Rheinland PfalzSaar International

By Ann Daum Kustar hos ever heard of a Zweibrcker? Hugo Simons great show jumper Apricot D, Margit OttoCrepins Lucky Lord, and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaums Le Mans may sound familiar. These horses are Zweibrckers, the breed sporting the bridge and crown brand from the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar district in Germany and its daughter organization, the Rheinland Pfalz Saar International (RPSI), here in North America. The RPSI is one of the few registries operating in America as a direct extension of its German counterpart. This means that the RPSI follows German rules and regulations. Mares, foals and stallions inspected in North America are entered into the German VIT, or database of sport horses, and foals born here are issued German life numbers and passports, just like their counterparts born in Germany. RPSI stallions licensed Stud Book I here are also fully licensed for breeding in Germany, for example. Ernie and JoAnn Cohn run the North American headquarters of the RPSI from their office in Alta Loma, California. Their direct tie with the German PRPS (Pferdezuchtverband Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar) means that breeders here receive input and advice from the same German judges and officials who oversee the direction of sport horse breeding in Germany. Stud Book director Otto Schalter is a familiar face to many Americanswith his trademark handle-bar mustache and cowboy hat, Otto has been inspecting foals on the annual RPSI inspection tour since 1996. Having evaluated many thousands of mares, foals and stallions both in the U.S. and Germany, Otto brings continuity to RPSI breeders and the opportunity to ask an expert for advice in shaping the future of their breeding program. The RPSI accepts mares and stallions from all of the recognized European Warmblood organizations into their mare and stallion books, as well as registered Thoroughbreds,
Above: Statue at the Zweibrcken State Stud. Right: An inspection on location at October Hill Farm. L to R: Ernie Cohn, Wendy Davis-Gerrish, Otto Schalter, and JoAnn Cohn. Photos courtesy RPSI

Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International

Arabians and Anglo-Arabians. They also have books for sport ponies, and both American and German ponies are branded with a special oak-leaf pony brand.

On the Road Again

The annual RPSI inspection tour is no gentle road trip, or fly-infly-out whirlwind tour. JoAnn, Ernie, Otto and the other judges clock 16,000 highway miles in 65 days, visiting 50 different inspection sites and staying in 55 motel rooms in 27 states and three Canadian provinces. Is it any wonder the RPSI tour theme song is On The Road Again by Willie Nelson? Its one thing that really makes us different, according to JoAnn Cohn. We see everyone along the way! Early on we made the decision to really go out and meet our breeders on their own turf, Ernie Cohn says. We have a long-term relationship with Mr. Hertz, Ernie

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jokes. But seriously, the tour is our way of keeping a finger on the pulse of the breeding community. We reconnect with our old-time breeders this way and meet new people along the way. When we see an exceptional horsebe it mare, foal or stallionthat makes our day! The horse world is small in a sensenot by miles, but by community, Ernie continues. Everyone is in contact now thanks to the internet. The RPSI is also unique in that they set up a mobile office at each inspection, complete with computer database and printouts. Each horse that is inspected receives a computerized score sheet at the end of the day that is signed and sealed by the German judge. This is an official document and, in the case of foals, includes their official

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one will be judging their horses this year, and next year as well. Its more than just seeing a friendly face year in and year out, though we strive to be a user-friendly registry, Ernie explains. Its about continuity, and knowing the judge both as an expert for the day, but also as a mentor, as someone who gives guidance and breeding advice.

