American Warmblood Society Names 2004 Breeder of the Year~

By the American Warmblood Society:

The American Warmblood Society (AWS) offers their congratulations to European Performance Horses, LLC--Sarah and Gerd Reuter, with special merit as the first Breeders of the Year to average in the Supreme rating with 80.808% with five or more offspring. (In 1997, the winners had three or more offspring.)

The Reuters are outstanding AWS breeders and take advantage of the very best proven sport horse bloodlines in the world. Those bloodlines that were selected to live in their stable include Romantic Star (Hanoverian) and Welt Hit Star (Oldenburg), two of their outstanding "Approved for Breeding" stallions.

There were 15 qualifying breeders in this years calculations. We thank all of these breeders who are all doing a great job in their breeding programs. There are also three outstanding breeders in 2004 who deserve special mention.

-Diana Dodge, VA - 76.833 (nine offspring) -Sherry Tourino, WA - 75.401 (15 offspring) -Vicky Ferrer, TX - 74.533 (six offspring)

Past Winners of the AWS Breeder of the Year
2003 Diana Dodge. VA - 76.992%
2002 Rachel Ehrlich, MA - 75.775%
2001 Linda Schklar, WA - 76.925%
2000 Kathy Lindsey, WI - 75.213%
1999 Heather Mason, NJ - 75.360%
1998 Ed and Elaine Cornell, KS - 75.000%
1997 Andy & Rose Edwards, CA - 81.420%

Read Article from Hunter and
Sport Horse Magazine.

Stallion Open House Articles:

Last night we had the pleasure to attend a graciously hosted Open House at Sarah and Gerd Reuters Farm in Virginia. They presented their three handsome breeding stallions, Romantic Star, Welt Hit Star and an Akhal Teke stallion whose name I can't remember to a group of 100+ wooing and ahhing spectators.
     
This was the most well done presentation that I have witnessed to date and wish more stallion owners would do the same. Gerd and Sarah presented each stallion in hand to the audience with an overview of the bloodlines and pedigree and how each stallion would best compliment different types of mares. Then each stallion was trotted in hand then presented to the jump chute several times raising the height each time. Then, there was a lovely musical riding exhibition with each of her boys to highlight the evening.  It was thrilling!!
    
Their attention to detail was meticulous, the indoor was heated and beautifully decorated with floral arrangements and clean wood shavings, their horses were magnificently groomed and a lovely food display complete with champagne and wine.  I know this is something that is done all the time in Europe. This was an exciting and educational experience that I would highly recommend other stallion owners to consider.
     
How wonderful to hear that a stallion station in the Americas would make the effort to educate the horsemen and interested bystanders in their area. Sarah and Gerd have a group of wonderful stallions and in the best European traditions they have a desire to help breeders with their decisions. I am sure that it is not solely for self benefit that provides their strongest motivation as the German tradition is full of self pride and pride of registry. Aren't we lucky to have such great people!

Carolyn Williams
Stillpoint Farm
Thanks Carolyn for sharing this excellent information with us!

On December 29th 2000, Sarah and Gerd hosted an Open House for their new stallion Romantic Star. They unveiled an evening with a true European flair. Although the weather was bitterly cold, the crowd gathered in the beautiful indoor arena and soon forgot the elements. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres were served while the people watched Romantic Star perform. The program was composed of three parts. The first and second part consisted of Romantic Star being shown in hand then free jumping. He displayed wonderful presence and exuberance as he floated over the ground. He truly showed off for his audience. In the final phase Romantic Star was ridden by Sarah to the tune “ Love Is In the Air”. He truly danced with his partner and was attentive to every move. The evening turned out to be a huge success.

Pictured above: Winston, (by Welt Hit Star out of Jardhu)
~handled by Matt Collins.