Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold and born in the USA, THREE times Young Horse Champion (2008, 2009 and 2010!), Horse Of The Year, Olympics in Rio and many more titles, so thankful to watch his journey and to every single person who made it possible.

Huge congratulations to family Dahl & team!

Mette Dahl Takes over Dad Anders' Danish Team Horse Selten HW for Children Competition

2020 CDI Le Mans

Mette Dahl and Selten HW make an impressive CDI Debut in the children's division at the 2020 CDI Le Mans :: Photo © Les Garennes Mette Dahl and Selten HW make an impressive CDI Debut in the children's division at the 2020 CDI Le Mans Photo © Les Garennes British Mette Dahl has successfully taken over the ride on her father Anders Dahl's Danish WEG team horse Selten HW and raised the flag for Great Britain on her international show debut at Children's level at the 2020 CDI Le Mans in France.

Dahl and Selten HW on Winning Form West Sussex-based Mette Dahl (13) dominated the Children on Horses classes with a double victory in both the Team and Individual Test. Her winning partner is none other than Selten HW (by Sandro Hit), her father Anders Dahl former top ride with whom he represented Denmark twice at an intercontinental championship.

Now retired from Grand Prix level competition, the 16-year old has struck up a great bond with his young rider and clearly still loves to compete.

"I have ridden Selten HW since the beginning of November and in this short period of time we have had lots of fun together and I have learnt an awful lot from him," Mette told Eurodressage. "As he is now not competing at Grand Prix level it is nice for him to have a job to do which he is enjoying as he is still so fit and well. He does make me work hard though. He is very big moving and I have had to work on strengthening my core to be able to sit his very bouncy trot!

" Mette gave the 17hh gelding, who is owned by her mum, British Olympian Fiona Bigwood, a super ride and posted scores of 72.20% and 72.94% respectively.

"I was very pleased with Selten HW in Le Mans as it was only our second show together. It was nice to feel him being so fresh and happy after having a little break from competing," said Mette. "It was also reassuring to have my dad train me as he knows him so well and understands his personality. I was nervous doing our first international together but at the same time I was feeling excited and honoured to ride him because of what he has achieved with my dad.

" Selten HW is an American bred Hanoverian by Sandro Hit x Hohenstein. After winning the 2008 and 2009 U.S. young horse championships with Michael Bragdell, the black was shipped by his owner Elizabeth Ball to Europe to be sold. Bigwood purchased the horse as an 8-year old at the 2012 Equine Elite Auction for 500,000 euro. Under Fiona's husband Anders Dahl, the horse made its international debut at small tour level in 2014 and at Grand Prix level in 2016. They represented Denmark at the Rio Olympics and World Equestrian Games in Tryon. The pair's last CDI was the 2019 CDI Hagen last April.

"I am hoping to be able to ride juniors on him next year as long," Mette added.

Double Debut, Pony Level with George Clooney

Mette has made a double debut in Le Mans as she also premiered George Clooney BS in the FEI Pony division.

Dahl  took over the rode on the now 9-year old British bred KWPN registered pony (by Caesar 171 x Santano) in September 2018. The pony is bred in the U.K. by Julie Lockey.

He was previously shown by Sophie Taylor, who represented Team GB at the 2018 European Pony Championships in Bishop Burton and finished 14th in the freestyle final.

Mette and George Clooney BS At Mette's pony debut in Le Mans she scored three consistent rounds of 66-67%.

"I had a super feeling with George, and he was great fun to ride," said Mette. "As always George was extremely enthusiastic in the ring which gives me a lovely feeling. George is a very talented pony, but we lost some points due to some of my inaccuracies but hopefully that will improve with more shows. I felt like Le mans was a massive learning curve for me as I haven’t ridden many shows with George either. This is the first year that I am doing any serious dressage competitions. Up until now I have been training at home with the odd show but I have mainly been doing fun jumping competitions with my jumping pony. My parents think it is important that I ride both disciplines at the moment.

" Mette would like to represent Great Britain at the European Championships, whether it is ponies or children, but for her the most important aspect right now is to learn and have fun.

"I am aiming to do some more internationals and I would love to get to the European Championships, whether it is on Pony’s or Children on Horses but there are a lot of good riders for Great Britain at the moment, so we are quite relaxed about it all," she explained. "We will have to see how the season goes but as it is only my first season we are very realistic about it all. My parents just want me to have fun and to enjoy competing."

This makes me/us so happy and proud, huge congratulations to family Dahl, Anders Dahl, Fiona Bigwood and Mette with Selten HW, how wonderful to see this US bred Olympic horse (many more titles to name) to be internationally successful with the next generation in the family as well. Thank you to the whole team!

BD Youth posted:

Another fantastic win for Mette Dahl and Selten HW at Le Mans CDI in France! They've taken the Children in Horses Individual with 72.90%

Heidi Troniseck posted:

Super proud to have been part of Mette Dahl’s debut international competition in Le Mans last week.... she coped brilliantly with the pressure winning two of her classes on Selten HW.

I’m absolutely amazed with this horse... he has proven himself at every senior competition possible and now he teaches a young girl. He’s so very happy in this new role- I honestly don’t know of a kinder, sweeter horse that would do such a job. It’s incredible. He’s one in a million... 

Selten HW, how fantastic, congratulations to Mette’s Dahl's victory and the whole team! Go Selten HW, Olympic competitor and babysitter.

Liz Geldard Walsh posted: If someone would have said to me when I collected Selten HW that I would be walking him in the wind by moonlight I would have laughed at them! But here I am doing just that and I haven't had to hang on! Such a superstar topped off by winning the children on horses class with the little girl I used to push in a pram around the stables! So very proud!

USA bred (by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold/www.HWfarm.com), Olympic horse Selten HW with Anders Dahl

Horses & Dreams/PSI Events, Hagen Germany.

A very respectful 73.130 % for Selten HW (US bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold), with Anders Dahl in the saddle. What an accomplishment, check out that list, just wow!

American Hanoverian FEI and USDF Young Dressage Horse Year End Winners, congratulations to all, but specially proud of Francis HW with Jennifer Williams Dressage, owned by Elizabeth Norling, being reserve Champion 6 Year Olds 2018 and looking down the list, seeing my home bred Selten HW with 8.6, owned by Anders Dahl & Fiona Bigwood, still being the highest scored in all years, all ages/categories. He was owned by Elizabeth Ball at the time.

Kate Steele posted the following:

Tryon 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games with Anders Dahl, at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Finally both me and Selten HW have landed and are on our way home after a fun filled 2 weeks in WEG, with the best people and of course my favorite unicorn.

Anders Dahl posted:

WEG is the LARGEST sporting event in the U.S. this year, and the fourth largest in the world behind the Winter Olympics, FIFA world Cup and Tour de France!!!

It is amazing being part of something this big! I can’t wait to get over there. Selten HW is ready.

This is in the brochure at at #FestivalofChampions featuring the Markel Horse/USEF Young and Devloping Horses, and the Children, Pony, and Junior Riders at Lamplight Equestrian Center ....and....Selten HW is still going strong, after lots of international success, including the Olympics, he qualified for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon and will be back in the US soon, with Anders Dahl in the saddle.

Super Selten HW and Anders Dahl qualified in Achen, Germany, for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tyron 2018. It will be amazing to see him back in the USA, even if only to compete, congratulations to this fantastic team, so very thankful as a breeder, to see an American bred (by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold) and born horse to have such a successful and international career.

Aachen, Germany Results: CDIO5* Nations Cup Team Day 1 Standings

 Selten HW and Anders Dahl 

Internationaux de dressage de Compiègne, congratulations again and again, what a successful, international career for Selten HW and his rider/owner.

Anders Dahl (with Fiona Bigwood) posted: Another beautiful day in Compiègne! Selten HW was very good again! He will be in top form for the Danish Championship in 3 weeks. 5th in the Grand Prix Special and we finished 2nd in the Nations Cup. Thank you Ulrik Molgaard and Cathrine Dufour for an amazing team effort.

Anders Dahl posted the following, congratulations (Selten HW was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold and was born in the USA):

"Super Selten HW had a fantastic start to the session in Hagen, Germany. GP 72.3% and 7th place, GPS 71.787% and 9th place in a very strong class. I was very happy with him and can’t wait to see what 2018 will bring."

OMG - they did it again, huge congratulations to Selten HW (bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold) and Anders Dahl!

Denmark’s Anders Dahl & Selten Log Personal Best to Win CDI3* Freestyle to Sweep Le Mans for 2nd Year LE MANS, France, Oct. 21, 2017–The Danish Olympic pair of Anders Dahl and Selten HW won the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle with a personal best score Saturday, to repeat a sweep of this show for the second year.

Anders and the 13-year-old American-bred Hanoverian gelding were awarded 76.875 per cent for the win, two days after capturing the Grand Prix–matching the performances at this show in 2016.

Spain’s Nicole Vazquez Kremer and Wonder placed second on 72.700 per cent with Switzerland’s Birgit Wientzek Plägae and Robinvale third on 72.600 per cent. Anders, based in England and who competed for Denmark at the 2016 Rio Olympics, logged the third victory in a row on Selten that was bought after then owner-rider Californian Elizabeth Ball completed taking the three U.S. young horse titles.

The duo began Big Tour in April last year then going on to compete for Denmark at the Rio Olympics and in Nations Cups.

Selten HW - bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold:

Dressage-News, front page: Denmark’s Anders Dahl & Selten HW Win, USA’s Catherine Haddad-Staller & Semper Fidelis 2nd in Le Mans CDI3* Grand Prix

LE MANS, France, Oct. 19, 2017–Anders Dahl and Selten HW posted their highest score of the year to win the CDI3* Grand Prix Thursday and edging past Catherine Haddad-Staller and Semper Fidelis in only the second international competition for the American pair.

Anders and Selten, based in England and who competed for Denmark at the 2016 Rio Olympics, scored 72.780 per cent for the win.

There were big disparities in the judges’ marks for Anders and the American-bred and triple U.S. young horse champion–one at 75 per cent, two at 74 per cent and the fourth at 73.300 per cent, but Elizabeth McMullen of Canada at C gave 67.500 per cent ranking the pair 10th. At this event a year ago, Anders and the American-bred and triple U.S. young horse champion won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special.

