News & Horses: "PRE horse"

New Mares Join the HGF Breeding Program

January 15, 2026

At Hampton Green Farm, broodmares are our backbone of the breeding program. With the goal of continuously improving the quality, diversity, and athletic potential of its PRE horses bred in the United States, HGF has expanded its broodmare program with the addition of several carefully selected mares from distinguished P.RE Breeders. Among the most notable additions is Carol de Susaeta (2022), a mare with exceptionalpedigree, by Poeta de Susaeta out of Sal de Susaeta by Digital. This lineage combines some of the most respected genetics in modern PRE breeding with Cacique IX and Oficial XXIX.  The farm has also incorporated Naveganta FSR (2021), by Malagueño LXXXIII out of Indiscreta FSR by Joyero XXIV, reinforcing lines known for their quality of movement and rideability. Alongside her arrives Orgullosa FSR (2022), by Lucero CXLVII and out of Opositora IX by Selecto VI, another mare bringing strong genetic bases.  Completing this group are two mares from the respected Nadales breeding lines: Financiera Nadales (2020) and Fandanguera Nadales (2020), both daughters of Egoísta A, out of Ajolí Nadales and Bodeguera Nadales respectively, both by Grandioso de Nadales.  With these additions, Hampton Green Farm continues to invest in the future of U.S.-bred PRE horses, combining some of the most influential bloodlines of the breed with its established stallion base. 

José Daniel Martin Dockx Will continue as the PRE Team Dressage Coach

January 13, 2026

ANCCE is pleased to announce that Daniel Martin Dockx will continue as the PRE Young Horse Dressage Team coach throughout the 2026 season. This fact reiterates our commitment to continue growing together and moving forward towards the highest possible international level. Since 2020, José Daniel Martín Dockx has been responsible for the coordination and training of riders within ANCCE’s Annual Dressage Sport Plan, working with both adult horses and young prospects to optimize their competitive performance. In addition, since 2021, he has served as Head Coach of the PRE Team for the World Championships for Young Horses, a role that has been instrumental in the growth of its international prestige. With the pathway that we have built together, we confirm that Martin Dockx will continue with us in 2026. The circumstance offers continuity for this solid and coherent project based on long-term efforts. Our sights on the Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, in Verden from the 4th to the 9th of August this year. This venue summons the world's best young horses competing in the 5, 6, and 7-year-old Dressage categories. The event has become key to showcase the projection of international Dressage talents.   We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to breeder Kimberly Van Kampen for her steadfast commitment, constant support for PREs, and her trust in this joint project. Her involvement has been vital in enabling us to continue moving forward with enthusiasm and ambition in this line of work. Likewise, this announcement is also an invitation for breeders and riders to start preparing their 5 to 7-year-old horses as we continue to see future PRE Horses excel on the international stage once again this year. In due course, the specific regulations and key dates for the PRE Dressage Team clinics will be announced. These regulations will provide detailed information regarding how the program works and the steps to follow for this new season. Source ANCCE/USPRE LINK : https://www.usprea.com/en/news/daniel-martin-dockx-will-continue-as-the-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach Link: https://www.ancce.es/en/ver-noticia12/3163/daniel-martin-dockx-continua-como-seleccionador-del-equipo-pre-de-doma-clasica-2026/ Link : https://www.eurodressage.com/2026/01/16/jose-daniel-martin-dockx-continues-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach

Hampton Green Farm Welcomes Back Olympic Rider José Daniel Martín Dockx as Head Trainer and Technical Director

September 5, 2025

Ocala, FL — September 2025 – Hampton Green Farm is proud to announce the return of Olympic rider José Daniel Martin Dockx, who will join HGF as Head Trainer and Technical Director.  José Daniel Martin Dockx  will be relocating to Ocala, where he will be based full-time to lead this  new project focused on the development of young horses through Grand Prix level and to expand the international presence of HGF horses. “Our successes in Europe ten years ago and our collaboration with Dani and the Spanish team concluded naturally with the retirement of Grandioso,” said Kimberly Van Kampen, founder of Hampton Green Farm. “Since then, our focus has been on developing youth riders here at home, including my daughter, from early levels to successful U25 tours for Kerrigan and Sophia, who are now young Adult Grand Prix competitors. Meanwhile, we have continued to grow our breeding program in Ocala, producing competitive young horses and promising Grand Prix prospects. These horses will greatly benefit from Dani’s unique ability to develop them for international competition. We have high expectations for this next chapter and are thrilled to renew our partnership with him.” José Daniel Martín Dockx added, “I have reached an agreement with Hampton Green Farm, where I was previously involved, to start a new project—not as a rider, but as a trainer and technical director. I am very excited to return to this stable, with which we achieved so many successes. It is a major change for my family and me as we relocate to Ocala, Florida, but it is a project I am passionate about and approach with great motivation. I hope it will bring successes beyond our borders and allow me to continue contributing my experience to the Spanish horse, achieving great accomplishments with this stable once again. The excitement and motivation have given us the strength for this change, which I am confident will bring many wonderful things in the future.” Based in Ocala, Florida, this new project represents the next step in Hampton Green Farm’s commitment to excellence, its breeding program, international growth, and the promotion of the PRE horse on U.S. soil.

HGF US-Bred PREs Take Silver and Bronze at SICAB, World Championship of PRE Horses

December 12, 2018

Two of Hampton Green Farm's Michigan-bred young horses took home medals from SICAB 2018--the World Championship of PRE Horses--from the Finals of the Copa ANCCE. Competing against the highest ranking PRE horses in the country of Spain following a year of qualification, Mejorano HGF attained a Silver Medal and Campanero HGF the Bronze in the 7 Year Old and 5 Year Old Divisions respectively. Both horses represent the bloodlines that characterize the output of HGF, primarily the lines of Olympic stallion Grandioso III from Yeguada Marin Garcia. Trained and competed by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, Mejorano HGF is completing an outstanding year in which they formed part of the first all-PRE team to represent Spain in the World Championship of Young Horses in Ermelo, Netherlands, in August. Campanero HGF was long-listed for the same event, and has maintained his standing among a very competitive field of 5 year olds in Spain. For information about sales horses at HGF Michigan, please contact HGF at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com

From Michigan to the World Stage: HGF Horses in FEI Championships Summer 2018

July 27, 2018

Two Michigan-bred PRE horses from Hampton Green Farm will represent the USA and Spain this summer in FEI Championship shows. Mejorano HGF, a son of two-time Olympian Grandioso III, has been selected to represent Spain in the World Championships of Young Horses in the 7 Year Old Division. A rigourous qualifying agenda beginning in January of this year was established by ANCCE, the national PRE breed association which represents Spain in the Championships. Among the best horses from the best stud farms in Spain, American-bred Mejorano HGF, ridden by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, topped the 7 Year Old ranking and was subsequently selected by team trainer Jurgen Koschel for his spot in the 2 horse quota for the division. On the other end of the spectrum, long-time schoolmaster Idolo Americano (Idilio x Escapada) has found a new career in the hands of Sophia Schults of Saint Joseph, Michigan. In two years, 17 year old Sophia has taken Idolo from FEI Junior to FEI Young Riders and has now qualified for the FEI North American Youth Championships for Region 3. Both Championships will be held the first week of August, in Ermelo, Netherlands and North Salem, New York respectively. HGF is a breeder of PRE horses for dressage and has consistently produced internationally relevant competitors. Our accomplishments include: 2 Olympics--London and Rio 1 World Equestrian Games--Normandy 7 Nations Cups in Aachen and Wellington, for both US teams and Spain 3 National Champions or Reserve (Spain and US) 3 FEI North American Championships, with Individual Medals 1 World Championships for Young Horses HGF has an exceptional line-up of young sale horses in training with international potential. For more information, contact Maria Lithander at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com.

Grandioso III Formally Retired in Spain and US.

April 5, 2017

One of the dressage world's most beloved PREs was retired in grand style, in the two countries that claim a part of him as their own. In November, at SICAB--the annual PRE Horse convention in Sevilla, Spain--Grandioso's Farewell was a highlight of the Saturday evening Espectaculo. Six friends and colleagues of rider Jose Daniel Martin Dockx were part of the ceremony, mounted on PRE horses, including Jose Mena, Samuel Oliva, Antonio Blanco, and others. An emotional video presentation compiled by ANCCE highlighted the stunning 5 year international career of the horse for the Spanish Dressage Team, which included 2 Olympics, a World Games, 2 European Championships, 3 Aachen Nations Cups, and 2 National Championships. Martin Dockx and Grandioso's final ride in Spain was the new Kur designed by Marlene Whitaker for the Olympic year: The Impossible Dream with themes from Man of La Mancha. Following the ride, the tearful removal of the saddle was done in the presence of owner Kimberly Van Kampen, breeder Javier Marin Fidalgo, and Head Groom Mohamad Mahmoud. After this, rider, groom and horse, made a final pass around the arena to an ovation of gratitude from the Spanish audience. At the beginning of January, Grandioso said a final good-bye to the country of his birth, and traveled back to the United State, where he had competed for 7 years prior and where he will live out a pampered retirement. He was flown into Miami, and taken first to the quarantine stabling at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, to begin to prepare for his American farewell at the annual USPRE week at the end of January. This ceremony was equally moving and unforgettable. Grandioso's story includes a significant start to his career in the United States, where he was earmarked as an up-and-coming superstar in the hands of Courtney King Dye. The pair had finished Fifth in the USEF Festival of Champions in 2009 at the Small Tour, and were preparing for their first international Grand Prix in 2010 when a tragic accident sidelined the riding career of King Dye. Although the horse eventually returned to Spain to initiate his Grand Prix career, he was always followed and loved by the American dressage community, especially the PRE breeders and owners who felt that Grandioso was an inspiration for all that a well-bred, well-trained PRE sport horse could acheive. Grandioso's US Farewell happened during the USPRE-sponsored Friday Night Freestyles under the lights. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx performed the new Kur again, showing a horse in top form with outstanding piaffe, passage, extended trots, half-passes and pirouettes. Grandioso appeared thrilled to perform again for an electric audience that filled the VIP tents and stands at the International Arena. Following the ride, USPRE presented Grandioso with a most unique cooler, adorned with all of the titles and championships of his career. There was an audible gasp of "No" when the saddle was removed. Dr. Jane Bistline of the USPRE Board of Directors presented the cooler, and the horse made a final walk in hand to say good-bye to a second country that also loved him. Since January, Grandioso has completed the required 6 weeks of CEM Stallion Quarantine, and is now residing back at Hampton Green Farm in Wellington. He will travel at the end of the spring to the Michigan farm to begin a new career: as a Qualified improver stallion to the US PRE herd. Videos of the ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap718r5XfyE http://www.topiberian.com/index.php/2013-08-27-14-59-08/news/dressage/88955:video-de-la-despedida-de-grandioso-en-el-sicab-2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UttAVUtIy8 Related Articles: http://www.dressage-news.com/2017/01/28/grandioso-olympic-championship-mount-for-spain-farewelled-at-floridas-global-dressage-festival/ http://dressageheadlines.com/articles/dressage/grandioso-iii’s-prominence-daniel-martin-dockx-developing-spanish-horse http://horsesdaily.com/article/not-dry-eye-hampton-green-farms-grandioso-retires http://www.eqcompetitions.com/sicab-rendira-un-homenaje-de-despedida-a-grandioso/

