Hilltop News
It is with great sadness that Jane MacElree and Hilltop Farm share the news that on Monday, August 23rd Cabana Boy was humanely euthanized following a catastrophic injury while in turnout. Cabana Boy’s well-being, comfort, and quality of life were the focus of each discussion and decision and a team of veterinarians was consulted to discuss all possible options and outcomes.
The consummate showman with a larger than life personality, Cabana had the unique ability to draw fans wherever he went. Bred by Doug and Shannon Langer of Wisconsin, Cabana Boy was sired by Hilltop Farm’s stallion Contucci and out of Britania (Bordeaux-Weltmeyer). Hilltop Farm acquired Cabana Boy early in his yearling year and since then Cabana Boy has been unstoppable in his accomplishments.
Accomplishments
2002
Site Champion of American Hanoverian Society Foal Inspection in Wisconsin
2004
Dressage at Devon ~ Colt Champion, Young Horse Champion, Reserve Grand Champion
2007
Champion of East Coast Selection Trials for FEI World Breeding Championships
Represented the US at the FEI World Breeding Championships in Verden, GER
USEF/Markel FEI 5-Year Old National Champion
USDF Horse of the Year ~ FEI 5-Year Olds
USDF All-Breeds (AHS) Champion ~ FEI 5-Year Olds
2008
Champion of East Coast Selection Trials for FEI World Breeding Championships
USEF/Markel FEI 6-Year Old National Champion
USDF Region 1 ~ 3rd Level Champion
USDF Horse of the Year ~ FEI 6-Year Olds
USDF Reserve Champion ~ Third Level Open
USDF All-Breeds (AHS) Champion ~ FEI 6-Year Olds & Third Level
2009
Qualified for & Competed at USEF Intermediaire I Championships
USEF Developing Horse National Champion
Dressage at Devon ~ Highest Scoring US-bred in CDI competition
USDF Horse of the Year Standings ~ ranked 7th for Prix St. Georges & 14th for Intermediaire I
USDF All-Breeds (AHS) Champion ~ Prix St. Georges & Intermediaire I
2010
3rd Place at USEF Intermediaire I National Championships
A shining star for Hilltop Farm, US sport horse breeding, and US dressage, Cabana Boy’s loss is felt by many. He has touched us all deeply and his passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts. Jane MacElree, Chris Hickey, and the staff at Hilltop Farm would like to express their sincere appreciation to the veterinarians at New Bolton Center who guided us through this crisis, as well as the veterinarians at Unionville Equine and Dr. Amy Rabanal who have worked closely with Cabana Boy over so many years.
Hilltop Archives
Once again we made the long drive out to the beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL for the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships. Michael qualified two horses for the Championships this year.
With each step in their careers, the Riverman offspring continue to impress us with the versatile athleticism that has allowed them to succeed at the highest levels of most every discipline. Over the years we’ve seen Riverman ranked near the top the USEF Leading Sire rankings in multiple disciplines.
Hilltop Articles & Interviews
Whether you are learning about showing your horse in hand or just looking for some tips, this excerpt from the 2015 USDF Sport Horse Breeders/Handlers Seminar is for you – Showing Sport Horses In Hand with Michael Bragdell.
The dramatic view at Hilltop Farm is as beautiful as its magnificent horses, but the facility's scenic side in a relatively rural section of Maryland is just one of the many things that make it unique, the word most often used by people describing this one-of-a-kind property.
