Gestüt Webelsgrund presented their home bred Heuberger, a stallion of such notable positive TB influence in his conformation and athleticism, a highe ranking would have fit him as well. This middle-framed horse moved with one of the best hind legs of the days in Neumünster, always active and well under the center of gravity, and allowed for fluid transmission to his front end which showed great knee action and shoulder freedom. His type does not meet highest Trakehner expectations, but his athleticism and outstanding "blood horse" conformation made up for that. The dam line has been at home at Webelsgrund for many decades and is also represented by the international show jumper Humanus, the international Grand Prix dressage horse EH Heuriger and many other succecssful sport horses and influential breeding stock (e.g. Handryk). Heuberger was not for sale and will remain at Gestüt Webelsgrund.

Premium: Heuberger (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+2) and Janne Bugtrup (3))

Gestüt Hämelschenburg's Saint Cyr was one of the most dynamic stallions in his movement and also displayed outstanding Trakehner type and temperament. His movement was marked by cadence and great suspension and the stallion never lost his focus or his rhythm. Saint Cyr is the third approved son of his dam Schwalbenspiel (Shavalou and Songline came earlier) and hence is a very close maternal relative to the international Grand Prix dressage stallion Showmaster, the State Stud stallion Sans Souci, the M level show jumper Stradivari and the top sire Schwadroneur. Saint Cyr will remain at stud for Hämelschenburg to follow in his sire's (big) footsteps one day.

Premium: Saint Cyr (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+2) and Tammo Ernst (3))

The black Abendtanz received his premium as one of the better jumpers of his lot in combination with great conformation and very good movement. He too came out of the first foal crop of a young stallion, Hirtentanz. His free jumping performance was marked by very good technique, but lacked a bit of the scope that the other Hirtantanz son, Hermelin, clearly had. That said, for a jumper-bred stallion, Abendtanz impressed with very good movement and overall athleticism. The dam Amazing TSF was a successful advanced level show jumper herself and comes from the family of the former champion stallion Amadeus. Abendtanz, who was bred by Heinrich Behr in Buchholz, was presented by Burkhard Wahler and was not for sale. He will debut at Klosterhof Medingen in 2010.

Premium: Abendtanz (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

With Osiander, another Lauries Crusador xx son was approved this year. This very likeable stallion showed great type and sport horse attributes. While not bred for jumping, he had a perfect inner will to do the job and tried to please in all phases. Osiander had one of the best hind legs of this entire crop - always active, stepping high and far under him and never losing his rhythm. The light-footed stallion was of tall size and comes from a performance proven dam line. His dam Ode II competed at M level dressage herself, and already produced a number of highly regarded auction horses and premium mares, including Germany's best Anglo-bred mare (all breeds) of 2009, Ouvertüre. Osiander sold at auction for 26,000 Euro to Karl-Heinz Schulenburg and will debut at Gestüt Hohenschmark in 2010.

Approved: Osiander (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+3) and Tammo Ernst (2))

Another pinto received approval status in 2009: Connor McLeod displayed willingness over jumps and had good trot movement in terms of mechanics. All his gaits could have profited from more suppleness over the back and a better transition of impulsion and power over his top line. His dam line is on the rise in Germany with such good performance horses as Canzler, Camaro and Cara Feliz. The stallion was bred and presented by Erwin Kirchen in Irsch, and was bought back at auction by his breeder for 17,000 Euro. Later in 2010, he sold to Switzerland.

Approved: Connor McLeod (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+3) and Janne Bugtrup(2))

Another Axis son was approved with Sidney Bay. This already very tall dark bay stallion impressed with outstanding overall athleticism and very balanced and rhythmical movement. Not alway free of tension in his canter and over jumps, he nevertheless represents a modern sport horse type that will excel under saddle. The direct dam line also producced the Bundeschampionat finalistg Solistentraum as well as the approved Seeräuber. Bred by Nicole Schienstock of Langenberg, Sidney Bay was not for sale and will debut as a sport horse under owner Corinna Hellmann. He stands at stud at Gestüt Tasdorf in 2010.