HGF and WEG 2014: New Records, New Standards

May 20, 2015

The rain and wind of Normandy did not dampen the thrill of being part of the World Equestrian Games 2014. For our team, Spain, and for our horse and rider, Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso, the World Championships in France were a highly successful and unforgettable experience. The 2014 WEG hosted the strongest field of dressage horses in history. The top 15 horses scored a full 5 percentage points higher (in final individual score) than the top 15 in 2010. As our sport grows in popularity, our horses and riders are growing in skills and capability, and the 2014 WEG was a celebration of new levels of achievement. In the Team Competition, the top three teams were clearly defined prior to the games, and their final point tallies left them virtually untouchable. The only question was the order among themselves. The real drama—at least behind the scenes—was the placings for the next four positions: Spain, US, Denmark and Sweden were in a heated race. Predictions in the press put Spain and the United States behind the other two, and in most cases Spain coming in last, in spite of the results at Aachen where the Spanish took the bronze. When the first two days of team competition were done, 98 riders had entered the arena in Caen, representing the best pairs from 47 nations. In the end, it was Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands in the medals, with US taking fourth and close behind Spain in fifth, followed by Sweden and Denmark—with the fourth through sixth place teams scoring less than a point and a half apart. Strong rides from the three top riders for Spain boosted the team above many well-known combinations for the other countries, with a finish that seemed to take many by surprise. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso finished13th in the Grand Prix with 74.23, setting a World Games record for the highest Grand Prix score by a PRE. A 75.1 for Morgan Barbancon and Painted Black, and 72.4 for Jose Antonio Garcia Mena and Norte ensured that all three would move on to the Individual finals in the Grand Prix Special. In the Individual competition, Dani and Grandioso achieved a personal best in the Special, breaking the 74% mark for the first time in their career (74.09). An excellent score, just missing the top 15 for the Kur, the cut-off for which was 74.9. Individually, Dani and Grandioso finished 18th among the best 100 dressage horses from all the nations in the world—an exhilarating feeling for all of us at HGF, the fulfillment of many years of dreams. By all accounts, 2014 WEG was quite different from 2010 in Kentucky. While there was no Fuego Moment at this World Games—no "underdog" who enchanted the audience, causing them to leap to their feet in thunderous applause—there was also no disagreement with the scoring or final placements, nor was there booing from the specatators this year, which must have been a relief for the FEI management. It was all very orderly, but with many high points and stellar performances by veterans and newcomers alike. For PRE horses, the elite results gave even more credibility to the benefit of having these horses make up part of an international team, and we predict that very few countries will turn away a horse based on breed if that horse is capable of scoring over 72%. Following the Games, Grandioso returned home to Malaga, Spain for rest and time off. Soon he and Dani will begin to start preparing for the next big thing…..winter in sunny Florida. Photo Credits: Susan Stickle and Bob Langrish