In their first indoor competition, Catherine and Semper Fidelis, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare, scored 72.400 per cent Thursday, edging past the 72.240 per cent posted in their Big Tour debut less than a month ago that was an outdoor event in Germany. The duo were fourth to go in lineup Thursday and had to wait through the total of 40 starting combinations from 14 nations before the duo’s runner-up placing was confirmed.

Boulerie Jump - Pôle Européen du Cheval, Yvré-L'Évêque, France

Anders Dahl posted: Selten HW was amazing last night and we finished 1st out of 40 horses. It was our best Grand Prix test to date. I had a great feeling all the way through the test.

Bronze at the Danish Championships 2017 - Super Selten HW! Fantastic performances, selected for the Aachen team, Selten HW and Anders Dahl did super well this weekend.

 Huge congratulations! 

Stort tillykke til vores danmarksmester i dressur, Cathrine og Cassidy?????? Også stort tillykke til Agnete og Jojo med sølvet?? og til Anders og Selten HW med bronzen?? Vi glæder os til at følge jer i Aachen?????? #dressur #DM #sydbank #agria Big Congratulations to our win in dressage, Cathrine and Cassidy ?????? also big congratulations to agnete and jojo with the silver ?? and to Anders and Selten HW with bronze ?? we look forward to following you in aachen ?????? #Dressage #dm #sydbank #agria

It’s official, Selten HW and Anders Dahl qualified for the Dutch team, that will participate at the CHIO in Aachen, huge congratulations, what a sensational success!

Pictures by Anne Kollberg

Selten HW, bred by www.HWfarm.com, owned by Anders Dahl & Fiona Bigwood, ranked number 53 in the world after his first season at GP is impressive :-) Never scoring below 69.2% in his International career, info provided by the phenomenal Liz Geldard Walsh:

She continues with: "What an amazing horse. Well done on breeding such a fabulous lovely boy and well done to Anders for training him so well.

Another of Selten HW's test sheets!!

Thanks to Liz Geldard Walsh — with Anders Dahl and Fiona Bigwood

Anders Dahl wins the CDI3* GP in Roosendaal

The Equestrian Center Den Goubergh in Roosendaal, the Netherlands, puts the dressage community in front this week. At the international 3* Grand Prix, Danmark’s Anders Dahl left the Dutch from victory, as he impressed the judges aboard the 12-year-old Selten HW (by Sandro Hit). The pair scored with all judges, except fellow country judge Susanne Baarup, the highest score. The Danish combination finished with a total of 72.900%. Dutch Tommie Visser and Variohippique’s Vingino (by Polansky) followed as runner-up with 72,120%.

Visser received the best score from Judge Susanne at C and was among the bests for judges Jeannette Wolfs and Mara De Bel Groenenboom. Gareth Hughes and Don Carissimo (by Crusador) followed in a third place with a total of 71.100%.

The top five was completed by Dutch Jeannette Haazen (Dabanos d’O4, by Abanos) and Caroline Chew (Tribiani, by S. Landtinus Dvh 674) in a fifth.

Anders Dahl himself said the following: near Roosendaal, Netherlands ·

Fabulous Selten HW did it again, we won the GP in Roosendaal. 5 wins in a row now.

He was amazing today. Selten HW was very focused and it felt easy today, good boy. I love him.

Congratulations to Olympic couple Anders Dahl and Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) & Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia, great news! The GAITPOST.com published the following article:

Back on Track sponsor Olympic Couple Olympic dressage riders Fiona Bigwood and Anders Dahl are to be sponsored by Swedish based therapeutic clothing company Back on Track, the company has announced.

The American Hanoverian Society prints the following article: Selten HW - Every Breeder’s Dream... and Then Some ...

From first steps baby steps to piaffe steps in front of the eyes of the world, Selten HW personifies the dream of every breeder.

Regular people might like to call me a crazy horse lady, but if you’re reading this then you probably understand my horse obsession just fine. This whole journey began when my grandpa put me on the first pony at the early age of four. I took vaulting lessons until I was about six-years old and then starting taking dressage lessons. There was no keeping me out of the barn and away from horses after that point. Many years later as my daughter’s tenth birthday was approaching, the only thing she wished for was a horse. At this point we were living in Florida and all we had was a small cow barn in the backyard. We converted the cow barn into what grew to be a large six stall horse barn and well... the rest is history (in the making). Once I made up my mind about breeding I set out on this breeding journey with the best mares I could find, one of them a beautiful black mare named SPS High Princess by Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero. I pieced together all of my memories and lessons that I learned while spending my youth around horses and started the process to finding a perfect match for her. A fond horse memory of mine took place in my hometown in Germany where the Celle stallions would come year after year to cover the local mares. Seeing these amazing stallions in person was always an exciting time, and even when I look back now, I can still remember some of them because their names made history and are still associated with great lineages today. Memories such as this play a large part in my knowledge of bloodlines and my hard to satisfy taste in good horses. After many days and nights of nonstop searching, I finally found a match and a few months later, we welcomed just one of the many very successful foals that were born at the HW Farm in Florida. He was a pitch black colt by Sandro Hit, out of an overall 9 Hanoverian mare by Hohenstein/Donnerhall, who would soon start making a name for himself and leaving a mark wherever he went. It was clear from the beginning that Selten HW was a stunner, so I contacted Hilltop Farms when he was a yearling to see if they would be interested in working with him. Although they only take in young colts from their own stallions, I was able to convince them that I had something special on my hands and they agreed to at least look at a video of our boy. 

Selten HW (a Sandro Hit son, bred and owned by HW Farm), winning his classes at Devon with a whopping 85.6% in 2006

Selten HW with rider Elizabeth Ball, won three years of Young Horse Championships in a row!

Winning the Young Horse Championship for the third year in a row in 2010.

Upon review of the video I sent them, Scott Hassler changed his mind and an exception was made. Scott said “his movement was stellar and that you could barely hear him touch the ground.” Shortly after, Selten HW moved to Hilltop Farms. During his first show at the prestigious Devon competition as a two year-old, Selten HW won the title of Reserve Grand Champion of Dressage at Devon, the USDF Breeders Champion Award for Colts and Geldings, the Champion Two-Year-Old Class, Best Born in the USA and High Point Hanoverian. Following his success at Devon, and in the loving and trusting hands of Michael Bragdell, Selten HW was started under saddle, where he was taken out on trail rides, over jumps, and more. Their strong bond and loving relationship was obvious to everyone that saw them. At the age of three, Selten HW was named Oldenburg Champion Stallion, and sold to the Pan American rider Elizabeth Ball, where he began his incredible international journey. He went on to win the “Triple Crown” being the only horse in history to win the Young Horse Championships from age four through age six, once under Michael Bragdell, and twice with his owner/rider, Elizabeth Ball. Selten HW continued to break records and set himself apart from the competition during the Elite Auction in the Netherlands. Selten HW broke the price record at the Elite Auction by selling for 500,000 Euro to Anders Dahl, a Denmark Olympic team member and Fiona Bigwood, a U.K. Olympic team member. Selten HW was undefeated in 2014 with scores up in the 80s. In Spain he won four out of four classes and during his debut at Intermediare I. He received spectacular comments from the judges in Spain, that included, “New star on the horizon, what a remarkable horse.” He continued his victories with Anders in the saddle in the U.K. and by the end of the year he competed against the undefeated, famous Woodlander Farouche, where he earned the Horse of The Year Champion title, to which Anders Dahl said:

“He’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on, with so much power and capacity, he can do everything!” 

Selten HW and Anders Dahl in 2014, internationally undefeated!

Selten HW 2014 Horse Of The Year, winning the Battle of the Titans

A judge’s comment on one of Selten HW’s Prix St. Georges tests in 2014 in which he was awarded an incredible TWENTY-FIVE 9’s from the three judges!

When I reflect back on my journey and think about how it all started, I am always in awe. There are now HW horses all over the world that are doing great things and being extremely successful with their owners. Lots of positive thinking, hard work, and support from my family and friends got me through the rollercoaster of the breeding and horse world but their continued success is what brings me so much pride and happiness on a daily basis. When I found out that Anders Dahl and Selten HW qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, it was just another one of those “OMG, did I really have a part in this amazingness!?” moment for me. I sat glued to the television each day to watch the pair compete in Rio and it was just spectacular to see them both working together and being such a great team. Just back from the Olympics, Selten HW continued his winning streak and won two consecutive Grand Prix Internationales in the Superflex Big Tour, Grande Semaine de Saumur, France. He just keeps the victories coming! Once you get past the stress and logistics of it all, there is nothing more rewarding about being a breeder than being able to sit back and watch all of these superstars in action. There is not a single day that goes by that I don’t get a progress report from at least one happy horse parent about how great their HW horse did during their training session that day or how well they competed at a show. Its things like hearing about all of the great accomplishments that each and every HW horse makes that has made my journey just so much more fun and rewarding. I can’t wait to see what the future brings! To learn more about HW Farm visit www.HWfarm.com

Liz Geldard Walsh posted:

And now 4 international wins in a row for Anders Dahl and Selten HW.

The boys are on fire after winning yesterday's Grand Prix Special with 73.3% in Le Mans :-) huge congratulations to all the team xx Fiona Bigwood, Kate Steele, Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold and Kebie van der Heijden 

ANDERS DAHL & SELTEN HW WIN LE MANS CDI3* GRAND PRIX FOR 3RD STRAIGHT VICTORY

And then….Selten HW’s owner/rider Anders Dahl and groom Kate Steele, went to see the Queen - on the occasion of the participation of Danish athletes in The Olympic Games in Brazil!

Selten HW and Anders Dahl, in their first competition since riding on Denmark’s team at the Olympic Games, won the CDI3* Grand Prix Friday, the first victory and a personal best score since their Big Tour debut, only 6 months ago. The next day, they were able to repeat their victory, with another 71.608 overall, making it TWO international GP victories in one swoop. Anders Dahl and Fiona Bigwood, huge congratulations to you and the whole team, for everything you all do. What an amazing journey, so VERY happy to see and follow this every single day and time out. Selten HW was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, in Florida, USA.

Amanda Miller Hudson took the time out of her day, to send this card via mail.

Wow, amazing, thank you so much, what a delight!

Love it, very much appreciated!!!

Thanks to everybody who helped in Selten HW's journey and all others who congratulated me/us. What a dream to come true!

Anders Dahl posted:

I am very happy with HRH super Selten HW, he is still very green but he really tried his hardest today.

I love him!

Selten HW made it, his first year at GP and at the Olympics 2016, in Rio, Selten HW is now, after yesterdays performance, in the worlds top 31 horses - congratulations to the married couple Anders Dahl (rides for Denmark) and Fiona Bigwood (rides for GBR), Selten HW’s owners. Well done!!! Fiona herself has her mare Orthilia also in the top 31, what a success, unreal, so very proud of them all.

Anders Dahl posted: We now have the start list for tomorrow's GPS. I can't wait to get in the arena again, we are at the moment 6th as a team but hopefully we can improve it tomorrow.

Selten HW - bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold - www.HWfarm.com

United States Dressage Federation Official Page

Did you know there is an American-bred horse in the 2016 Olympic dressage competition? This is the former USEF Young Horse champion Selten HW (by Sandro Hit), who is competing for Denmark with rider Anders Dahl.

Hilltop Farm, Inc. added 5 new photos — with Michael Bragdell. 

· Olympic Dressage starts this morning and we have to admit we're especially rooting for one particular horse - Selten HW! For those of you who may not remember, Selten HW (Sandro Hit-Hohenstein) was bred here in the US by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold. Selten grew up here at Hilltop Farm and as a 2-year old was Reserve Grand Champion of Dressage at Devon. Michael Bragdell started Selten HW undersaddle and Beth Ball purchased Selten HW late in his 3-year old year. Michael began showing him in 2008 and they won the US 4-Year Old Young Horse Championships and the Young Horse classes at Devon. The following spring Michael qualified Selten HW for the 5-Year Olds and then Beth took over the ride. She brilliantly won the 5-Year Old Championships and the 6-Year Old Championships the following year. The first horse to win the Young Horse Triple Crown in the US!

Selten HW was exported to Europe and he's found a perfect match with Anders Dahl. Together they've won small tour CDI competitions at Hickstead, Hartpury, and Barcelona. In just their first year in CDI Grand Prix's they've qualified to represent Denmark at the Olympics and later today, they'll head down the centerline in Rio.

This is the fairytale all breeders dream of. So while we are cheering for Team USA and our riders, we're also cheering especially loudly for Selten HW, Anders, and Irene! #usbred #twohearts #roadtorio

Selten HW - Vet check passed - 2016 Olympics!

Anders Dahl posted:

A brilliant day today. Training was great and all on the Danish team past the vet check. We have a light training tomorrow morning and then off to support the Danish handball team.

Anders Dahl in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Selten HW felt very good today, he just had a very easy day with walk and a light trot and canter. It is amazing out here!

HWfarm's U.S. Bred Selten HW Makes Olympic Journey to Rio!

August 2nd, 2016

HWfarm - where the Olympics meet happy customers! Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of HWfarm is American bred and raised and now he is proudly qualified for the Rio Olympic Games! Selten HW started out his huge career, at just 2-years-old, at the prestigious Dressage at Devon show winning the titles of Reserve Grand Champion of Dressage at Devon, the USDF Breeders Champion award for colts and geldings, Champion of the 2-year-old class, best Born in the USA and High Point Hanoverian!

Selten HW, bred by HWfarm, is headed to the Rio Olympic Games with Anders Dahl representing Denmark. (Photo: Rui Pedro Godinho)

At just 3-years-old, he was named Oldenburg Champion stallion. From there Selten HW sold to Pan Am rider Elizabeth Ball where he got the start on his huge journey and to get prepared for his international future. Selten HW began an historic achievement in 2008 by winning the 4-year-old Young Horse Championships with Michael Bragdell in the saddle and then wrapped up the Triple Crown accomplishment after winning both the 5 and 6-year-old Young Horse Championships (2009/2010), with his owner/rider, Elizabeth Ball in the saddle.

Selten HW and Anders Dahl (Photo: Rui Pedro Godinho)

The only horse in the history and up to today, who won it 3 times in a row, an unmatched series of victories then and he kept them coming.

He was sold for Euro 500,000, being the highest price horse up to day, at the Elite Auction in the Netherlands, luckily being purchased by no other, than his current rider Anders Dahl (Danish Olympic team member), husband of Fiona Bigwood (Olympic team member UK). With his new partner, Selten HW was undefeated in 2014 with scores even up in the 80’s in Spain. At their debut at Intermediare-I, Selten HW went undefeated, winning 4 out of 4 classes, with spectacular comments from the judges in Spain including: "New star on the horizon", "what a horse", "remarkable horse" and so on.

He continued his victories in the UK and by the end of the year, competed against Woodlander Farouche and earned the title Horse Of The Year Champion.

HWfarms Selten HW performing with rider Andres Dahl (Photo: Rui Pedro Godinho)

Wow - you think that would be phenomenal already, Anders Dahl says: “He’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on, with so much power and capacity, he can do everything!”

Yes, well said Anders! Now, in 2016, the pair is qualified to go to the Rio Olympics, what a milestone. We wish them all the best, can’t wait what the future will hold!!!

In addition to have bred this sensational, international wonder horse, HWfarm continues to have happy customers and to sell horses worldwide. Here is one of the many success stories, that can be found under testimonials on www.HWfarm.com - just one of many, enjoy and get in contact with www.HWfarm.com to secure your next super horse!

Anders Dahl added 5 photos and a video and posted the following:

Selten HW has now had his last walk before heading to #Rio and is now on the first part of his journey.

I think it is the first show I am not taking him myself, luckily Heidi Troniseck will look after him until departure in Liege and she is super with him. Pedens wouldn't allow me to fly the plane.

Thank you Lisa Russell for all your help. Kate Steele we will see you tomorrow.

The news is filled with articles, Selten HW qualified for the Olympic games 2016, in Rio! What a success!! Huge congratulations to Anders Dahl and Selten HW, well done, what an achievement. 

Not many breeders can say, they bred a horse selected/qualified for the Olympics - we can, this horse was US bred, born and raised, by www.HWfarm.com / Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold

Here are some of the many news articles and impressions:

Eurodressage publishes the following article, by Astrid Apples:

 http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2016/06/22/danish-team-2016-cdio-aachen-announced

For the Danish Olympic short listed riders the 2016 CDIO Aachen will be the showdown to decide who earns the fourth spot on their Rio Team. The Danish Equestrian Federation has now announced the team that will contest the Nations' Cup in Aachen.

Danish team trainer Rudolf Zeilinger and team captain Kimi Nielsen have agreed on the team that will represent Denmark in Aachen, which will be the final selection and observation trial for the Danish riders.

Cathrine Dufour, Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, Daniel Bachmann and Anders Dahl (Selten HW) will be competing in the CDIO Nations' Cup tour, while Mikala Münter Gundersen (My Lady) will need to prove her worth in the CDI 4* tour. 

Anna Kasprzak and her 17-year old Donnperignon will not be competing in Aachen. As fixed members of the Danish team since 2012 they have secured their spot and are given a bye from competing in Aachen.

The Danish Olympic team will be announced on 17 July 2016.

Photo © Astrid Appels

2016 Danish Dressage Championships - Danish Olympic team selection

The 2016 Danish Championships were an important Danish Olympic team selection trial and while the top three is crystal clear the battle for the fourth spot is still wide open and the Danes will clash in Aachen for that final Olympic team spot. Team trainer Rudolf Zeilinger was in Broholm to witness the action in the lead-up to the 2016 Rio Games. "This was a very, very high level and beautiful riding, that we have witnessed here at the Danish Championships. I'm very happy and it looks like we'll have a good Olympics," said Zeilinger. Based on the rides in Broholm hot contestants for the fourth spot are Daniel Bachmann (Hotline), Rikke Svane (Finckenstein), Anders Dahl (Selten HW), and Mikala Gundersen (My Lady). Mai Tofte Olesen and Rustique certainly rode themselves in the picture but have not yet achieved the international MES and can not be included on the Danish Olympic long list. Ander Dahl and Selten HW put in strong rides in the first two rounds, but withdrew for the freestyle in Broholm as the horse sustained a small cut to his frontleg when he spooked walking to the stable after the Special. The pair will be competing in Aachen for that fourth team spot.

Pictures by the generous Anne Kollberg

Yes, HWfarm horses are famous and internationally well known - check out Selten HW with his owner/rider Anders Dahl at the NAF - stand in Denmark.

Daddy and son, in one picture.

Daddy with Selten HW and his baby in front of it. Totally amazing!!!

NAF, official suppliers to the British Equestrian Teams

Congratulations to Selten HW and Anders Dahl, to their huge success. It was only their 2nd outing at GP and the class had a big field of high quality horses and riders, 45 from all over the world competed in it. The article says the appealing black gelding is very elegant and light footed.

Well done!

Eurodressage prints the following article:

Very thankful for everything and everybody whom made it possible, here are some pictures of Selten HW and Anders Dahl in France, at Le Cadre Noir, Ecole Nationale d’Equitation

Photos by Rui Pedro Godinho

Dressage International released the following article - wow, Fiona Bigwood and Anders Dahl (Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, www.HWfarm.com) have the world talking. It’s a family affair, when it comes to the best of the best world wide, read below:

Dressage - News prints the following article, huge congratulations to Selten HW, well done!

FIONA BIGWOOD & ORTHILIA WIN SAUMUR CDI3* SPECIAL, ANDERS DAHL & SELTEN HW 2ND Fiona Bigwood and Atterupgaards Orthilia. File photo © 2015 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

SAUMUR, France, May 1, 2016–Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia maintained their 2016 winning streak by claiming victory with a personal best score in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special Sunday while her husband Anders Dahl kept it in the family by placing second on Selten HW.

Fiona and Atterupgaards Orthilia scored 79.196 per cent in the fourth straight win in four starts so far this year and easily surpassing their previous high Special result of 76.255 per cent posted three weeks agpo.

The score for Fiona and the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare came after notching a Grand Prix personal best two days ago. Barring anything unforeseen, the results assure the pair a place on Great Britain’s team for the Olympics in August alongside Charlotte Dujardin on Valegro and Carl Hester on Nip Tuck.

The pair began Big Tour a year ago and were on Britain’s European Championship silver medal team last year. 