Approved: Sidney Bay (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1), Peter Richterich (2) and Janne Bugtrup (3))

The newly proclaimed elite stallion Cadeau had another approved son in Neumünster this year. Montafon is a full brother to the approved Monseigneur, but the more impressive model overall with more substance, size and frame. The stallion could have shown more hind leg activity with less toe in the sand, and stood on a somewhat soft foundation. However, he seemed very likeable with excellent ground manners and like his sire probably helps to increase size and frame in his foals. This very narrow dam line with only a few offspring produced the two Grand Prix dressage horses Masur and Magall. Montafon was bred by Friedel Ewald from Frankfurt and owned by Dagobert Vester from Hennef, who bought him back for 30,000 Euro during the auction.

Approved: Montafon (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+2) and Tammo Ernst (3))

The Best Jumper prize in 2009 was won by Come Close, a substantial black stallion from pure jumper background. The stallion lacked good type, elegance, and a modern conformation but made up for it by the sheer power of his jump. While one might argue that he lacked technique, the strength of his back and the power he developed from his hind quartners may be important attributes for Trakehner jumper breeders. Besides, his pedigree was one of the best outcross alternatives seen in years. From proven Russian lines, his German mare family produced a number of S level show jumpers and eventers, e.g. Böttcher's Caprice, Caravelli, the young Conaissuer and Come close's maternal half brother Chairman. The stallion was bred is owned by Burkhard Wagler from Klosterhof Medingen. Mr. Wahler bought Come close back at auction for 35,000Euro.

Approved: Come Close (photos by Dr. Peter Richterich (1) and Jutta Bauernschmitt (2+3))

Out of the first foal crop of the 2005 champion Herzensdieb, four sons were selected for Neumünster, and one approved. Laxdoyen displayed excellent Trakehner type and elegance in his harmonious body, and moved with ease and elasticity. He was one of the better canter horses of this crop and jumped easily, but with some tension in his back. Laxdoyen is out of the same dam as the outstanding Lowelas, which begs the question why a pure dressage stallion like Herzensdieb was chosen as a partner for a clearly jumper-bred mare. The stallion comes from Gestüt Schralling in Burgkirchen, and brought 22.000 Euro at auction.

Approved: Laxdoyen (photos by Dr. Peter Richterich (1) and Jutta Bauernschmitt (2))

The black/brown Shapiro was a dressage highlight of this year's crop and scored equally high for his trot and canter. Shapiro stands on four correct legs and still has more maturation to go through, but showed outstanding hind end activity and a very elastic top line, also over jumps. Certainly the last son of In Petto, Shapiro comes from an interesting dam line and is a maternal half brother to the approved Singolo. 2nd dam Shira II is also dam of the Grand Prix dressage gelding Savoi. The family further produced the S level show jumper Sky Dancer, his approved full brother Sky Walker and the very well received Sabary. Shapiro was bred and presented by Gestüt Heinen-Issum and sold at auction for 60,000 Euro. He debuts at the Stallion Station of Gerard Geling in 2010.

Approved: Shapiro (photos by Dr. Peter Richterich (1) and Jutta Bauernschmitt (2))

Also a first approved for his sire was the bay Kandelus. The stallion was rather plain in type and conformation, but showed very good self carriage and high overall standard in his movement, including his walk. His genetic background made him an easy choice for the committtee. Sire Kaiserkult TSF was presenting his first crop in Neumünster, and the dam competed successfully at S level dressage herself. She is also a full sister to the international Grand Prix stallion Kaiser Wilhelm TSF and the dam of champion, Kentucky. Bred by Herbert-Stefan Schümann, Kandelus lost his dam soon after his birth and was raised with a bottle. The stallion sold at auction for 20,000 Euro to Gestüt Drei Kronen in Kiel.

