Hampton Green Farm is pleased to announce that Encanto XI has been sold to an Adult Amateur rider in Wellington, Florida.[nbsp]
Encanto XI was the first foal to be born with the HGF brand. His mother, the late Cantora XVI, was purchased in Spain in 2001, and covered at that time by one of Spain's most famous dressage horses--Evento. Evento had been Ignacio Rambla's mount for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and is credited for sparking the sport world's interest in the PRE horse. In 2001, some of the great horses that define the PRE in dressage today--such as Invasor, Distinguido, Fuego, etc.--had yet to appear in the international dressage scene, but HGF had a vision for the PRE horse and its potential for competition in the highest levels. Cantora was bred to Evento in late 2001 and remained in Spain to foal in 2002.[nbsp]
After one year, both dam and foal were brought back to the United States where they were taken to HGF in Fruitport, MI. Cantora went on to produce many top-quality foals for HGF prior to her passing in 2010. Her daughter, Ibiza, is the dam of Robert Dover's Fiero HGF and Martin Schaudt's Genio HGF and Mejorano HGF.
Encanto spent three years in the large grass fields of the Michigan farm, turned out with the colt crop of 2003. In late 2006, as a four year old, he came to Wellington Florida to be started, at which time he was first seen by Daniel Martin Dockx. An agreement was made and Daniel became part owner of the horse, who was flown to Malaga shortly after.
The pair did not enter competition until 2009, when both horse and rider seemed to come out of nowhere to top many national Developing Horse (Young Horse PSG) classes, and finished as Reserve National Champion Developing Horse. The horse's gaits were exceptional, with a relaxed scopey trot, very good walk, and a flawless canter tour. In 2010, they were Champions of Andalucia--a Small Tour championship--but were prevented from finishing the Spanish National Championships at Small Tour that year due to an infected cut in the coronary band that occurred at the show. Nevertheless, within dressage circles in Spain, Encanto was considered a top young horse for Spain's future.
In 2011, Daniel debuted Encanto in his first Grand Prix--in an international class at Sunshine Tour, no less. The pair scored a surprising 67% and finished 7th in a class of over 20 seasoned Grand Prix horses. They were invited to travel to Saumur with the Spanish federation. This being only their second Grand Prix, their score in France showed their inexperience, but they quickly rebounded, scoring well in the Consolation class and then coming home to Spain to win several national Grand Prix classes. By this time, the international press had noticed Encanto, calling him one to watch for Spain and comparing his movement to that of Satchmo.
Last year, 2012, was focused on the Olympics with Grandioso, but Encanto quietly obtained his two qualifying scores at Sunshine Tour, and then traveled with Daniel and Grandioso to Germany to train. After a year out of the show ring, Daniel and Encanto once again went down the centerline at Sunshine Tour last month and showed a stronger, more polished, more mature Grand Prix test--taking 2nd in the Grand Prix Special.
Now, Encanto's career starts its next chapter. He will be coming back to Wellington, to a story-book beautiful farm, to work with his new owner and her training team which includes former US Team rider Diana Rankin. All of us who have loved Encanto and have believed in him are extremely happy with his new situation, and expect to see him bring his new owner the thrill of successful competition as well as the unparalleled joy of equine companionship.
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