Anders Dahl, Fiona’s husband who rides for Denmark and lives in England with their three children, was second on Selten HW with a score of 73.431 per cent.

This show was the CDI Grand Prix debut for Anders and the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Sandro Hit x Hohenstein) bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of Cape Coral, Florida.

Selten HW was sold by Californian Elizabeth Ball in October 2012 after she trained and competed the horse to an historic triple crown by winning the United States four-year-old title in 2008, five-year-old victor in 2009 and the six-year-old championship in 2010.

Anders capped a successful Small Tour career by winning the 2014 Dressage Future Elite Championship at Britain’s Horse of the Year show.

Belgium’s Jorinde Verwimp on Tiamo were third on 69.706 per cent. Jorinde and the 16-year-old KWPN were partners through European Junior, Young Rider and senior championships in the past five years.

Selten HW had a phenomenal weekend, showing the very first time at Grand Prix Special, Eurodressage printed the following article:

"Selten HW competed in his first International Grand Prix and Special," Anders Dahl explained at the end of the day. "In the Grand Prix due to my warm up plan it didn't go so well and affected the test resulting in some mistakes but still gave us a score of 69.2% and fouth place from 42 starters. After analyzing everything I had a rethink and approached Selten's warm up for the Special differently. It worked and I'm super happy with him and we achieved 73.4% and second place behind Fiona who scored a dream score of 79.1%. I'm really looking forward to the future with Selten HW." Photos © Eilberg - Carde

Anders Dahl posted: On the way home after a fantastic show in Saumur. Selten HW competed in his first International Grand Prix and Special. In the Grand Prix due to my warm up plan it didn't go so well and affected the test resulting in some mistakes but still gave us a score of 69.2% and 4th place from 42 starters. After analyzing everything I had a rethink and approached Selten's warm up for the Special differently. It worked and I'm super happy with him and we achieved 73.4% and 2nd place behind Fiona Bigwood and Atterupgaards Orthilia who scored a dream score of 79.1% I'm really looking forward to the future with Selten HW.

Huge congratulations to Anders Dahl and Selten HW on their very first international GP results! Well done, what a team.

HWfarm Horses Keep Breaking Records and Collecting Victories World Wide! 

HWfarm is a name synonymous with quality and in the tradition of classic German breeding practice, HWfarm's horses continue to excel in modern equine sport world wide. International victories keep coming from Selten HW (bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold), he was out and about to win his first time out at Intermediare I, as well as his first outing in Grand Prix in the UK. Selten HW’s Grand Pix debut with a 75.05% was a big attraction and Linda Whetstone, judging on the three quarter line, commented “The horse's expression, paces and way of going are of star quality.” and Sally Merrison added “It’s a privilege to judge them and the partnership between horse and rider is lovely to see”! Anders Dahl and his partner keep dancing their way to victory and Anders reports that Selten HW is probably the best horse he has ever had and ridden. The pair has become quite an amazing team and are definitely a team to watch as they continue to dominate on the European Dressage circuit.

Selten HW and Denmark's Anders Dahl, warming up at the horse show.

Here in the States, Selten HW’s younger full brother SkyWalker HW, also bred by Irene, has made his way up the levels as well, now the proud owner of an Intermediare I Championship title, with his owner Catherine Reid, scoring as high as 72.7%! At the Golden State Dressage Festival in California, the High Point of the entire show, a 82.2%, went to Sir Niro HW, aka Sotto Voce, with Jennifer Schrader-Williams in the saddle. The pair also won the FEI 5-year-old class, with a score of 8.2, making owner Heidi Schneller-Cook very proud, she says "He is a Diamond! One very special horse! Thank you Irene!!". There were other www.HWfarm.com horses as well and they did fantastic, winning their classes, collecting ribbons, scoring beautifully. ShowMaster HW, aka Sueño Hit, won both Developing Prix St Georges classes scoring over 70%, owned by Rachel Saavedra Dressage. El Capitano HW, now known as Elysian or Ely, placed 3rd at FEI Prix St Georges and 5th at his first outing in the FEI Intermediate I, owned by Tracey Lert and Sugarland HW, winning two 4th level classes and placing 4th at Developing Prix St Georges, owned by Lynn Welge.

Regularly updated show results and more info can be found on several pages of the News Flash section at www.HWfarm.com. You can also find several pages of Testimonials from owners and trainers that are thrilled with their partners purchased from www.HWfarm.com! A 5 star review of HWfarm was given by Carol McPhee, her Fendi HW won both of his classes, first time out, shortly after import and she wrote: "5 stars for Irene and her team in Germany. They deserve the highest regards to their breeding, raising, training and selling amazing horses. Purchasing a horse of their value sight unseen was a bit skeptical but once the process started I was immediately at ease. Irene provided complete medical records for my vet to review and history of Fendi HW to allow me to make the best decision ever to purchase him. Irene kept me up to date on his complete travels from Germany into the US. She has continued to keep in contact with me and Fendi HW and has been there for me 24/7, literally, to answer any questions I have had. Fendi HW is everything and more than they advertised. His elegance and fanciness is a product of such professional and successful training from Irene's team in Germany. I will not hesitate to make my 2nd purchase from HW Farm and highly recommend anyone that wants the full package (select bloodlines, elegant correct confirmations, sane well-mannered dispositions, and stellar training) to purchase one of their beautiful horses sight unseen. Keep up the great work Irene and thank you for Fendi HW. He is loved to eternity and back."

More and more HW horses are present in the US and all over the world. Nancy Smith just welcomed her 3rd HW horse, Lord Lennox HW and he is a welcomed addition to the wonderful Damon’s Design HW and Hudson HW! They winter in Florida right now and she reports, the horses are her true loves and they make all her dreams come true.

Lord Lennox HW and Nancy Smith

There are too many HW horses, victories and ribbons to count and name them all - right now, but another great impression came from Fifty Shades HW, competing successfully at 4th level, also known as Finley, who is wonderfully ridden by Janine Little, owned by Shawneen Jacobs, scoring 9’s and 10’s already. Festival HW, loved by Donna Gatchell and his owner Karen Kerchner Baillie, is already successfully competing at 4th level and continues to collect an amazing amount of ribbons again, and like every show, year after year, more victories, championships and more. They write "HW horses are the best and thank you for this wonderful horse".

Dr. Amanda Apesos says, "Bentley HW won the USDF Region 7 Training level Adult Amateur championship class and he is the horse of her lifetime". This is what www.HWfarm.com stands for - happy horses, happy customers! Success all around, due to very careful selections and breeding, consequent handling, training and hard work, over many years of raising and bringing these kids along for their new mommies and daddies.

Image Gallery
Fifty Shades HW - Westphalian gelding  Bundes Championship Winner (Fidertanz / Ehrentusch)	Golden Sate Dressage Festival High Point Score Report for Sir Niro HW - Westphalian gelding (Sir Donnerhall / De Niro)	SkyWalker HW - Sandro Hit and SPS High Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero)	ShowMaster HW - Oldenburg gelding (Sandro Hit / Relevant / Donnerhall / Pik Bube)
SkyWalker HW - Sandro Hit and SPS High Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero)	Lord Lennox HW and Nancy Smith - Rhineland gelding ( Lord Loxley / Rocket Star)	ShowMaster HW - Oldenburg gelding (Sandro Hit / Relevant / Donnerhall / Pik Bube)	Fendi HW - Westphalian gelding (Floviono / Ferragamo)
Selten HW - Sandro Hit and SPS High Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero)	Andreas Dahl  Selten HW - Sandro Hit and SPS High Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero)	Some of Festival Hw's many ribbons	Tracy Lert El Capitano HW - Hanoverian gelding ( Earl / Wolkentanz)

Outandaboutdressage UK publishes the following article, giving Selten HW his well deserved credit:

It’s Hickstead, it must be Spring!

© Celia Cadwallader, 8 April 2016 Images by Celia Cadwallader or, where indicated, Spidge Event Photography.

Dressage at Hickstead

Huge Well Done to Anders Dahl and His Royal Highness Super Selten HW (bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold/ - www.HWfarm.com ) - dancing down the center line in their first Grand Prix and earning an impressive 75.05% so excited for them! Well done Team - totally mind blowing!!!

HUGE congratulations to Selten HW and Anders Dahl’s debut at Intermediare II! Awesome score, looks so easy and fun - that’s dressage at it’s best.

Liz Geldard Walsh posted — feeling proud with Elizabeth Ball and Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold. After an impromptu visit to Fiona Bigwood and Anders Dahl I can quite honestly say I have just witnessed the most effortless, harmonious test I've ever watched! 76.97% for Anders and Selten HW in their Inter 2 debut.

This horse has so much presence that you can't help watch him with your mouth open! Well done team Glad my plaits stayed in!!!! Lis Dahl

Caroline Smail shared her painting of Selten HW and Anders Dahl - how beautiful!

Selten HW's owners truly know how to set a scene, this video was just posted, from their wedding, perfect for Valentines Day. Wonderful, congratulations to Fiona Bigwood and Anders Dahl - again!

http://bloomsburyfilms.com/clients/fiona-anders/

The battle of the titans!

Today's Horse and Hound! Well done Anders Dahl and HRH Super Selten HW, Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold HWfarm, Fiona Bigwood and  Leia McEvoy

British Dressage publishes: Selten HW beats Woodlander Farouche in the battle of the unbeatables

More Selten HW headlines, he’s all over the news, gotta love it:

Eurodressage prints the following article, Selten HW wins Mount St John Future Elite Championship at Horse of the Year Show.

Huge congratulations to Anders Dahl, Fiona Bigwood and all others. Well done, what a stellar way to end his undefeated, 2014, competition year.

HOY - horse of the year

They've done it, Selten HW is HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPION!!! Undefeated in all test in 2014, international.

Selten HW, bred by www.HWfarm.com

We have a winner - Anders Dahl and Selten HW take first with 79.2%.

Michael and Woodlander Farouche take second with 76.49%.

Spencer Wilton and Alfons take third with 75%.

Congratulations Anders Dahl and a huge thank you to all whom made it possible! — with Fiona Bigwood and 5 others at www.HWfarm.com - Horses Worldwide - Selected Quality Horses -.