Approved: Kandelus (photos by Dr. Peter Richterich (1) and Jutta Bauernschmitt (2))

The first son of Kasimir was approved as well. Herbstklang was a well developed 2yr old that also still looked like a 2yr old and exhibited a great frame with correct foundation and a very significant top line and saddle position. The stallion developed good form over fences when they got higher, reflecting on his outstanding jumper pedigree in his dam line. Herbstklang carried himself well and moved equally well in all paces - however, once more we see a great jumper background on the dam mixed with a pure dressage line that makes the genotype of his very interesting stallion neither fish nor meat. Bred and owned by Gisela Gunia of Uslar, he sold at auction of 14,000 Euro to Hans-Peter Kleinfeld.

Approved: Herbstklang (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

And yet another "first" for a young sire was approved with Herbstbach, son of Occacio. Herbstbach has great gender and breed type and had many fans in Neumünster. Well developed for his age, he had his highlights on the hard surface and during the performances on friday, but grew more tired over the weekend. The elevavtion of his front arm and shoulder was exemplary, but he could have been more elastic over his back, especially in his canter. Herbstbach was bred by Gestüt Krotenbach, and sold at auction for 70,000 Euro to Gestüt Drei Kronen in Kiel.

Approved: Herbstbach (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

Another Oliver Twist son was approved with Hellinger. This bay stallion had a highlight during his at liberty performance in his very well balanced and uphill canter and showed very good elasticity in his gaits and jump, while he could have made better use of his shoulder during the free jumping phase. While active and engaged, he could also have stepped under himself better. Overall the best of the Oliver Twist son this year, and from the same dam line as Herzog von Heidenroth, Heling (CAN), How Ever and the international eventing stallion Hannibal (UK). Hellinger was bred by Björn Hanke of Hameln, and was presented by Gestüt Heinen-Issum. He was bought back at auction for 25,000 Euro.

Approved: Hellinger (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

One of the most interesting stallions of the entire lot came next. Dajan, who is one of very last representatives of the excellent dressage line of Major - Postmeister in the breed, gained confidence and presence with each day and was a horse with one of the best walks this year. Still very lanky and green, this tall, late-blooming stallion had an enormous engine with a great top line, outstanding self carriage, and displayed excellent athleticism. Over-motivated at first in his free jumping presentation, he managed himself well and grew with the task at hand. Dajan comes from an excellent East German dam line that in close maternal relation also produced the M level show jumper Don Marco. Bred by Gestüt Ganschow, Dajan sold at auction for 18,000 Euro to the last owners of Poker E in Westfalia.

Approved: Dajan (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

The first approved son of Pricolino, who is steadily heading for a S level career in dressge, was Idamantes. This typey bay lost a lot of his energy and "go" over the days, but presented a true highlight on thursday and early friday. His very good walk was accompanied by an excellent trot that especially during his free jumping showed great impulsion and the ability to sit and step under himself. His canter could have been more ground covering. Idamantes's dam was successful at M/A level in dressage and comes from the same family as Anky van Grunsven's FEI World Reserve Champion Ictenos and the very popular North American Trakehner stallion Impressionist. Bred by Beate Heise of Seeon, he was bought back at auction for 22,000 Euro.

Approved: Idamantes (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

Another stallion from Hämelschenburg was approved with Giovanni Silva. One of the best (and most dynamic) trot horses of the days in Neumünster, this liekable dark bay stallion grew a bit tense over the days and was only fair over jumps. Unfortunately, he was in such ripe condition that is was hard to judge his body contour or outline. From a popular dam line, he was bred by Gestüt Hämelschenburg and sold at auction for 50,000 Euro to Gustav Schickedanz in Canada.

Approved: Giovanni Silva (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt)

A true crowd's favorite was the last horse in the catalog, the radiant chestnut Zauberdeyk. With a world class dressage pedigree, this still lanky and green stallion impressed with his personality and reminded many of his famous dam sire in both his conformation and his candenced way of moving. Very supple and willing, the stallion could have been a bit more secure in his rhythm, while his overstride in his walk was very good. Zauberdeyk was bred and presented by Simone Bell from Mirbach, and sold at auction for 47,000 Euro to Sweden. He debuted at Gestüt St. Stephan, Dorothee Schneider in 2010.

Approved: Zauberdeyk (photos by Jutta Bauernschmitt (1+2) and Janne Bugtrup (3))

The stallion lines split up as follows: