“Elite” stallion, Halifax        

Origin
Halifax comes to us from the very successful foundation bloodline established by his grand-sire, Heros. Heros is prominent in the pedigrees of many famous and well-regarded German Riding Ponies. He sired 14 approved stallions and is the dam-sire of the influential stallion Black Boy. Of the many approved stallions produced by Heros two in particular proved to be outstanding. One of which is Hasko, Halifax’s sire. In sport, Hasko proved himself as a driving pony. His offspring however, have proven themselves in all disciplines. His son, the approved stallion Hibou, was the 1995 Reserve Champion at the Bundeschampionat of 5 year old jumping ponies. Another son, Hoby, was the 2006 Champion of the Imperial Riding Cup in Wouwse Plantage, and won Gold at the Dutch Indoor Dressage Championships in the Netherlands. As of 2005 Hasko’s offspring have won a total of around 43,000 Euro in sport. Hasko was no less successful in breeding, producing 4 approved stallions, and many registered daughters and premium foals.

Halifax’s dam is the Elite States Premium mare Steehorst Love Bird. Prior to becoming a broodmare in Weser-Ems, Steehorst Love Bird was a multiple show champion in the Netherlands. She is also the dam of the approved stallion Askalon (by Astral) and the States Premium mare Betty (by Hasko), the full sister to Halifax. She was honored by the Weser-Ems registry with the additional title of “Elite”, reserved for exceptional mares who have produced a minimum of 3 approved stallions and/or state premium mares.

Performance Record
Halifax showed his outstanding potential at his stallion approval in 1999 at Neustadt/Dosse where he received scores of 9.0 for his rideability and jumping ability. He has truly proven he has an exceptional temperament and kind heart as his job is as a schoolmaster for young children.

Breeding/Progeny Record
Halifax shines as a sire of outstanding riding ponies. He has proven his quality as a breeding stallion time and time again through his offspring. Since his approval in 1999 he has produced 10 approved stallions, of which 3 were champions of their approvals. Of his daughters 4 have attained the status of States Premium mare. He consistently sires premium foals that dominate their peers in type, movement, and correct conformation. In addition, the performance record of his offspring is impressive. They have qualified for, competed in, and received high placings at the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Bundeschampionats. Examples include the stallions Hemmingway, Hatfield, and most notably Hollywood who was the 2005 Bundeschampionat Reserve Champion of 5 year old Jumping Ponies. His daughter States Premium Sandy’s Girl was the Champion of the 2003 Elite Mare Show of Weser-Ems, and the daughter States Premium Symphonie was the Champion of the 2006 Elite Mare Show of Weser-Ems. Halifax has also been honored by having the stallion son, Harry Potter, selected for the Oldenburg Elite Auction, and the elite foal, Hallo Robby, selected for the Oldenburg Elite Autumn Auction. Furthermore, in 2004 the Champion Stallion Foal of the Foal Championships was by Halifax.

Halifax’s imported offspring are also making headlines in the United States. His ponies are turning heads in California, New York, and Georgia. His son, Highlight, is successfully competing as a hunter/jumper all along the East Coast. Highlight placed first in the Pony Jumpers class in Aiken, S.C. He was also the 2005 Reserve Champion of Pony Hunters in Aiken, S.C., and had good placings in the Pony Hunters in Nashville.

In 2004 Halifax’s accomplishments in the breeding shed were recognized by the Weser-Ems Pony Registry by honoring him with the title of “Elite” stallion. This title is reserved for stallions who have produced a minimum of 10 approved stallions and/or state premium mares. Standing at a height of 14.0 hands, Halifax has proven to be an excellent choice for producing ponies with a finished height of 14.2.