Go Selten HW, go! Selten HW was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, www.HWfarm.com

Eurodressage posts the following article:

Qualified Pairs for Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship at 2014 Horse of the Year Show

2014 Horse of the Year Show

In a nail-biting climax, Hickstead CDI3* hosted the final qualifying leg in which top international dressage partnerships battled it out for a place in the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Following top performances from all riders, the final six spots for this year’s final, which will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on Friday 10th October, have now been confirmed.

Anders Dhal (Selten HW); Spencer Wilton, who has qualified both Alfons and Zamboucca, and Matt Frost (AMD Don Rosso II), have already verbally confirmed their intentions to compete in the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship at HOYS. Qualification will move down the line if there are any non-acceptances.

The final standings for the Mount St John Dressage Future Elite Championship are as follows:

SELTEN HW - Anders Dahl - 76.50% WOODLANDER FAROUCHE - Michael Eilberg - 76.01% ALFONS - Spencer Wilton - 74.81% ZAMBOUCCA - Spencer Wilton - 74.20% FLAVIO - Henriette Andersen - 72.86% DON ROSSO II - Matt Frost - 72.44%….for more info, open the JPGs and find the full article

Anders Dahl and Selten HW competed in nine Prix. St. Georges and Intermediate events for nine victories, all with scores above 78 per cent and none below 74 per cent. Selten was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold (www.HWfarm.com) of Cape Coral, Florida, a feat that Anders said he finds “amazing” because of the difficulty of breeding top international performance horses, and the United States is not known for doing so. He also says: “He’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on, with so much power and capacity. He can do everything."

Anders Dahl has won the Freestyle Inter 1 on Selten HW this morning at Hickstead by 4%, totaling 78.325%. Huge congratulations. Again and again.

The adorable Selten HW has just won the PSG at Hickstead with 76.4% and a 4% lead. His owner says, he is one special pony and a pleasure to have in her yard. They all love him!! Congrats Anders Dahl and Fiona Bigwood and HRH Super Selten HW.

Eurodressage publishes stunning article about Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com): 

http://www.eurodressage.com/

 Anders Dahl and Selten HW, Rare Partnership Harvesting Fruit of Success and More to Come....

Wilts and Gloucestershire STANDARD reports:

DRESSAGE UPDATE: Danish delight as Dahl dominates Hartpury Festival of Dressage - Major winner – Anders Dahl with Selten HW at the Hartpury International! THE Hartpury International Festival of Dressage truly lived up to its billing as it was dominated by Anders Dahl from Denmark who picked up an incredible four victories. The Dane who is based at Horsham in West Sussex, took top spot in the FEI CDI Prix St Georges, the CDI3* Dressage Deluxe FEI CDI Intermediate I and the Andrew Bowens FEI CDI Intermediate I Freestyle on Selten HW as well as riding Wie-Atlantico de Ymas into first place on the Gala Evening in the Superflex FEI CDI3* Grand Prix freestyle. Unsurprisingly, Dahl described Selten HW as ‘the most talented horse I have ever ridden’. His best score of the week was 78.00 for his Sunday victory in the Andrew Bowens Freestyle. Dahl and Selten HW had similarly swept the board in Barcelona earlier this year winning all four classes. Record entries saw the hugely successful Hartpury event attract 300 riders from 19 nations for five days of outstanding dressage and para-dressage classes. And there was plenty for home fans to cheer.

HRH SUPER Selten HW - he is a gift, that keeps on giving!

Hartpury Festival of Dressage

Congratulations on yet another win Anders Dahl! Selten HW wowed the judges with an amazing Andrews Bowen FEI CDI Intermediate I Freestyle test to win with 78%. We caught him at prize giving in his lap of honour... Not far behind was Charlie Hutton with Douglas IV. The pair have had a brilliant week at the Festival, this time scoring 75.6%. In third place was Gareth Hughes, who has also had a brilliant week on both Vivanck in the Premier League and Samba Hit III in the CDI competition. This time Samba Hit III produced an excellent freestyle test to score 73.9%

Hartpury Dressage Dressage Deluxe FEI CDI Intermediate I winner Anders Dahl with Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com). Alison Nye-Warden, director of Dressage Deluxe presents. Anders finished on 74%, congratulations!

Hartpury Festival of Dressage: A win in the Zamar FEI Prix St Georges for Anders Dahl and the beautiful Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) on 74.316% after a masterful display, pictured below. Gareth Hughes a close second with 72.053% on Samba Hit III and Maria Eilberg following in third on Royal Casino 70.158%. It has been such a pleasure to watch such high quality competition today from all competitors in the Zamar PSG!

Selten HW and Anders Dahl in the newspaper. Gotta love it. Congratulations to another sensational success. Selten HW made all my breeders dreams come true and many more. It's very rewarding to follow his journey and I couldn't be more thankful to all whom made it possible and to everybody who adores and takes care of him daily.

HRH SUPER Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com), described by Anders as ‘the most talented horse I have ever ridden’, is a very exciting future prospect for the British-based Dane.....read more here....

http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/news/show/2085-hickstead-premier-league-anders-and-selten-hw-untouchable

HRH SUPER Selten HW - Freestyle Test Prix St. Georges (PSG) 3 starts, 3 victories in Dressage at Hickstead, with scores of up to 81.42%! 9.5; 9.0; 9.5; 8.0 and 10 on this scoring sheet and a very special message from the judge for Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) and Anders Dahl. Better be CAREFUL, when you pick up your ribbons. Love it, huge congratulations, well deserved. Just when you think Selten HW and his rider do amazing stuff that nobody had done before, they go on to break more records. Totally mind-blowing, so very proud to have bred this horse.

Dressage at Hickstead Winner of the PSG Anders Dahl riding Selten HW WITH 78.77%

 Congratulations, well done.

So happy for Anders Dahl and Selten HW bred by www.HWfarm.com This horse just keeps the victory ribbons coming, no matter which land or country he is in.

Very proud and thankful to everybody whom made it possible.

Selten HW got TWENTYFIVE 9's today in his PSG with 3 judges, judging the class!!!

Super nice article on Dressage Daily, Elizabeth Ball and some of her many accomplishments, including the mention of www.HWfarm.com bred Selten HW. Huge congratulations to all her success, so very proud of her!

Selten HW (*2004, Wallach von Sandro Hit x Hohenstein) mit Anders Dahl gewann heute auch die Inter 1 Prüfung in Barcelona. Das Ausnahmepferd dominierte in allen Prüfungen seiner Klasse das Teilnehmerfeld, hatte u.a. am Mittwoch an gleicher Stelle schon den St. Georg gewonnen. Picture by LL-Foto.de

Victory in I1 with 77.289% Super Selten HW and Anders Dahl win 4 out of 4 classes in Spain, Barcelona, CDI4 with a super score and huge margin to all others of 77.289%!

What a success.

Huge congratulations to Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) and Anders Dahl. I'm quite sure, that might be another record?

4 out of 4, just like we know and love our Selten HW 

Well done!

OcioCaballo | News Translated via GOOGLE:

Anders Dahl and "Selten HW" winners of the San Jorge in Barcelona CDI4 * Spring Tour

Hans Peter Minderhoud and "Zanardi" are in second with 74.604%.

The Danish rider riding the Hanoverian Anders Dahl "Selten HW" (Sandro Hit x Hohenstein x Sps High Prince) has regained with a mean of 75,526%, the St. George opened the CDI4 * which is being held this week in Can Alzina. This reprise, which has had great success with the participation outing thirty-two pairs, assumed the starting gun of CDI4 * Spring Tour of Barcelona. Proof of Anders Dahl was another impeccable time. In second place with 74,605%, has been the Dutch Hans Peter Minderhoud with KWPN "Zanardi" (Rubels x Ilieze x Avignon). Thrush 10 years is the son of another horse riding Hans "Rubels" with whom he became World Champion Young Horses in Verden.Zanardi was very well presented by Hans Peter and highlighted their test fluency and rhythm of the supports and backs. The props were very gallop side and fluids. Thirdly Henriette Andersen has been representing Britain, riding Flavio (Florencio x Gazelle x Glueckspilz), an Würtenberger Baden-nine years with 71,289%. The long trots were undoubtedly one of the highlights of your test, broad, loose and covering ground. Part Gallop also had a very good standard. Also with an average above 70%, 70,684%, has been fourth Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with the Hanoverian "Du Pre". Beatriz presented a very regular testing, comprehensive elegant trot. Perhaps there was some props inelasticity, with slight problems in the contact that led to changes of pace.The award was given by international rider Carl Hester and company representatives Guernsey, Albany Trustee Company a company Family Management, passionate about horses. 's Spanish Classical Chloe Morris wins one round in the other today was the Classic 1 Also open to foreign riders. The test winner was Chloe Morris with "Lord Wallonia" (70.085%). In second position has been the Dutch Joyce Lenearts with "Bink's Beukenvallei" with a score of 69.902%. In third place we find the Portuguese Maria Caetano with a score of 69.707% with Lusitano "Coroado" a son of "Rubi" horse stud farm Finca Tineo. A part of the victory of the Spanish following Chloe found in the Juan Antonio Pérez de Barcelona Horses Team classification has reached sixth place with "Catwalk" with a 67.122%. And in ninth place followed Vicente Rotger with "Caliph" with a 64,512%. Below are the results from the first day of the Barcelona CDI4 * Dressage Tour sponsored by Banc Sabadell, Mango and Superwagen. Throughout the day on Thursday are vying tests ponies, Young Riders, Junior B, Junior and the first big test of the Grand Prix.

Today the small tour at the CDI**** in Barcelona (Spain) has been ridden. Danish Anders Dahl and his Hanoverian Selten HW won this test with a score of 75,526%. Dutch Hans Peter Minderhoud and Zanardi finished second (74,605%).

British Henriette Andersen came third with Flavio scoring 71,289%.

It was a big field and Dutch Joyce Lenaerts, who is blogging for HorsUs from Spain, came fifth with her Showboy.

Spain, Barcelona, 2014 CDI4 PSG - THIRD victory in a row, in Spain - Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) and Anders Dahl did it again and won with 75.526%

The superstars swept the board again.

Zanardi with HansPeter Minderhoud 2nd place.

Selten HW and Anders, just keep the victories coming, heartfelt congratulations to all competitors and again, thank you to all whom made this incredible journey possible.

