Clinic
participants need to understand all of this so that their
experience at clinics is a positive one. They also need
to know that there are many do’s and don’ts that are
considered “politically correct clinic etiquette.”
The following is a partial list to help.
DO
arrive on time – in fact, schedule yourself so that you will
have ample time to warm up and be ready for your ride.
- DO
NOT be late.
- DO
be a team player and support your fellow participants.
- DO
NOT object if the clinician runs late. After all –
you will want the clinician to give you their full
attention and help during your ride, too, even if that
means running over your allotted time.
- DO
wear lovely clean breeches and tucked in shirts with
gloves and a helmet each day.
- DO
used sponsored saddle pads and shirts
- DO
NOT wear show attire – it is not considered proper.
- DO
be sure that your horse is meticulously cleaned, groomed
and braided. Clinicians consider it a compliment to
their expertise for the horse to enter the ring braided.
- DO
be sure that your horse has clean saddle pads for each
ride and that all the tack is clean.
- DO
be ready to work and concentrate very hard.
- DO
greet the clinician when you enter the ring with a proper
salutation.
- DO
NOT talk too much, however. The clinician will ask
questions about you and your horse’s background…answer
appropriately, brief, and to the point.
- DO
NOT argue with the clinician.
- DO
try your very best for the full lesson even if the work is
hard or different than what you are used to doing.
- DO
ask questions if you do not understand something.
- DO
understand that there will be auditors who will hear both
your strengths and weaknesses publically stated
- DO
video tape your rides so that you can watch them over
again and learn from them. Often, you are so busy
concentrating, you may miss something.
- DO
ask questions about opinions on future training goals when
the session is over.
- DO
be sure to appropriately thank the clinician as you leave
the ring.
- DO
be sure to cool out your equine friend and partner
properly and thoroughly, and massage him/her with
appropriate brace and/or liniment as the work load of a
clinic is usually more than what is experienced during a
normal training session.
- DO
be sure to hand walk your equine friend and partner in
between sessions, and/or arrange for turn out if possible.
- DO
be sure to thoroughly clean your stall and space in the
barn.
- DO
be sure to dispose of manure the way that facility
requires.
- DO
be sure to follow all the rules of the host facility.
- DO
NOT borrow anything with out asking – of course, being
sure to immediately return it.
- DO
be sure to leave everything the way you found it – or
even better.
- DO
NOT leave the premises without thanking everyone involved.
- DO
be sure that all bills are paid in full prior to your
leaving.
- DO
remember to conduct yourself at all times as a respectful,
responsible, humble, person of fine character because the
overall impression you make on others is important and has
a lasting effect.
- (NOTE
– a written thank you note to the organizers and
clinician afterwards is a nice touch!)
Vivienne
and Donatella rode beautifully and represented themselves
admirably. They performed as if they had vast experience
at attending clinics, and showed themselves to be of fine
character and ability. They earned the numerous
accolades they received from their clinician, Anne Gribbons,
and can be so very proud of themselves. Mrs. Gribbon’s
assessment of Donatella is that she is an exceptionally smart
mare, nice big size, with wonderful gaits, and definitely has
the ability to “go all the way.” (FEI – here they
come!) She noticed immediately that Donatella is very
willing and tries to do everything right. Mrs. Gribbons
also complimented Vivienne about her riding talent and
ability. She also remarked that Vivienne had such nice
long legs - just perfect for riding dressage. This
introduction into the upper echelon of the dressage world was
productive, and a smashing success.
A
very special thank you to the wonderful sponsors for their
support of the future of dressage – our junior and young
riders!
- Weiss
Family Chiropractic Center
- Karen
Offield Farms in support of the Equestrian Aid Foundation
- Renee
Isler in support of Paige Finnegan and Tokyo
- HWFarm.com/Horse
Sales LLC
- Sal
Massage
- Two
Swans Farm
- Stillpoint
Farm
- Sho
Clothes
- DressageDaily.com
- Mary
Phelps/ Markel Equine Insurance
- Purina
- Sidelines
Magazine
|
|
March 11th, 2008:
More news from EM
Donatella HW’s famous brother. Congratulations to the
owners and rider, what a great job, keep up the good work!
|
|
February 25th, 2008.
This sign just came in the mail, looks good! In
addition, Donna
and Vivienne were at another recognized horse show in Fox Lea, Venice on
February 23rd 2008 and rocked again. They won their 2 First
Level classes and collected their scores for the Bronze Medal and they
were 2nd in Second Level again. So 3 times out for Second
Level and 3 x Second place? Yeah! As we left late in the day, they had
collected the second highest score of all competitors until then. What a
great team and you could clearly see, that they had fun together.
Congratulations to EM
Donatella HW, Vivienne Wiederhold and their trainer Bob Braren as well as a
huge thank you to all friends whom welcomed us so warmly again at the
show grounds.

|
Feb 11th, 2008:
2008, The American Hanoverian Society displays EM
Donatella HW (Don
Frederico/Weltmeyer),
in their Breeder’s Guide, Stallion Directory, Mare Book. She is
a New Elite Mare through foaling out Sundance
HW.
|
Feb 6th,
2008
An
angel was born: Shakira HW
- Our second and last Sandro Hit daughter out of
SPS High
Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero).
We hoped for another girl and full sibling to Sagenhaft
HW, Selten HW,
Skywalker HW, Soraya
HW - yeah! Refined, elegant black/bay filly with a small/pretty head
by the famous Sandro
Hit, born February 6th, 2008 at our farm in Cape Coral,
Florida.
|
Feb 2nd and 3rd,
2008:
Picture this: How about a debut at second level with two
scores above a 69% in two separate rides with two different judges!?
Ride a horse that earns 8’s on both gaits and impulsion! Add to
this a rider who just turned seventeen who receives an 8 for seat and
position! This is something that all dressage riders dream about
– but it was reality for Vivienne Wiederhold and her lovely mare, EM
Donatella
HW at the American Dressage Concourse at Fox Lea Farm in Venice,
Florida, on February 2nd and 3rd, 2008.
Congratulations to them for their fantastic and beautiful rides and two
second place finishes their first time out at second level!
|
January 9th, 2008:
Hi! Things are GREAT! We are definitely
learning to sit a BIG TROT with lots of ease and grace...attached is a
recent clinic that I attended and they were so impressed with Roman, his
appearance, his demeanor and thought he/we "looked" exactly as
a dressage pair should look....and can you believe it, our photo made
the front page of their Newsletter!!! He's won his classes in 4th
level 4th Test in Houston with Blue Ribbons...obviously with my trainer
aboard, so way trained better than myself and I'm learning everyday on
him! I can't thank you enough and would highly recommend any
amateur to purchase through you as your knowledge and expertise in
helping me pick out Roman was wonderful...not to mention he was of the
highest quality!
Thanks so much!
Bobbie
|
Please use the column on the
left for reviews of previous years,
or just click on the links
below!
click here for 2021 News Flash info
click here for 2020 News Flash info
click here for 2019 News Flash info
click
here for 2018 News Flash Info
click
here for 2017 News Flash Info
click
here for 2016 News Flash Info
click
here for 2015 News Flash Info
click
here for 2014 News Flash Info
click
here for 2013 News Flash Info
click
here for 2012 News Flash Info
click
here for 2011 News Flash Info
click
here for 2010 News Flash Info
click
here for 2009 News Flash Info
click
here for 2008 News Flash Info
click
here for 2007 News Flash Info
click here for 2006 News Flash Info
click here for 2005 News Flash Info
|