January 5, 2008 saw 25 stallions of various breeds gather to showcase their talents and offspring at the First Annual Sporthorse Stallion Expo hosted by Marydell and Pepperwood Farms. Breeds represented included Hanoverian, German Riding Pony, Oldenburg, Trakehner, Thoroughbred, Friesian, Knabstrupper, Gypsy Vanner and Spanish Colonial. Some stallions came from as far away as Florida, and Pennsylvania to join a strong contingent of regional stallions.

The Expo saw over 250 spectators coming from long distances, including people from Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. Also present were representatives from two of the largest U.S. registries: Kathy Tucker Slaterback from the American Hanoverian Society (AHS) and Holly Simenson of the Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society (GOV). There was shopping available as well as several interesting groups, such as the Virginia Tech College Horse Breeding students, Dressage at Devon Breed Show officials representing the “Born in the USA” program and North Carolina Warmblood Breeders (NCWB)

The day began with a presentation on “Feeding the Sporthorse from Conception to Three Years,” given by Don Kapper, equine nutritionist from Progressive Nutrition. An appreciative audience of over 75 breeders heard about many nutritional needs of growing horses.

A challenge of sorts was issued by Stacy Hastings with Stone Crop Farm’s Rolling Stone and Jim Koford with Marydell Farm’s Don Principe. The two riders, female and male, rode a humorous Pas de Duex to music from “Anything You Can Do—I Can Do Better.” This overture set the tone for a wonderful day full of music, stallions, offspring and education. The jumping portion of the program began with several stallions shown over a short course of fences starting at 2’6” and moving up to well over 4’ by Artrageous and Sea Accounts, both Thoroughbred eventers. One highlight was Brendan Curtis of Robert Dover’s “Future American Dressage Star” fame, riding Prince Champ, first over the course and through the jump chute with the final fence at nearly five feet.

Several of the younger horses showed their scope and technique through the chute. A wonderful surprise to most was the obvious talent of both Knabstruppers and the cute Spanish Mustang, both in the chute and later under saddle.

Our second seminar was graciously given by Jos Motterhead and Kathy St. Martin of Equine-Reproduction.com This brought over 80 people to hear about “The Problematic Broodmare.” Many questions were fielded by mare owners with mares that needed assistance. Afterwards, spectators were encouraged to go to the barns to visit the stallions and see them up close.

After lunch, 3-H Veterinary Clinic’s Dr. Fernando Cardenas spoke to the crowd about foaling out the mare and what to look for in labor and what supplies to have on hand.

The afternoon began with a demonstration of tandem driving. This art was demonstrated by Stacy Griffin riding a Friesian gelding and long lining the five-year-old Friesian Leedert Leopold stallion, owned by One Pond Ranch in Montana. After entertaining the audience, Bruce Griffin unhitched the young stallion and rode him under saddle.

There were many fun and interesting rides set to very appropriate music selections. The crowd had many favorites, including the Gypsy Vanner who many wanted to take home.

Cayuse Gold, the Spanish Colonial Horse, stole the hearts of many with his music, “Spirit, Stallion of the Cimmeron” as he bore a striking resemblance both in type and color. His offspring represented their father with calm dignity. The deceased stallion, Walldorf was ably represented by two of his children who are competing successfully in dressage. The young stallion, Richmond, a recent graduate of the 100-day stallion performance test, made his first public debut, impressing many in the audience. Another well-received performance was that of