Brief History
The RPSI shares a long history of selective breeding for sport with its parent organization, the PRPS of Germany. The territory of the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar lies along the Rhine River in southwest Germany. Duke Christian IV established the state stud at Zweibrcken in 1755, while the modern PRPS registry was formed in 1977. In 1992 the PRPS built Pferdezentrum, a new equestrian center and offices near Standenbuhl, Germany. The registry offers sales and training of Zweibrcken horses, as well as auctions and events from this central location. They are proud to be one of the few breed associations in Germany with its own riding and training facilities. In 1995 the PRPS expanded its territory into North America, and the RPSI was born. The PRPS is also a member of the South German Breeding Association, a cooperative Warmblood licensing and marketing group made up of representatives from six different German Warmblood registries. The South Germans hold a stallion approvals and auction in Munich each January, among other events. So Zweibrcker stallions now can go through their approval either in Zweibrucken or Munich depending on their age and owners preference. The original Zweibrcker

Germany

unique life number that will stay with them throughout their lives. This is the same life registration number as on their official passports, which are printed and issued from Germany. One special thing breeders can take away from an RPSI inspection is informationthe RPSI is proud to be an educational registry, and the central focus of the day is the oral explanation from the judge of the scores. Its important that people should hear not only that the foal receives a 7.5 or 6.8 or 8.2, but what is good or not so good about that animal, Otto explains. By watching and listening, a breeder gets an idea what to look for as well as an overall perspective of how shes doing compared to the rest of the breeding world. Ernie Cohn agrees, pointing out the great benefit to RPSI breeders is knowing that the same qualified judges who have inspected both German and North American horses since day
Above, top: Otto Schalter inspects a mare. Bottom: Mares and foals are allowed to show at liberty at RPSI inspections.

Understanding names and places

Rheinland Pfalz-Saar the horse-breeding region in southwest Germany made up of two states, the Rheinland-Pfalz and the Saarland. Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International (RPSI) The North American branch of the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar Warmblood horse registry (www.rhpsi.com). Pferdezuchtverband Rheinland Pfalz-Saar (PRPS) the German horse-breeding parent organization of the Rheinland Pfalz Saar International registry (www.pferdezucht-rps.de/). Zweibrcker The breed of Warmblood horse from the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar district of Germany. Zweibrcken A city in the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar district and home of their State Stud. It means Two Bridges in German, and is named after a famous bridge. Rheinlander a separate Warmblood horse breed from the district of Rhineland.

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horse, according to Otto, was a light riding horse of elegant type. In fact, when the Trakehner breed was founded, 160 Zweibrcker stallions were imported to Trakehnen for breeding. Many of those Zweibrcker horses ended up in the Trakehner stud books marked as most influential. The Zweibrcker was never a really heavy horse, Otto goes on to say. Unlike many other regions, we had to actually build more size and body, rather than really refine. Some people mistake us with the Rhinelanders, says JoAnn Cohn of the RPSI. Our brands are differentour horses have a bridge with a crown while a Rhinelander horse is branded with an antler mark. Were two different registries. There are some excellent Zweibrckers in sport here in North America, including LEtoile, Paradox and Cedric ridden by Wilhelm and Theo Genn, and Horses Unlimiteds Grand Prix dressage stallion Leonberg, among others. Now the North Americanborn Zweibrckers are really starting to make their mark in the show ring, Otto Schalter says. EWSZs Qualle, by Quebec, is ranked in the top USEF fiveyear-old jumpers, and Sympa (Sabotage x Summit Peak) has been a top competitor in the Grand Prix.

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Moving into the Future

The RPSI is proud to be an accessible and forwardthinking registry. When Otto, Ernie and JoAnn saw a need in America for a universally-accepted stallion test, they planned for over a year along with PRPS officials to put on the first U.S. 30-day stallion test, held in Connecticut in 2005. It was to run under the same exact standards of the tests in Germany. Stallion owners here in the U.S. absolutely needed a route to get their stallions licensing requirements fulfilled, Otto recalls. It was necessary to start an open, ethical test as a way to make licensing both cost and time-effective for stallion owners. Ernie adds, We handed over the reins, and now, there are both a 30-Day and 70-Day Stallion test, run by an independent organization and accepted by the major Warmblood breeding organizations in this country. Were proud to have been in on the testing from the very beginning. For 2012, the RPSI is looking forward to introducing a free jumping championship series, run in conjunction with the annual inspection tour and based on the German championships for three and four year olds. In an uncertain economy, we as a registry want to make every effort to support our breeders, Ernie says. We want to provide more education, and more opportunities to market horses.

sk anyone whos been to an RPSI inspection what their first impression was. Youll very likely get an answer involving a German in a cowboy hat. Otto Schalter, stud book director of the PRPS and RPSI, is hard to miss. Not only is he a seasoned Keuring judge in Germany and in America, but he also announces professionally for auctions and shows in Germany, and he is a virtual encyclopedia of sport horse bloodlines and pedigrees. He may forget a human face but rarely a good mare, foal or stallion. Hes a kind of conduit between Zweibrcker horses and breeders in the U.S. and Germanyseeing the best, and the worst, that both continents have to offer. Otto reflects that joining the American tour has changed his life. It kind of fell from the sky, he recalls. My work in Germany is part office, part travel and shows, but close to home. Here in the states Im traveling big distances every day, but still theres paperwork, emails and phone calls in the evening. It doesnt feel like a road trip, anymoreits just my life. My favorite part of the American tour is seeing the progress, especially the positive changes in breeding programs and results on farms that Ive been visiting over the years. What has he learned along the way? An appreciation for the landscape and grand distances across North America, for one thing. Also, some perception into the world of breeding and showing hunters (they dont exist in Germany!), and the realization that the basics of selecting breeding stock, for all the disciplines, are still practically the same. He still always appreciates a good Thoroughbred and stresses the importance of a quality mare base in developing a breeding program. What is his wish-list for American breeders? To continue breeding and be selective in their mare base, stallions, and bloodlines. To present their horses in a professional manner giving them the opportunity to move forward freely in hand, both in walk and trot. And most importantly, to keep only the best mares for breeding.

OttO SCHALtER: BRIDGInG tWO COntInEntS

Speaking of falling from the skywhen asked about the most memorable part of the 2011 tour, Otto answers, This years tour was kind of special. We inspected during an earthquake in Maryland, a hurricane in New York, and then I made the mistake of asking whats next an asteroid? A few weeks later we saw on the internet that a piece of space junk fell in Okotoks, Alberta, where wed just had an inspection. He laughs and adds, I guess its timing was just off by a day

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Otto agrees. This is a good step for North Americagood in terms of identifying talented horses early on, and its also for breeding programs and stallion owners, as a way to recognize what is really working. And its good for selling horses!

marketing@rhpsi.com. Plans will be solidified early spring 2012 for competitions to begin in August.

Special Munich Tour in 2012

The RPSI is also organizing a special tour in January to South Germany. Join judge Otto Schalter for a Breeders Tour to the South German Stallion Approvals and Auction in Munich, Germany, January 2529, 2012. Youll experience educational opportunities, ring-side mentorship, side trips to local breeding farms, Gala tickets and more. This is a fantastic opportunity to train your eye, meet other breeders, and see a big selection of young Warmblood stallions from the hottest bloodlines Germany has to offer. The South Germans are known for their hospitalityheres a chance to increase your knowledge of sport horse bloodlines, horse-shop, or just relax in a fun, positive, Warmbloodintensive environment. (Read more about this annual event featured in Warmbloods Today, Together They Stand, May/June 2011.) Visit www.rhpsi.com or email marketing@rhpsi.com for more information, or call (909) 948-2934.

Introducing Free Jumping Championships

The RPSI is taking steps to help breeders and owners market young horses and promote breeding programs, specifically with young jumper prospects. Its a competition series based on the Free Jumping Championships for three and four-year-olds currently popular across Germany. And its open to all sport horse breeds, not just RPSI-registered horses.

With the new Free Jumping Championships, the idea is to use free jumping to determine a young horses natural talent in the canter, in scope and technique over fences, as well as judge the horses overall impression of character, instincts, athletic ability and potential as a competitive hunter or jumper. Horses will be divided by age and breed, with awards overall and by division. There are specific event guidelines and rules that should be followed. During this years RPSI inspection tour, the RPSI received much positive feedback from breeders excited about the concept. Pre-registration in spring of 2012 will be required. To learn more information about this new competition launching in 2012, please go to www.rhpsi.com or email
Above: the Zweibrcker stallion DaMarco (Darco x Raphael-Zeus), champion stallion at his licensing in Zweibrcken. Right, top: South German 2011 Jumping Champion Captain Kirk with his breeder. Photo by Maximilian Schreiner Right, bottom: thomas Mnch, marketing director for the Southern German breeding group.

