Festrausch

Photo by Werner Ernst

1994 Westfalen Stallion
Black, 17.2 ½ hands
Florestan I – Carprilli – Wappenschild

Owner: Cazenovia College
Breeder: Theo Brocks

Limited Inventory: $300/dose frozen semen

Performance Test:

Licensed through Performance Results

Approved Westfalen, ISR/OldNA, GOV

About Festrausch

This breathtaking stallion immediately captures one’s attention with his charismatic presence, effortless movement, and genuine nature. Festrausch, whose name is a German colloquialism for “the Life of the Party,” brings his true natural talent to the breeding equation and brought a diversity of bloodlines to the Hilltop Farm breeding program upon his purchase in 2000.

Festrausch's sire, Florestan I, is one of the leading producers of dressage currently in Germany. He was listed #1 on the FN's breeding value rankings for several years in a row. Florestan I himself was the Champion of the 1988 Rhineland approvals and also won the stallion performance testing in Warendorf in 1989. Florestan has 50 approved sons, many States Premium mares, top auction selling offspring, and ultimately many very successful offspring in dressage. In 2005, three of the six top medals at the World Championships for Young Horses were awarded to Florestan I offspring.

Festrausch's dam is the Westphalian mare Candy Girl by the Holsteiner stallion Carprilli (Calypso I-Aldato). As Carprilli's pedigree may suggest, he is equally gifted in producing top quality show jumping horses as well as top dressage talent. Carprilli originally stood in Oldenburg before he was sent to stand at Mecklenburg for three years. From those years at stud, he produced an outstanding mare base which earned him the title State Premium Stallion of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerianian Association in 1998. He has stood in Thuringia since 1997, where over 90% of his foals have been awarded premium titles. To date, he has 12 approved sons and over 25 States Premium Mares. Among Carprilli's most successful offspring are Clinton and Campari M.

Festrausch had an active competitive career in Germany as a young stallion in the materiale classes. Performance Sales International then purchased the stallion and he was shown by Dr. Ulf Moller to a 4th place finish in the 1999 FEI World Young Horse Championships. His international type and movement combined with his top pedigree captured Hilltop Farm’s interest. After Festrausch’s purchase, Scott Hassler traveled to Germany to compete and the pair won their qualifiers for the Young Horse Championships with impressive marks. Festrausch continued his training through Prix St. Georges and the fluidity and expression that highlighted his performances as a young horse continued to captivate viewers.

The rideability that the Florestan lines are known for comes through in the Festrausch offspring. A generous nature and sensible attitude combined with elastic gaits give the rider an excellent feeling under saddle. Most Festrausch offspring have been pointed towards the dressage ring, but those that have been jumped show an aptitude there as well.

Festrausch has sired one approved stallion, numerous Premium Mares and foals, breed show winners, and USDF All-Breeds awards recipients. Professionals and amateurs alike can appreciate the qualities that the Festrausch offspring offer.

“In the fall of 2010, Hilltop Farm donated Festrausch to Cazenovia College to stand publically at stud as well as to continue the education of Cazenovia’s Equine Business Management students. Their facility is top-notch and with the retirement of their current stallion, we knew they needed an exceptional stallion to bring additional focus and opportunities to their program. Hilltop Farm has maintained a limited inventory of frozen semen to offer our breeders and remains committed to all the offspring produced by Festrausch. We look forward to his continued success under Cazenovia’s care.” ~ Natalie DiBerardinis