The American Trakehner Association (ATA) is pleased to announce that the following five stallions were approved in 2008.

—A’Osiris, owned by Raymond Bernier (Valley View Stable) of Milton, VT
—Bond James Bond MB, owned by Elevages Mallet Barsalou of Quebec, Canada
—Cardinali, owned by Jeanette Knight (Wolf Run Farm) of Buxton, ME
—Imminence, owned by Jean Brinkman (Valhalla Farm) of Wellborn, FL
—Tatendrang, owned by Ann Cottongim (Emerald Acres) of Alford, FL

Trakehner stallions are not born approved; all stallions are presented for inspection and judged on athletic ability, conformation and attitude. Additionally, stallions must pass a rigorous performance test. The inspection process is clearly defined on the ATA website, but basically it includes the following elements:

1. Stand to be measured (height, girth, and cannon bone)
2. Walk and trot on a hard surface (sometimes asphalt)
3. Walk and trot on a triangle in an arena (usually sand or other soft footing)
4. Walk, trot, and canter at liberty in an arena.
5. Stallions must also free jump three obstacles.
6. Walk for final evaluation before the results are announced

A number of inspections will be held in 2009. Check the ATA website for information on these sites. Additional information on inspections can be found on the ATA website at www.americantrakehner.com.

2008 Futurity Award Winners
The ATA congratulates the 2008 Futurity Award winners. Horses nominated for the futurity have two opportunities to win. As three-year-olds, horses may compete in the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) In-Hand classes under the USDF Horse-of-the-Year program rules. Horses compete at age 4 ½ to five in the Dressage Futurity by competing at training level in USDF recognized shows, following the Horse-of-the-Year award rules.

Each year the ATA Futurity showcases talented young Trakehner horses. More information on the ATA Futurity can be found on the ATA website.

2008 ATA Futurity winners are as follows:

2008 In Hand Futurity - Born in 2005

—First: Le Rubio OAB-D-G358 (Rubino Bellissimo (HAN) x Lacrosse, by Vincent); bred and owned by Stefanie Moses, Chester, NH
—Second: Rousselet ORB-A-M2713 (Beaujolais II x Raumflug, by Erzsand *E*); bred and owned by Linda Boyles, Lee, FL
—Third: Oksana SR OSB-A-M2360 (Summertime x Onia by E.H. Consul); bred and owned by Nancy and Todd Shaw, Eustis, FL

2008 Under Saddle Futurity - Born in 2003

—First: LeDon ORB-A-G658 (Donaufürst *Ps*E* x l'Egant *M*, by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Corrine Morrison, New Orleans, LA; ridden by Iris Eppinger
—Second: Forrte ORB-D-S812 (Beaujolais II x Fem Fatale, by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Jean Brinkman, Wellborn, FL; ridden by Iris Eppinger
—Third: Donauwaltzer ORB-A-G726 (Stiletto *Pb* x Donaulied, by Avignon II); bred by Laura and Mike Hassel, Alpharetta, GA, owned and ridden by Kelley Delaperriere, Alpharetta, GA
—Fourth: Cailn Leith ORB-B-S1130 (Leonidas *Pg* x Caledonia xx, by Rogreek xx); bred, owned and ridden by Nancy Winning, Holtwood, CA
—Fifth: Libbie *M* OSB-A-M2196 (Feuertänzer x Lucie, by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E*); bred and owned by Rita Haas, Corvallis, MT; ridden by Courtney Ells and Barbara Crabo

2009 Stallion Service Auction
Bidding opened for the 2009 American Trakehner Association (ATA) Stallion Service Auction (SSA) on January 1, 2009. Over 45 stallions are participating, including two Olympic medalists, Abdullah *Pg*E* and Peron *Pg*. This is the perfect opportunity to ring in the New Year with a discounted breeding to a versatile Trakehner horse. Participants may bid online or via mail. Online bidding ends on February 14 at 12 p.m. EST.