BUYER'S GUIDE

July 7, 2013

Why Buy a PRE Horse? --Beauty The PRE Horse has been bred and prized for centuries for its unique beauty. The characteristic features of the PRE Horse--the high-set neck and proud head, the short back and rounded croup, the refined leg and luxurious mane and tail--have defined the standard for equine beauty since the Renaissance. --Temperament The PRE Horse is unmatched in its intelligence, trainability, and sensibility. --Athleticism Modern breeding standards have improved the strength of the back and hindquarters of the PRE Horse resulting in more ground-covering gaits and forward movement, while keeping the breed’s trademark high-stepping expression and aptitude for collection. --Rarity The PRE Horse is the world’s newest developing sport horse breed. Demand for well-bred and well-trained PREs exceeds the supply in the US as well as in Spain. Why Buy a PRE Horse from Hampton Green Farm? --Proven Sires in World-Class Competition HGF selects for breeding only those stallions who have proven themselves in dressage competition as well as in the morphology circuits, as HGF believes that the mentality and ability to do upper level work are inherited. In the past three years alone, HGF sires and offspring have taken first or have been in the ribbons in over 25 CDI classes in the US and Europe, 3 HGF horses have placed in the top five in National Dressage Championships in both the United States and Spain, including achieving National Grand Prix Champion of Spain in 2011. Most recently HGF sire Grandioso was appointed to the Olympic Dressage Team for Spain, finishing 29th of 50 in London 2012. --Modern Movement HGF horses embody the most sought-after traits of the modern Dressage horse—natural roundness conveyed by a ground-covering rhythmic trot with suspension, freedom of the shoulder with knee action in front, and a quick hind leg to match; a canter that is supported by a powerful hind-quarters with flexibility of the croup and a natural propensity to carry the weight underneath the body; a clear four-beat walk with moderate over-stride. The trademark style of movement historically associated with Iberian horses has now become desired by FEI-level riders and pursued by warmblood breeders . --Ideal Environment for Young Horses All HGF young horses are kept in herds and live outside in large pastures for the majority of the year, exposed to all the conditions of the outdoor life. They are handled and started by our experienced staff, who do not introduce stress or isolation into the young horses’ experiences. As a result, HGF horses are confident, social and sensible. --Clientele--HGF is the PRE breeder of choice for Olympians Martin Schaudt, Robert Dover, Courtney King-Dye, Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Lendon Gray. The majority of HGF buyers are professional dressage riders. How to Evaluate a Young Horse: 1. Look for 3 good gaits. 2. Keep in mind that size is not as important as quality and scope of movement. 3. Evaluate the young horse’s temperament, in the context of the situation. 4. Look for a conformation that will assist your riding goals, or that will best represents the breed standards. 5. Judge the young horse for overall Harmony—of conformation, temperament and movement. 6. Consider the qualities of the parents, view siblings and training sessions with sires if possible. 7. Consider the age of the young horse and its state of development. Scope, strength, suspension and balance improve as the horse reaches physical maturity—6 or 7 years old in the PRE breed.

HGF at Global Dressage Florida Classic

July 7, 2013

HGF at Global Dressage Florida Classic This second CDI of the series of 5 was the official Opening for the new Global Dressage Festival. Not until the very last minute on Wednesday night were all permits issued for occupancy on the shiny new buildings and grounds. 200 horses moved in the next morning for a three day show with close to 400 rides. The international Grand Prix fielded over 30 horses from 5 countries, with several of the judges making their first visit to South Florida. Over 600 people attended a sparkling evening of freestyles and 5 additional show sponsors from the Wellington dressage community signed on to be part of what appears to be a game-changing venue and series for our sport.Wednesday evening was the USPRE kick-off party. Normally held on move-in day, this year people had to make a special trip to come out the night before the show for the event--but the response was overwhelming. The Patron's Club was set for 350 people, and there was overflow of at least another 50 outside of the tent--never before has USPRE seen so much support and enthusiasm! A line-up of promising young PREs with top riders--from established US Team riders to Lendon Gray's hand-picked Emerging Dressage Athlete (EDAP) youth riders--rode to music or to the instruction of their trainers. This year's riders were: Endel Ott, Mica Mabragana, Rachel Chowanec, Emily Copeland, Lily Zilo, Chelsea Reed, Maddy Guthrie, Sophie Hoffman and Kerrigan Gluch. Tina Konyot and Lendon Gray taught demonstration riders and gave testimonials of their experiences and endorsements of PRE Horses.The show commenced on Thursday morning, and our attention turned to our HGF riders and their horses. As is our tradition, HGF horses were beautifully ridden and received top scores in their classes--Rachel Chowanec continued to gain experience in this first year of riding the Young Riders tests, improving her marks as she and Embrujado become more experienced at what is essentially the Prix St. George level. They took first and second in the national Team and Individual tests respectively with scores of 68.28 and 67.1. 15 year old Kerrigan Gluch of Michigan traveled down to Wellington with her parents Tina and Brent to represent the EDAP riders in the USPRE exhibit, and to do her first Wellington show as a bonus. Having only ridden Camaron three times in the EDAP clinic in December, Kerrigan proved what her trainer Laurie Moore says are her particular strengths--showmanship and test-riding! They showed third level all weekend and received three of Camaron's best scores at this level: 67.69, 67.94 and 68.415, just edging out Rachel for the Youth Rider High Point Award for USPRE.Mica Mabragana is continuing to live up to her press with exceptionally high marks on the young mare Infanta HGF (Candela x Idilio). Owner Mary Magee of Chicago was on hand to see the pair as they easily topped their Training Level classes with scores of 71.42, 72.00, and 77.85! The judges praised the mare's three excellent gaits and made special mention of the harmony between horse and rider (for which they received a 9 in collective marks from one judge). Mica and Infanta's score of 77.85 was not only the Open High Point score for USPRE, but was the High Score for the entire Florida Dressage Classic show--a fitting conclusion to a weekend sponsored by the United States PRE Association!

Where Are They Now: Carmen HGF

July 7, 2013

Hampton Green Farm distinguishes itself as a breeder of PRE horses for sport, as opposed to a breeder of morphology horses. Nevertheless, our breeding stallions have morphology distinctions and awards, even championships, and our offspring are revised and competed in morphology competitions with high marks in both Spain and the United States. (See http://hamptongreenfarms.com/PRE-horses-awards-en-84.html) Carmen HGF (Camaron IX x Escapada) is one example. Purchased in 2008 by Richard and Melanie James of Christchurch, New Zealand, they recently had the opportunity to have her evaluated by Spanish officials. Here is their update: "Very recently we've had a very well respected ex college of judges category A ANCCE judge visit NZ to do a judging tour. We were nervous for a while as he seemed to be being quite hard on our locally bred horses and was less than impressed with most of what he saw. You will be pleased to know though that Carmen blew everyone away with her movement and scored the highest marks across the country with 25 points. This was against a top class calificado stallion from Spain, and a recently imported show quality amazing mare from Spain, who also has very good movement. The judge scored her walk and trot as excellent, both 9's! The judge also liked her morphology very much, and overall she either came second or third in the country at around 106-7 points (just checking our calcs as the other imported mare had very close marks to her). The next highest mark was the top horse, the calificado stallion, who got some amazing scores, but Carmen was not beaten on movement. The judge was very impressed with her and told us he thought she was the mare of the future. We were stoked and very humbled all at once. We knew she was special, but we were surprised at how much she impressed him, as Dr Rodriguez has very high standards especially re morphology and particularly breed type. We are just annoyed we didn't capture any video of her trotting out as she just flew in her trot that day. Rich could hardly keep up with her but she stayed with him and floated beautifully. So I hope this news will be exciting for you, knowing you have bred a very special top quality PRE who in theory could compete with the best at SICAB (along with the many top quality competitive horses you have also bred). You probably wish now you didn't sell her. We are so grateful to you for allowing us to bring her to NZ. She will have always been special to us whatever happened. It is clear that she will be key to helping us develop the PRE in NZ, as we had hoped." Back, Loins - 9 Croup, Tail - 8 Forelimbs, Limb Alignment - 7.5 Hindlimbs, Limb Alignment - 8.75 Height, Overall Impression - 8 Breed Fidelity - 8 Walk - 9 Trot - 9 Canter - 7 Overall Total 107.25

