The Homestedt

The US Dressage Team Shortlist was nominated August 15 – congrats to all who made it onto that prestigous list. Let me take this opportunity to give a ‘hat’s off’ to Heather Blitz for doing such an outstanding job training Otto who is on the Short list with his new rider Todd Flettrich ( his longtime sponsor Cherry Knoll purchase Otto last year for him to ride at the WEG)

Just prior to competing at Asheville, NC I decided to have the saddles of both boys adjusted by Vicki from The Farmhouse in Tryon, NC. Jennifer Baumert was gracious enough to allow us to use her barn at Cross Creek Farm – thanks !

Vicki is extremely well trained by my sponsor Bates Saddlery, so it only took 30 minutes for her to adjust the two Innova saddles. As soon as Vicki was done, our longtime Equine chiropractor Dr. Joy Baker came to adjust the boys – I do want to come back as one of my horses – they have THE life !

We arrived at Asheville late afternoon – Robin and her student/friend Masha were already there and helped settle the boys in.

Oye did his third Grand Prix Freestyle ever and scored 65.5 % – as usual I was not totally happy about it – mind you, I only compete against the elusive perfect score, not the other riders. Oye had some wonderful highlights during his test – and we will continue to improve the rest – I promise !

Robin and Ralee did their WEG Freestyle during the competitors party – She had not been on Ralee for at least 2 weeks – but she is one talented rider and within minutes, they were off to impress the rest of us !

I just found out today, that Oyente’ has been invited to be part of the Andalusian Breed Exhibit which will be held during the WEG – so it looks like both of our boys will be participating !

August 2010 and believe me, it has been an incredible year so far.

Hugs – Elly

Can you believe it – half of 2010 is already over……………….! Well, here is our recap of the last 6 months.
Raison d’Etre won 2 GPs and 1 Inter. II before Robin Brueckmann took over the ride on him. Together they are going into the 2010 World Equestrian Games Final Selection Trial for Para Equestrian as Nr. 1 in the US. Individually, these two have achieved more than most – together, they are simply incredible. Watch out World, here they come !
Oyente’, Harry and Beckie Butler’s much loved 10 year old Andalusian Grand Prix stallion has qualified for both the 2010 Andalusian National Championship and the 2010 Region 2 Finals at Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle in his first year at Grand Prix …………………..and he has NOT even reached his peak yet !
Foxcry Nicodemus, owned by The Foxcry Nicodemus Syndicate has been busy breeding. As of June 1, 2010 we have 5 confirmed pregnancies. Nick will return to my farm the first week of June to resume his show career. Let me also clear up some rumors. Nick is owned by a group of individuals – I am ONE of that group, but not the ONLY one.
Dame d’Allemagne – 2007 USDF Horse of the Year, one of those horses which gives most of us goose bumps was diagnosed with bilateral reoccurring uveitis. Many of you know, that it is incredibly expensive to compete at the top level with a completely healthy horse, there really was no other logical decision than to retire her. So I send her to live at Dreamtime Farm where she will be bred to their stallions Pine Ridge and Regulus.
The best cards you hold are the ones you have not played yet – I thought about that a few days ago when I watched my 2 and 3 year old youngsters chase each other around their paddock.
Raison de Croire, my 2007 gelding by Regulus, out of Linear Lane (my beloved TB mare which was bred to Don Principe for a 2011 foal), reminds me of a huge spider with his seemingly endless legs. I shudder to think how tall he will get………and when he will start looking like a horse, not like a upside down camel.
Reve Dore’ – my 2008 gelding by Regulus, out of Noteable, my favorite horse of all time (as well as a two time USDF/Cosequin Champion mare and winner of many, many FEI classes thru GP) has not EVER had an ugly day. He combines both his sire’s and dam’s best genes and I can’t wait to start competing him !!
Spanish Alarm – my 2008 TB stallion by Spanish Steps, out of Darn that Molly (by Darn that Alarm) impresses me each and every day with his sensible attitude towards life, his correct conformation and his above average gaits. He and Reve Dore’ will start their competitive career Labor Day weekend at Raleigh, NC
Let me also introduce you to Estepeno ROY, my new Equine partner. Owned by Sharon Knight and her partner Tim Corley, of Saluda, SC Estepeno (aka JD) is an 3 year old, 16 hands grey Andalusian stallion who did impressed me, mostly with the sparkle in his big intelligent eyes. Nobody knows what the future will have in store for him, but he brings alot to the table. Top quality conformation and gaits, smart, smart, smart, athletic and most of all, a team of owners who have been there, done that and – maybe I have not mentioned this – he is SMART !
…….and another new Equine in my life – the spitting image of his sire Foxcry Nicodemus, he arrived April 1, 2010. We call him The Guardyan or ‘Gee’ for short. He is growing up with 2 mothers, his birth mother Miss Laffalot and her best friend Linear Lane. Darkbay, with a star and 2 socks, he exudes confidence, type and movement and yes, he is for sale.
Artitude was recently sold and is now living the life of utter luxury in VT and Last Ruler was sold to Robin Brueckmann who also owns his sire Lord Baltimore, look for both of these Pintos in the international dressage rings.
Scottye of Williston is now part of Camp Carefree, NC and also enjoys a life fit for a king.
We have a few youngsters here in the US for sale:
2 Half Arab full siblings, 3 and 4 year olds, both around 15.1 hands, gorgeous chestnuts with lots of chrome – fun and athletic youngsters, both around $ 10.000 (pictures/video available)
TB/Percheron gelding, darkbay, no white, around 16.1 hands, sweet heart, kind, loves to jump, go for hacks, enjoys one-on-one, around $ 15,000 (pictures/video available)
Also, a number of Fourth Level/FEI dressage horses for sale in Germany, too many to list here. Please contact us for more details.
So, now you know almost everything that’s going with our horses – enjoy your Summer and remember the sunscreen !

Hugs – Elly
“Stay focused and don’t get caught up in the myths.”- Gary Steven