Here are some videos, from Spain, Barcelona, Selten HW's CDI victories Here is the I1 victory ride: Brilliant results and VICTORY again, for Anders Dahl and the newly named His Royal Highness or SUPER Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com)! Wow! Wow! Wow! 77.763% in the Inter1 for Anders Dahl and Selten HW in Barcelona. Huge congratulations! Over 6% margin to 2nd place, a clear victory, no doubt. A debut for both of them at Inter1- neither have ever done this test before!! Spectacular comments from the judges in Spain included: 'New star on the horizon'' - 'What a horse' - 'Remarkable horse' - 'Marvelous horse' - plus several good rider comments.

Here is the Selten HW (bred by www.HWfarm.com) and Anders Dahl PSG victory ride in Spain, enjoy. Spain/Barcelona Massive congratulations to Anders Dahl and Selten HW winning the PSG at Barcelona Dressage Tour this evening on a whopping 76.52% - 4% clear of 2nd place in a strong class of 37! Just posted the score sheet too. 8.5's for gaits, submission, impulsion, lots of 8's, 8.5's, 9's for trot and extended trot and even a 9 for rider position. Amazing team, congratulations, well done and smiles all around.

Dressage International New stars are born at the CDI3* Grand Prix Barcelona Dressage Tour 2014 Intermediate I "Albany Trustee Company Trophy" - more youngster on the way to Rio What a breathtaking test of the Danish rider Anders Dahl with his horse "Selten-HW" (Sandro Hit x Sps High Prince x Hohenstein). He won again in this Intermediate I. All the judges were unanimous and saw him on the first spot with 77,763%. His trot work was again incredible, much uphill, flowing through the arena, he showed wide crossing in the half passes and really nice changes.

Spain/Barcelona:

Brilliant results and VICTORY again, for Anders Dahl and the newly named His Royal Highness or SUPER Selten HW! Wow! Wow! Wow! 77.763% in the Inter1 for Anders Dahl and Selten HW in Barcelona. Huge congratulations! Over 6% margin to 2nd place, a clear victory, no doubt. A debut for both of them at Inter1- neither have ever done this test before!! Spectacular comments from the judges in Spain included: 'New star on the horizon'' - 'What a horse' - 'Remarkable horse' - 'Marvelous horse' - plus several good rider comments.

Victory for Anders Dahl in Albany Trustee Prix St. Georges Kicks Off CDI3* BCN Dressage Tour 2014

Spain/Barcelona Massive congratulations to Anders Dahl and Selten HW winning the PSG at Barcelona Dressage Tour this evening on a whopping 76.52% - 4% clear of 2nd place in a strong class of 37! Just posted the score sheet too. 8.5's for gaits, submission, impulsion, lots of 8's, 8.5's, 9's for trot and extended trot and even a 9 for rider position. Amazing team, congratulations, well done and smiles all around.

SPAIN/Barcelona - Another international success for Selten HW (bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold / www.HWfarm.com) and his rider Anders Dahl (husband of Fiona Bigwood). In a class of 37 super stars, Selten HW made a lasting impression and won with over 76%. Huge congratulations to his rider/owners and everybody whom made it possible, this is sensational, he just keeps the blue ribbons and victories coming. What a dream horse, we will have to name him SUPER Selten HW, from here on out.

Here is the video of the victory lap, enjoy. The quality of the video is terrible, my apologies, but you'll get the idea.

Here are the single scores - so very happy for Selten HW and everybody who made it possible!

Selten HW arrived in Barcelona, Spain. He sure is an international horse and traveler. Born and raised in Florida, some years in Maryland, then sunny California, from there to Germany, the Netherlands, breaking all kinds of records on the way and then to England. Now Spain, what a life. Same owners, only his 3rd owners in his lifetime (first Irene Höflich-Wiederhold/owner/breeder, then Elizabeth Ball and now and still owned by Fiona Bigwood) and he has already seen so much of the world. Can't wait to see, what the future holds for him. Just amazing, all the way around and he sure made all my breeders dreams come true. Love this boy. You'll find all his info, pics, video and more, from when he was born to now at www.HWfarm.com under "our horses", sales horses are under "horses for sale"

Selten HW still holds the record sales price of Euro 500.000, the recent results did not even come close to his phenomenal record breaking sale. Here is the newest info, Euro 350.000, was the highest price horse at the same auction this time around. So very proud to be the breeder of Selten HW - he sure made my breeders dreams and more come true! He's sold, but we others for sale, check them out under "horses for sale" on this site.

Check out Selten HW's (bred by www.HWfarm.com) new home of Fiona Bigwood. Wonderful, amazing, just really impressive!

Selten HW is a super star, look at this 2nd place in a class of 36 sensational, international competition horses. Huge congratulations to Selten HW and Anders Dahl and Fiona Bigwood!!! So happy to hear Selten HW is doing well and makes his owners proud. What a horse, he made all my breeders dreams come true! Thank you for the picture/info to Liz Geldard Walsh!

Here is a new picture of Anders Dahl and Selten HW (owned by Fiona Bigwood) in the prize giving, in Hartbury/England. What a great pair, so amazing to see them together.

Liz Geldard Walsh shared the following news:

Well done Anders Dahl on his win with the amazing Selten HW in the PSG today with 73.7% Go Selten Baby!! Fiona Bigwood you must be so proud! Wish I could have been there! xx Elizabeth Ball Your handsome boy did good at his party!! Xx Congratulations to Selten HW (bred by HWfarm) and his owners, well done, so happy to see this!

Here is a picture from last year

This video creates goose bumps!

It's from the Equine Elite Auction 2012, where the HWfarm bred Selten HW by the famous Sandro Hit and SPS High Princess (Hohenstein/Donnerhall/Bolero) sold, for the highest price ever archived at this auction, Euro 500.000. 

Check out this atmosphere, incredible, this is just amazing!!!

This horse made my breeders dreams come true!

October 28th, 2012

Wow, Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, owned by Elizabeth Ball, sold for the highest price EVER at the Equine Elite Auction! Huge congratulations to WEG rider Fiona Bigwood, his new, lucky owner!

October 27th, 2012

Selten HW is sold. He brought me (Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold), as his breeder, MANY highlights, this is just another dream come true. So happy, what an accomplishment. How many breeders can say they bred horses who sold for around Euro 500,000.--??? Yay!!! Got to love superb bloodlines, a huge thank you to all whom helped to make it possible!

September 2012:

October 21st, 2010:

THE AMERICAN HANOVERIAN writes in its fall 2010 magazine some info about Selten HW, like Lilo Fore referring to him as “a flamboyant young talent”. With a score of 8.692 the pair (Elizabeth Ball and Selten HW) was the very first to sweep the Four-Year-Old, Five-Year-Old, and now SIX-Year-Old divisions of the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships. Breeder Irene Höflich-Wiederhold watched with a proud eye as onlookers marveled at the cadence and scope of this young horse’s gaits.

Here is a picture of this Historic moment! Showing Elizabeth Ball on Selten HW, Roger and Irene Wiederhold, Lilo Fore as well as Lisa and John Seger:

September 23rd, 2010:

DRESSAGE TODAY prints the following article in the arena news about Selten HW, Elizabeth Ball and others. Summer Champions Crowned at Festival, Lamplight and Central American Games

September 8th, 2010:

DRESSAGE TODAY prints the following page, congratulations to all and most of all, Selten HW:

August 24^th, 2010:

 Elizabeth Ball wins Trilogy Saddle “Best Seat” Award at Young Horse Championships aboard Selten HW.

August 1st, 2010:
MARKEL/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program The new Markel Insurance Company advertising – congratulations to all!

Selten HW, Bone Chance and DG Brendo with riders and owners!

July 26th, 2010:

 Lamplight, Illinois, Young Horse Championships 2010

 Irene Höflich-Wiederhold received the award for the highest placed US bred horse AGAIN, this is the 3rd time in a row, thanks to Selten HW and Elizabeth Ball (and others).

 What a great feeling to be allowed to be part of the team and to have bred such a wonderful horse.

A huge thank you goes also out to the super nice crowd a the show grounds, too many to name them all, but it was quite an exciting and entertaining weekend.

Elizabeth Ball & Selten HW Take US 6YO Champs & Historic Triple Crown of YH Titles

Elizabeth Ball on Selten HW after completing historic triple crown of young horse championships. © 2010 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com 

Elizabeth Ball on Selten HW after completing historic triple crown of young horse championships. 

© 2010 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com By KENNETH J. BRADDICK WAYNE,

Illinois, July 25–Elizabeth Ball rode Selten HW, the American-bred Sandro Hit black stallion, to win the U.S. 6-year-old championships Sunday and complete an historic first for a horse to hold all three national young horse titles from four to six years old. Elizabeth of Carlsbad, California, had passed up the chance to compete Selten HW at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany next month to attempt capping the sweep of the four, five and six-year-old championships. Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of Cape Coral, Florida, scored 8.66 in the championship test that combined with a preliminary score of 8.74 for a final result of 8.692. Stacy Parvey-Larsson of Reddick, Florida, on Benidetto was reserve champion with a score of 8.208 while fellow Reddick resident Alex Robertson on Zefier were third with 8.00. Selten HW won the four-year-old title while training with Hilltop Farm in Colora, Maryland, but Elizabeth took over the ride just over a year ago and won the five-year-old championship at this same Lamplight Equestrian Center in suburban Chicago. The stress of flooding of the stables during heavy rainstorms last Thursday and a large tree falling on the stabling Saturday night–no horses were hurt–did not appear to affect the horses in Sunday’s championships. The panel of three judges gave Selten HW 9s for the canter and general impression for “a talented, young and beautiful horse” and a “wonderful” combination. Other elements received from 8 to 8.8. 

Elizabeth Ball and Selten HW. © 2010 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

 Selten, Elizabeth said, “felt much more self-motivated and in balance” in the championship class. She said she did not ride the horse Saturday between the preliminary and championship classes –”he’s trained”– and at his age and stage of development he needs to be properly managed. To have the first winner of the triple crown of young horse classes, she said, is exciting.