How to distingUisH tHe different breeds

Look for a brand on the horses left haunch. A Zweibrcker will sport a bridge and crown with a number below (the last two digits of the horses individual registration number) or just a bridge with a number below if your horse is in one of the secondary books. A Rhinelander will be branded with an Antler symbol on the left haunch.

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brckers in Sport ei w

By Ann Daum Kustar

Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International

Great examples of Zweibrckers making their mark in America.

trainer and rider Daniel Geitner rode the big bay mare he knew hed found The One. Even now, every time I try a new horse Im thinking, how does he measure up to Sympa, Daniel says. Shes a once-in-alifetime horse!

Sympa Finding The One

EvEryonE in thE barn has a favorite Sympa story, owner Tara Bostwick says. She has a fan club like a rock star! Winner of multiple Grand Prixs, Sympa has a drive to succeed unlike anything her owner or rider/trainer Daniel Geitner has seen before. Even after a potentially career-ending bacterial infection in one hind leg that sidelined the big mare for months, Sympa took matters in her own hooves to speed up her return to the show

More Like It A Family Tradition

Following in thE Family tradition, this talented

Zweibrcker stallion by More Than Luck triumphed in the West Coast International Jumper Futurity. More Like It earned best scope and technique, best type and movement, and reserve most consistent and rideable for owner/breeder Tish Quirk of Carlsbad, California, and rider Emily Esau Williams. Tish Quirk says from the minute he was born More Like It has been akind and gentle horse. He loves to play with his pasture toys and gallops around the pasture with a rubber ball which he throws in the air and eventually tosses out of

Sympa and Daniel Geitner. Photo by Flashpoint Photography

ring. Cathy Geitner tells the story of Sympa being led out of her stall one day just as the van pulled up to the barn ready to be packed for a show. Sympa took one look at her van, broke away from her handler, launched herself up the ramp and backed herself into her usual stall, drivers side, facing backwards, ready to hit the road. Sympas comeback was sweet indeed when she won the 2011 Gulf Coast Classic Grand Prix in February of 2011. This quirky RPSI-branded Grand Prix jumper mare was born on the South Dakota prairie, bred by Ann Daum-Kustar of Solomon Farm. From her first weeks, she proved to be a real character, willing to go over, under or through any obstacle in her path. Sympa was inspected at our very first RPSI inspection, Ann recalls. She held everyones attention with her big movement and independence. And like all of the Summit Peak foals, just keeping her in the arena or pasture was a challenge! She was the high-scoring filly of the day with a movement score of 9.0, and overall 8.2 shes sure lived up to those scores now! Purchased as a dressage prospect by an amateur rider based in Vermont, Sympa soon proved to be more a jumper than a dressage horse. The first time Aiken, South Carolina based
Leonberg and Mikala Gundersen photo with title by Susan J. Stickle

More Like It and Emily Esau Williams. Photo by Maria Morgan/Captured Moment

the pasture, Tish says. We keep an assortment of toys in his pasture and enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt each afternoon as we gather his toys and return them to his pasture to be ready for the next days play time. He has grown into an exceptional athlete with a great temperament and spectacular beauty, and his stride and his jump are huge, Quirk says. He has certainly earned a place in the breeding program. He will focus on his competition career in the immediate future and let his sire, More Than Luck, take care of the breeding requests for now. His bloodlines, family history, athletic ability, exceptional good looks and wonderful temperament should make him a very popular sire.
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Undia The Old Gray Mare

multiplE uSdF brEEdEr oF thE yEar Marion Dresel-

OConnor as a young girl in Germany met her first Zweibrcker, a spirited gray mare named Undia. Shes been a fan of the breed ever since. Undia competed as a half-blood racehorse in her youth, in popular races called Jagdrennen hunt races. These races were possible thanks to the essentially light, sporty type of Zweibrcker horses [bred] through the years. Undia`s sire was the Thoroughbred Der Unhold xx who stood in Zweibruecken for many years. Her dam Diana was by Djebel ox, out of a mare by Verdun/Rotenfels II. After her racing career, Undia went on to a short career as a polo pony and then as a rental horse. When that didnt work out she was headed for the slaughterhouse, until young Marion bought her. The two became a team, winning the 1.10 meter division at their first show together in 1978. Undia helped Marion earn her Reitabzeichen, the bronze medal needed in Germany top to bottom: Undia during her early racing career. Undia and Marion at a jumper show to compete at B and A in Germany. Marion with her Zweibrcken rated competitions. horses. Photos courtesy Marion Dresel-OConnor This is why I breed Zweibrcker horses nowall because of one old gray mare! Marion exclaims. Undia was a soul mate. I owned her until she was 28 years old. When she passed away I came to America. I probably owned 200 + horses before I met my next soul mate horse, Karat.

Wins in Wellington as well as on the European tour in 2009 clinched the pairs place as members of the Danish Nations Cup team. In 2010 Leonberg and Mikala won multiple CDIs in the U.S. as well as traveling to Europe to compete for the Danish team at the CHIO Aachen and the Danish Championships. Otto Schalter remembers Leonbergs sire Lonely Boy from his long racing career (from age two until twelve!) as a consistent performer over every distance. After retiring from racing he stood at private stud near Kaiserslauternthe same farm where Leonberg himself was raised and brought up in sport. As some people know, Im not afraid of Thoroughbred blood in the sport horses, Otto Schalter explains. Lonely Boy produced very good rideability and elasticityand all very willing, cooperative horses. He was able to use the Thoroughbred influence to really give size, but also bring in the refining influence we expect. Leonberg is a good example of this. Leonbergs mare line is a strong, old Zweibrcker stem from Grandus, and back to the super producing TB stallion Chronist, Otto continues. Its no surprise hes an international calibre horsehe also shares a great, great granddam with Paradox, by Parlando I, a Zweibrcker grand prix jumper here in the U.S. ridden by Theo Genn. This is super producing mother line. When Leonberg made the trip across the ocean, I was really looking forward to following his career and foals in America. Lets just say I havent been disappointed! he says. Leonberg will be standing for the 2012 season at Hassler Dressage in Chesapeake City, Maryland.

Leonberg Success on Two Continents

thE EpitomE oF thE modErn drESSagE Stallion, Leonberg combines a solid, old Zweibrcken motherline with the European and American Thoroughbred lines of his sire Lonely Boy xx. Owned by Anne Sparks of Horses Unlimited, Leonberg qualified for the Olympic Games during his 2004 show season as well as finishing second at Dressage at Devons Grand Prix Special. After an injury sidelined the stallion he took two years off as a sire before returning to CDI competition with his new rider Mikala Gundersen.

Leonberg and Mikala Gundersen competing at Grand Prix. Photo by Susan J. Stickle

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RPSI
INSPECTION RESULTS

1). ewsZ Victorio (Forever x Dreialei Der Radetzky) ......................8.7 Owner: European Warmblood Stallion Zentrum, Arva, ON 2T). sf dartagnon (Der Graf x Leda Le Mode) ..............................8.6 Owner: Ann Daum-Kustar, Solomon Farm Okaton, SD 2T). sf ladies man (Le Mode x Damsel Der Graf) ..........................8.6 Owner: Ann Daum-Kustar, Solomon Farm Okaton, SD 3T). a cause to pause (Allerbester x PR. St. PeachGlaize xx Raise a Man xx) ......................................8.5 Owner: Donette Loitsch Unadilla, NY 3T). cf don Valentino (Don De Marco x Tiarenia D Flemmingh) ....8.5 Owner: Gina Benson-Cook, Silver Creek, GA 3T). sf donatello (Der Graf x Robin Rainbow) ..............................8.5 Owner: Heidi Harris, Seattle, WA

