Happy Birthday, Kostolany!

On December 10th, one of the sport horse world's grand old stallions celebrated his 27th birthday! Gestüt Hämelschenburg's Kostolany had many visitors that day and here are some images of this great day, thanks to Beate Langels.

On December 10th in 1984, a black colt was born at the famous German stud farm Hämelschenburg. A colt that should later become one of the breed's most successful sires, both of breeding stock and most importantly, sport horses. Kostolany never left the farm in his entire life, he became the NMS champion stallion in 1987, passed an outstanding 100 day test, won FEI dressage shows, and during all this time of fame and celebrity, always was the center of the Langels family.

Kostolany's roots go all the way back to Trakehnen and the grey mare Kassette. She was one of the highest quality members of the "mixed" herd in Trakehnen, where most of the Arabian stallions were utilized. Her sire Harun al Raschid ox was such an example. Her family has spread over several continents and the branches of her daughters belong to the most popular and successful in the entire breed. Kostolany is probably the most important link. His sire line via Enrico Caruso-Mahagoni goes back to the famous TB stallion Pasteur xx, a stallion who had tremendous success in German warmblood breeding. Kostolany puts his line in the spotlight. Over 150 daughters of Kostolany are registered as broodmares in Germany, among them many inspection champions and National champions. Many of his sons have been approved for the Trakehner breed, among them the dressage "specialists" Showmaster, a Grand Prix winner, EH Gribaldi, another Grand Prix winner and himself sire of approved sons and outstanding dressage horses, Silvermoon, FEI dressage winner and sire of one of the breed's most consisten stallions, EH Cadeau, and the exciting younger Elfado.

Kostolany's offspring compete in all disciplines and at all levels - a rarity in today's "specialized" world. But Kostolany is known for much more than just the athletic ability of his offspring. He is a stallion with an excemplary temperament and character, and he tends to pass that on to his get. It was said of the sire Enrico Caruso that he could "read and write". If that is the case, then Kostolany is probably a rocket scientist among horses!

We look forward to the next big party, celebrating his 30th birthday in 2014!! We wish you continued good health and a loving home with your family, who have taken care of you for so many years.

Photos by: Beate Langels