Elizabeth Ball with Scott Hassler receiving from Trilogy Dressage Saddle "Best Seat" award from Trilogy's Deborah Witty. © 2010 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK WAYNE,

Illinois, July 23– Selten HW, the U.S.-bred Sandro Hit gelding that has been a star since being acquired by Elizabeth Ball three years ago, lived up to his billing to win the preliminary test in the U.S. six-year-old championship Friday. Elizabeth qualified but turned down the chance to go to the World Dressage Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany next month so as to compete at these championships. The black, 17.2-hand (178cm), Hanoverian won as a four-year-old ridden by Michael Bragdell of Hilltop Farm in Colora, Maryland, then as a five-year-old when Elizabeth took over the ride just over a year ago.

Elizabeth, 46, of Carlsbad, California, and Selten HW received a score of 87.40 per cent from the three-judge panel made up of U.S. “O” judge Axel Steiner, Jane Ayers and Jane Weatherwax, both “S” judges.

June 20th, 2010:

2010 USEF National Young Horse Ranking List, SIX-YEAR-OLD Division, Selten HW and Elisabeth Ball lead the country and got an ***Automatic invitation to championships due to selection trial score***

They sure are special, huge congratulations Beth and Selten HW!!!

June 19th, 2010:

The CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE prints the following article: Selten HW and Elizabeth Ball are headed to their third Markel/USEF National Young Horse Championship after topping the Western trials. We are so proud of this team, that our EM Donatella HW will go into training with Elizabeth Ball as well. See her in California, training and competing with Beth in the future and yes, she is FOR SALE and already successfully winning with up to 70% at PSG! See you all at the Championships, please stop by and say hello!

June 10th, 2010:

Elizabeth Ball and Selten HW winning 5-year-old championship. © Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK Elizabeth Ball plans to compete Selten HW at the U.S. six-year-old championships in July in hopes the U.S.-bred Sandro Hit gelding can sweep the three age levels of young horse titles, rather than go to the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Verden, Germany. Selten HW was ridden by Elizabeth to victory in the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trials at La Canada Flintridge in California. The horse won the four- and five year-old U.S. National Young Horse Dressage Championships. Elizabeth, 46, of Carlsbad, California, who owns the black Hanoverian, told dressage-news.com: “After much consideration I’ve decided to return to Lamplight rather than making the trip to Verden. We would be very proud for Selten HW to win three years in a row–in the U.S. on our U.S.-bred horse.” In the regional finals, Elizabeth and Selten HW received a total score of 85.640 per cent, from scores of 86.20 per cent in the final test that counted for 60 per cent and 84.80 per cent in the preliminary that counted for 40 per cent. Their score easily surpassed the minimum qualifying requirement of 8.2 points for Verden Aug. 5-8. In second place was Willy Arts, of DG Bar Ranch in Hanford, California, on Zalon DG, an Olympic Ferro mare, with a total of 77.360 per cent and in third place Lars Holmberg of Lake View Terrace, California, on Pikko Del Rio HU, a gelding by Pik L out of a Rhodiamant mare, with 68.840 per cent. Selten is by Sandro Hit out of a Hohenstein mare, and was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of Cape Coral, Florida. The horse’s actual birthday was May 19. The second and third placed horses were also bred in the United States, Zalona at DG Bar Ranch and Pikko Del Rio HU by Horses Unlimited of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Elizabeth said that she is pleased at how Selten HW is developing even more expression and power, “it is such an amazing feeling to ride him.” “I was especially happy to have out 8.9 walk score,” she said. “His other scores have always been really high but until this season, the walk was high 7s to low 8s.” Gary Rockwell, a USA “O” judge, Jane Weatherwax and Jeanne McDonald judged the Western Finals. Dressage at Flintridge completed two of the three regional finals–Kassandra Barteau and GP Super Crusader won the Midwest Finals earlier this month with 76.00 per cent, and the Eastern Finals will be held in Leesburg, Virginia, next weekend. Selten was the U.S. four-year-old champion ridden by Michael Bragdell of Hilltop Farm in Colora, Maryland, but Elizabeth took over the ride early last year and won the U.S. five-year-old title at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She works with U.S. Olympic medalist Guenter Seidel. The Freestyle Test of Choice was won by Jan Ebeling of Moorpark, California, riding Rafalca at Grand Prix with 71.917 per cent. Jan also won the Grand Prix Special on Sandrina with 68.333 per cent. Both horses are qualified for the U.S. selection trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this year.

http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=6661

June 1st, 2010:

EURODRESSAGE reports the following – it’s just amazing: Selten HW and Wakeup Obtain American WCYH Qualfication Score. Last year there were no American young dressage horses which were able to achieve the 8.2. U.S. qualification standard to compete at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany. This year change seem to have come as the 5-year old Wakeup and the 6-year old Selten HW scored above 8.2 at the Central and West Coast Young Horse Selection trials.

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2010/05/31/selten-hw-and-wakeup-obtain-american-wcyh-qualfication-score

May 31st, 2010:

The DRESSAGE-NEWS.COM just prints the following article about Selten HW’s new victories. I love especially this comment: Elizabeth and Selten easily surpassed the minimum qualifying requirement of 8.2 points for the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Dressage in Verden, Germany, Aug. 5-8.

http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=6661

6-Year-Old Selten HW Wins USA Young Dressage Horse Western Selection Trials

Braddick/dressage-news.com LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, California, May 30–Selten HW, the Sandro Hit gelding that won the four- and five year-old U.S. National Young Horse Dressage Championships, was ridden by Elizabeth Ball to victory in the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trials Sunday. Elizabeth, 46, of Carlsbad, California, who owns the black Hanoverian, received a total score of 85.640 per cent, from scores of 86.20 per cent in the final test that counted for 60 per cent and 84.80 per cent in the preliminary that counted for 40 per cent. In second place was Willy Arts, of DG Bar Ranch in Hanford, California, on Zalon DG, an Olympic Ferro mare, with a total of 77.360 per cent and in third place Lars Holmberg of Lake View Terrace, California, on Pikko Del Rio HU, a gelding by Pik L out of a Rhodiamant mare, with 68.840 per cent. Selten is by Sandro Hit out of a Hohenstein mare, and was bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of Cape Coral, Florida. The horse’s actual birthday was May 19. The second and third placed horses were also bred in the United States, Zalona at DG Bar Ranch and Pikko Del Rio HU by Horses Unlimited of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dressage at Flintridge completes two of the three regional finals–Kassandra Barteau and GP Super Crusader won the Midwest Finals earlier this month with 76.00 per cent, and the Eastern Finals will be held in Leesburg, Virginia, next weekend. Elizabeth and Selten easily surpassed the minimum qualifying requirement of 8.2 points for the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Dressage in Verden, Germany, Aug. 5-8. Gary Rockwell, a USA “O” judge, Jane Weatherwax and Jeanne McDonald judged the Western Finals. Selten was the U.S. four-year-old champion ridden by Michael Bragdell of Hilltop Farm in Colora, Maryland, but Elizabeth took over the ride early last year and won the U.S. five-year-old title. She works with U.S. Olympic medalist Guenter Seidel. The Freestyle Test of Choice was won by Jan Ebeling of Moorpark, California, riding Rafalca at Grand Prix with 71.917 per cent. Jan also won the Grand Prix Special on Sandrina with 68.333 per cent. Both horses are qualified for the U.S. selection trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this year.

May 30th, 2010:

Dressage at Flintridge, Final Selection Trials. Oh boy, oh boy, they just keep it coming. Again, breathtaking scores, Selten HW is definitely the leader in the nation, winning with 84.8% and 86.2%.

Beth, we are so super proud of you and so thankful that you and Selten HW are such a great team. Huge congratulations to all your success and all the best wishes for the future!!!

May 28^th, 2010:

 Now on the website of the AMERICAN HANOVERIAN SOCIETY:

FEI FIVE-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

CHAMPION: Selten HW (Sandro Hit-SPS High Princess/Hohenstein) Median score: 8.0 Owner: Elizabeth Ball Breeder: Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, Fla. RESERVE CHAMPION: Hyperion SF (His Highness-Wonderlady/Wonderful) Median score: 7.7 Owner: Somerset Farms Breeder: Stefan Blanken, Ger. HONORABLE MENTION: Cosmopolitan (Connery-Wonderful Dream/Weltrum) Median score: 7.5 Owner: Faye Dunn Breeder: Juergen Koetter, Ger. Pikko Del Rio HU (Pik L-Rohweena/Rohdiamant) Median score: 7.5 Owner/Breeder: Horses Unlimited Rorick (Rienzi-EM Daalny/Donnerhall) Median score: 7.3 Owner/Breeder: Marefield Meadows Donzi (Don Frederico- SPS Wiebke/Weltmeyer) Median score: 7.3 Owner: Charlotte Bayley-Schindelholz Breeder:Walter Wilhaus, Ger. Laika (Londonderry—SPS Wildrose II/Weltmeyer) Median score: 7.3 Owner: Emily Wagner Breeder: Hermann Meyer

© Phelpsphotos.com Selten HW

http://www.hanoverian.org/awards/RSF.shtml

May 23rd, 2010:

Selten HW does it again!!! After being the 4 and 5 year old champion, he now leads the 6 year old group! In the 2010 USEF National Young Horse Ranking List, SIX-YEAR-OLD DIVISION for the 2010 National Championships, Selten HW ranks at 1st Place with scores of 8.04 and 8.6, overall average 8.32 right now. What a great team Beth and Selten are, congratulations, this is awesome!

May 22nd, 2010:

THE AMERICAN HANOVERIAN prints the following info about Selten HW in their Spring 2010 edition. EQUIQUEST FEI TEST AWARDS! Selten HW is the FEI FIVE-YEAR-OLD WINNER with an 8.0. Breeder Irene Höflich-Wiederhold, owner Elizabeth Ball.

May 3^rd, 2010:

 The USDF Connection displays a picture of Selten HW with Michael Bragdell in their magazine. It’s always amazing to see the boy in the news.

March 15th, 2010:

Hi Irene, Just thought you'd be so proud to hear that Selten HW won his first 6 yr. old qualifier with an 80.4%, at the Dressage Affaire CD!!! He's still figuring out how to organize himself for the flying changes, but has a great start with them. He's such a magnificent boy!