Top 2011 ColTs

2011

1). sf spirit (Smoke Tree Snapdragon x Lelady Katy Le Mode) .......8.8 Owner: Ann Daum-Kustar, Solomon Farm Okaton, SD 2). baroque (Beaujolais x Whimsical Wonderful)..........................8.7 Owner: Natalie Cwik, Tenacious Acres, Deerfield, WI 3). bibbidi-bobbidi-boo dsf (Bodyguard x Rainbow DSF Makuba)..............................................................8.3 Owner: Jennifer & Armin Arnoldt, Dreamscape Farm Langley, BC 4T). fox creeks duke of Hazzard (FCF Diamond King x Seven Mountain Nasty Cathedine Night Safe)............................8.0 Owner: Dianna Orona, Fox Creek Farm Manhattan, KS 4T). tioga to windward (Rosedale Top Cat x Farnley Eclipse Farnley Frere Jacque) ........................................8.0 Owner: Amanda Smith, Lebanon, ME

Top 2011 pony ColTs

1). cristal (Beaujolais x Chianti Kiribati) .......................................8.4 Owner: Natalie Cwik, Tenacious Acres, Deerfield, WI 2). fox creeks daisy duke (Adonis x Die kleine Hexe KL Golden Dancer).............................................8.2 Owner: Dianna Orona, Fox Creek Farm Manhattan, KS 3). eclipse ee (North Forks Brenin Cardi x Andromeda Ferro)..........8.1 Owner: Jessica Wisdom, Ridgefield, WA 4). edelweiss ee (North Forks Brenin Cardi x River Melody Riverman).................................................................................8.0 Owner: Chris McClure, Amity, OR

Top 2011 pony Fillies

1). ewsZ lynosa (Achill-Libero H II x Fledermaus Feueropal) ........8.6 Owner: European Warmblood Stallion Zentrum, Arva, ON 2T). enother dream (Dream Along x Grand Elegance Grandos) .....8.5 Owner: Margret Gafford, Petersburg, VA 2T). ewsZ olympia (Odysseus W x Grittibenz Gigolo) ....................8.5 Owner: European Warmblood Stallion Zentrum, Arva, ON 3T). coastal (Ivory Coast xx x Delimain Diamont)..........................8.4 Owner: Genevieve Ghilotti, Petaluma, CA 3T). ewsZ escala (Elazer/T x Gale Force/T Lenzsturm/T) ................8.4 Owner: European Warmblood Stallion Zentrum, Arva, ON 3T). ewsZ la raliea (Le Comte II x Sarelia Salut) .........................8.4 Owner: European Warmblood Stallion Zentrum, Arva, ON

Top 2011 Fillies

1). ever after (Escapade x Reflexion xx Miners Mark xx) ...............7.7 Owner: Tracey Valletta, Ever After Farm Milton, FL 2T). i-mai tai oHf (Mezcalero x Anjou OHF Amaretto D) ...............7.4 Owner: Wendy Davis-Gerrish, October Hill Farm Weatherford, TX 2T). rhapsody ggf (Rascalino x Wesermelodie Wesley) ................7.4 Owner: Rachel Ehrlich, Greengate Farm, New Braintree, MA 3T). andromeda (Ferro x Neostan) ..................................................7.3 Owner: Jessica Wisdom, Ridgefield, WA 3T). fusion (Fidertanz x Aida De Niro) ..........................................7.3 Owner: Selena White, Petersham, MA

Top 2011 Mares

1). die kleine Hexe Kl (Golden Dancer x Dollar Girl Dornik B).......7.3 Owner: Dianna Orona, Fox Creek Farm Manhattan, KS 2). maple side macaroon (Maple Side Mister Magic x Maple Side Musical Magical) .....................................................7.1 Owner: Dianna Orona, Fox Creek Farm Manhattan, KS 3). farnley eclipse (Farnley Frere Jacques x Dancin Britches)............7.0 Owner: Amanda Smith, Lebanon, ME
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