2012 season

Tribute Tertius (Millenium x Dorneywood Stars N Stripes) appeared next, long-lined by his owner, Dr. Campbell of Hobgoblins Stud. The 3-year old colt is a product of an embryo transfer by Millenium during his first season at stud, and out of a Morgan mare who competes at advanced-level Endurance. Orphaned from his surrogate mother at just a few days of age, he is a great favourite of the Hobgoblins staff. Tertius has showed himself to be the best of both worlds - compact, nicely tempered, and possessing active, correct movement. Hobgoblins is eagerly awaiting his debut under saddle, and he is certainly an interesting dressage prospect to watch.

Finally, another Hobgoblins resident, the dressage stallion Millenium (Manstein x Grandios x Caruso), performed a dressage test to music, in form which defied both his 21 years of age, and the fact that he travelled to another stallion parade just the day before. He provided an excellent finale, performing with enthusiasm, and obviously enjoying a return to his partnership with owner and rider Laura Richardson. Millenium continues to impress with his movement, cadence, and elevation, in addition to his obvious joy in his work. Several progeny were displayed prior to his test, including two yearling colts, Time Line (see slideshow below) and Hobgoblins Honour Bound, who are being kept entire as potential eventing sires of the future. Both have excellent records at the BEF Futurity series, with Time Line the only yearling awarded “Elite” in the eventing category in 2010, and Hobgoblins Honour Bound achieving the highest score in his category at the Plumpton College venue every time he was presented. Millenium’s progeny all appeared very personable, and were athletic movers.

At the end of the day, audience members were invited to view stallions and progeny together, and speak with their owners. It was wonderful to see several offspring of Stanhopes Diddicoy and Millenium together in one place with their sires. In spite of the exciting atmosphere, all of the stallions and youngsters were very well-behaved, allowing handlers time for photographs, discussion, and the all-important biscuits and cups of tea! Owners were very enthusiastic and helpful about their stock, and were able to give useful information about the mares that produced their youngsters - a great benefit for breeders considering each stallion. Additionally, information was presented about stallions available through Hobgoblins which were unable to be present on the day—the exciting young German show jumper Balou Star (see the March issue of Horse Breeders Magazine); the exceptional TB stallion Accondy; Oldenburg dressage stallion Roadster; elite dressage pony Manitu N; and the very expressive Lusitano, Vinagre.

We at Hobgoblins would like to wish everyone a healthy and successful stud season, and look forward to seeing you all at next year’s display!

Photographs of Stanhopes Diddicoy courtesy of Countess Harrington

Photographs of Millenium courtesy of Fiona Mcouat

All other photographs are courtesy of Craig Payne Photography