Hope you're well, Beth

January 2010:

Markel has printed their new advertising in DRESSAGE TODAY, showcasing
National Young Horse Champions like Selten HW, called "in the Circle of
Winners":

January 2010:

DRESSAGE TODAY prints the following article, AMERICAN-BRED SPORT HORSES are RISING TO THE TOP. Read stories from the breeders, riders and owners of the four best young horses in the nation. One of them is Selten HW, bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold, ridden by Elizabeth Ball, as we always say:

The most valuable asset for successful breeding is the best mare available (SPS High Princess)!

December 10th, 2009:
Dressage Getaway, Thermal C, Judges Hilda Gurney and Carolyn Doran.
Elizabeth Ball and Selten HW had their first outing at 2nd Level Test 3 Open and won their class with a whopping 80%. Congratulations Beth and Selten HW – you rock!!!

November 19th, 2009:

THE AMERICAN HANOVERIAN prints the following article:

October 30th, 2009:

The USDF Connection printed the following in their November 2009 issue:

October 15th, 2009:
The American Hanoverian Society Official Page's Photos - Wall Photos

From the album:
"Wall Photos" by The American Hanoverian Society Official Page

Special thanks to AHS member and photographer Silvio Busch, Nicholasville, Ky., who recently presented the society with large canvas portraits of both Cabana Boy and Selten HW, respectively the six-year-old and five-year-old 2008 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Champions. They now grace the walls of the central office.

The portrait of Cabana Boy (Contucci-Britania/Bordeaux), entitled “Gone With the Wind” shows the horse and rider Christopher Hickey without his riding hat as a consequence of the hurricane strength winds that blew through the Kentucky Horse Park while the pair were in the ring. The second portrait, “Pride and Glory,” shows a delighted Michael Bragdell and Selten HW (Sandro Hit-SPS High Princess/Hohenstein), after completion of their ride. These two AHS-registered and -branded geldings represent the type of riding horse that the AHS breeding program strives to produce. On behalf of the membership we’d like to thank Silvio for his generous gift to the AHS.

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DressageClinic.com Presents
Elizabeth Ball
Riding & Lecturing on
Selten HW

Watch Sample Video Click Here

Elizabeth Ball Lecturing Selten HW by Sandro Hit 
5 yrs old Hanoverian Gelding
Training: FEI 5 yrs. Olds Sept. 2009
Training Video: 40 minutes
Click Above to watch Sample Video

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“It starts with getting a clear understanding of the tiniest softest little details”, -Elizabeth Ball

     Elizabeth Ball is presently one of the most talked about dressage riders in North America as well as Europe as she is presently training what is considered the best young 5 yr. old in he nation and one of the most talented youngster in the world.  Elizabeth Ball’s 2009 accomplishments include a berth in the nation’s  top twelve for the Developing Horse Championships with Soubirous, competing Eckstein Farm’s Orion in several Intermediare 2 classes with scores over 70% and riding Orion in a very well received Grand Prix Pas de Deux with Gunter Seidel at the 2009 World Cup in Las Vegas.  
    Selten HW's overall score for the Five Year Old Final Championship test was 86.800%.  Trot score: 9.2 Canter score: 9.0 Walk score: 7.5 Submission score:8.9 General Impression score:8.8 This incredible youngster, "won" the 2009 USEF/Markel National Young Horse Championships in Illinois last month with Elizabeth holding the reins, and last year Selten HW won the four year old National Championship class at Dressage at Devon 2008.
     California’s  mountainous landscape is the backdrop for Elizabeth Balls latest video.  As she warms up Selten HW at the walk, she fills us in on how  this young horse became hers and Selten’s HW infant training by Michael Bragdell at Hilltop Farm.
In  Part 1,  When we filmed this video, Elizabeth's contant thoughts were that the following week they were both off to Ilinois to compete for the Young Horse  Championships for the FEI 5 year old test, which includes, counter canter, simple changes, forward trots and canters. “Especially with the young horses”, Elizabeth explains, “when you are correcting them or showing them new things, it’s got to be that it feels fun for them. Even when the hard things are a bit challenging, there has to be a reward, and that walk break off and on within the work to tell them that “hey you are on the right track. It’s OK”.
     Selten HW is given a comfortable contact with a gentle rein as he begins his trot warm up. “It is easy with a big mover like this", Beth explains, "for my legs to flop around a little and my feet to move more than I would like. This is not as pretty, and it gives him the message that I am always pushing. I need to train him to go without my pushing all the time", Beth continues,  "I am going to try to do a good job about not “overdriving” and at the same time, I can’t just grip my legs to hold them still, otherwise I am not going to be comfortable for him.  He has a lot of motion so there is that movement that happens in my body. It’s about finding a balance between keeping track of my excess movement and doing my best to go with him, with out tensing up”.
     In Part 2, as Beth continues working him, they begin their canter work.
Selten's HW big canter improves as she influences him forward, working on straightness , lateral bending, keeping him in front of her leg, and turning.  “I have to give the aid a little early", Beth says, "because by the time he processes the information of aid, he is already a stride or two late and sometimes he gets a little too close to the fence.”
     In Part 3, now that they have done the walk, trot and canter, Elizabeth rides the trot a little bit more collected to teach him what that is about.  The test calls for sitting trot, so Beth sits the trot as they work on shoulder in, shoulderfor, and leg yield.  As Selten HW gets warmed up mentally and physically he gets going forward on his own begining to carry her. Selten HW is really just a “baby” he get’s distracted momentarily by another horse.  Elizabeth teaches him that no matter what is going on, he has to always be ready to go forward.  If she puts her leg on, he must move forward and at this point explain a few of her theories about teaching forwardness to a young horse. 
     In Part 4, Beth canters Selten in smaller circles to balance his large canter strides. They work on the counter canter that has to be performed in the test.  "It is a good strengthening exercise as well.  I maintain the same bend through the whole body to the left as I had on the true lead.” Beth explains in her calm soothing voice even after 30 minutes of working the horse.  They work together on the simple change as Selten HW stays responsive truly giving his all.
     “At this phase in his training and strength, I have to be so patient, because I know that he could move so much bigger and do all these grand things, but he’s only five years old and he has only been ridden in the last year and a half. Just being in here with him, being happy and willing and trying  is already so much.”  Beth explains as she comes to the end of this training session.
    This video is an important video to watch because Elizabeth Ball has such a great teaching style. Ask any of her lucky students and they will tell you. She shows us in her expert, yet gentle way, how to train a young horse, where it can be fun and beneficial for both horse and rider.
     We will continue to follow Elizabeth Ball and the training of her magnificent horse Selten HW, and bring her training videos to you, right on your desktop.  We strongly suggest you watch this training session.  It is part of your development and education as a dedicated dressage rider.
Team DC.com

Thanks, Credit and Copyright 

Maryland’s Young Horse Champs

by Katherine O. Rizzo

Christopher Hickey and Hilltop Farm’s Cabana Boy

At the end of August, a few of Maryland’s top young dressage horses traveled to Wayne, Illinois for the 2009 Markel/United States Equestrian Federation National Dressage Young Horse Championships held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Three of these horses came home with top honors.

Cabana Boy continued to impress. The 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding, who was bred by Douglass and Shannon Langer of Wisconsin and owned by Hilltop Farm in Colora, earned his third straight championship title (he was the 2007 Five-Year-Old champion and the 2008 Six-Year-Old champion, all under the guidance of rider/trainer Christopher Hickey). This year, after scoring a 72.895% on the first day and a 73.440% on the second day, he added the title of United States Equestrian Federation National Developing Horse Dressage champion to his resume.

A Maryland horse placed well in the Six-Year-Old division with Jessica Jo Tate of Chesapeake City in the irons. Tate, who trains out of Hassler Dressage in Chesapeake City, rode Faberge, an imported Westfalen gelding owned by Elizabeth Guarisco of Virginia, to the reserve championship spot after placing fifth on the first day and second on the second day.

Selten HW, a Hanoverian bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold of Florida and owned by Elizabeth Ball of California, earned his second straight championship title. In 2008, this gelding was ridden by Michael Bragdell and trained at Hilltop Farm. The pair won the 2008 Four-Year-Old Championship. This past June, Ball took over the ride and together she and Selten HW won the Five-Year-Old Championship class with a score of 8.52 (out of a possible 10).

Elizabeth Ball with her own Selten HW

Selten HW & San Shivago, California-Owned Sandro Hit Offspring, Take Top Two Places in US 5-Year-Old Championships

Elizabeth Ball and Selten HW. ©Braddick/dressage-news.com

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

WAYNE, Illinois, Aug. 22–Selten HW, a Sandro Hit gelding that Elizabeth Ball has been riding for only two months, won the US National Dressage Championships for five-year-olds Saturday. The horse won the four-year-old 2008 championships for four-year-old horses, but ridden by a trainer she left it with to develop.

Selten beat San Shivago, a Sandro Hit gelding owned and ridden by Elizabeth’s friend Louise Koch, for the Markel/USEF championship by 85.200 per cent to 82.840 per cent by combining the scores from Saturday’s championship and Friday’s preliminary class.

Selten also won the award for the highest finishing American-bred horse.

San Shivago received an unexpected setback as he was walking from the warmup ring to the adjoining competition arena when a woman spectator ran in front of the pair, was frightened by the oncoming horse and threw her hand back into the nose of San Shivago causing an open wound.

Louise had no complaints about the incident that she said caused her horse to “back off” throughout the ride, saying that Beth was a “great competitor” on a fabulous horse.

The judges either did not notice the wound or overlooked it as the cause was clearly beyond the control of the rider.

Selten is by Sandro Hit out of a Hohenstein mare, and is owned by Elizabeth, of Carlsbad, California.

San Shivago, also by Sandro Hit and out of a Donnerhall mare, is owned by Louise while the third placed combination, Zatino H, by Sir Sinclair out of an Equador mare, that scored 80.160 per cent is ridden and owned by Emily Gershberg of Hudson, New York.

Elizabeth Ball, 45, said that she had been riding Selten for only two months–”a short but exhilirating time–since she took over the ride from a trainer at Hilltop Farm in Coloran, Maryland, with whom she had left the horse for development, whom she praised highly.

During the time Selten had been in training at Hilltop, she said, she had only ridden the horse twice. She now is training with Olympic medalist Guenter Seidel.

Selten ridden by Elizabeth Ball. © 2009 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Elizabeth said the difference between the championship and preliminary class in which she finished second to San Shivago was that she changed her warmup routine so as not to tire the horse and that made the difference.