Hampton Green Farm 2012 Year In Review

July 7, 2013

Its been more years than we can count that we’ve been doing the annual Year in Review at HGF—but this one, hands down, tops them all. HGF was founded with a purpose—to promote the breeding, training and development of one breed, the PRE horse, for one sport, dressage. Our claim from the first was that a well-bred, well-trained PRE could compete among the best warmbloods in the world. This year we proved it beyond question. HGF’s Grandioso, as a green Grand Prix horse, finished 29th out of 50 at the London Olympic Games amongst, by all accounts, the best field of dressage horses in history. The past twelve months following his progress were some of the most exciting in our equestrian lives, and to be there in London was an experience that we still find hard to put into words. There is simply nothing left to prove, and we continue to thank our rider, Daniel Martin Dockx, the Spanish Federation and Jan Bemelmans for their faith in our horse and their support all along the way. In 2012, we also had success with our other horses here at home and in Spain. Encanto began his first full year at Grand Prix and quickly achieved his own qualifying scores for London, although with the emphasis on Grandioso we did not compete him as much as we plan to this coming year. Vaquero HGF finished 2012 as the top-ranked Five Year Old PRE in Spain, not an easy task considering the quality of the young horses in the National Young Horse Championships in Zaragoza in October. Mica Mabragana brought Cuatrero back to the show ring after several years without a trainer following Courtney King-Dye’s accident. Mica and Cuatrero competed during the winter season at the international small tour levels at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington.Also in 2012, we said good-bye to our first generation of competitors. Beautiful Idilio II was retired, and has been enjoying his relaxing schedule, long days of turn-out and light work with young rider Rachel Chowanec. Cosaco IX passed away last spring in Michigan, but left us many top quality sons as his legacy. Camaron remains at HGF as a breeding stallion and a mount for the owner, and also appreciates a lighter riding routine without the stress of competition. This past summer was a busy one for HGF in Fruitport where we hosted a series of events for local charities and enjoyed the musical routines of our working students and various local riders. Our work with Dressage4Kids continued with a second Emerging Dressage Athlete Clinic and Lendon Youth Dressage Festival in July. This year Endel Ots flew in to speak to the youth riders and give his advice and experiences as a young man making his way up in the equestrian world.Our breeding program, managed by Sandy Talbot, produced 5 foals in 2012 and saw 9 mares in foal for 2013. Our young horses continue to attract top professional riders who will be coming out on their own HGF-bred PREs in a few years. Throughout the country, HGF-bred PREs have been making a name for their owners and riders, and we had 5 Team 70 riders again this year. Looking forward, we have much work to do in 2013. Lendon Gray’s Winter Intensive Training program starts this month at HGF in Wellington. The WIT riders, all 21 and younger, have just arrived last week with much excitement for their winter in Florida. HGF is also a sponsor of the new Florida Youth Championship at Global Dressage Festival, and everyone is excited about the young talent that is coming out for this season. Our own sponsored youth riders are busy getting their horses ready to show. This year, Kerrigan Gluch will be showing Cuatrero at the FEI Junior level with sites on the National Championships at Gladstone and the North American Championships. Idolo Americano has returned from 2 years of finishing school in Spain and has just begun his new relationship with Rachel Chowanec as a U25 prospect for this top-ranked young rider. Bolero CXLVIII has returned to HGF and is currently in training with Nicholas Fyffe, Robert Dover’s rider for Fiero HGF. And Dani Martin will be coming to Florida this spring to look at Baroco HGF, (Bolero x Escapada) a four year old future prospect for Spain. And later this year we will start the run-up to the European Championships in Denmark…the next challenge in Grandioso’s international career. We thank all of our clients and friends for their support and well-wishes this year. Now is the time to look forward. Young horses grow up, improve, get stronger, get smarter, develop abilities for collection and produce movement that we could only imagine to be possible. This is our wish for all of you for 2013!

Grandioso Sweeps the Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour CDI, Week 1--Vaquero wins the Copa ANCCE

July 7, 2013

Grandioso returned to theshow ring for the first time since the Olympic Games to top a field of 16 in the first Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour in Vejer, Spain. The class held strong representation from Spain and Portugal, featuring many seasoned horses along with a good number of young combinations showing promise for the future. Daniel Martin Dockx's ride on Friday evening was conservative and cautious as Grandioso came into the ring rather strong and impatient. They were awarded 69.6 from the ground jury, which consisted of mostly French and Latin American judges. On Saturday, they performed a relaxed and confident Kur together and this was not lost on the judges, who gave Daniel and Grandioso their highest marks to date--74.825 with technical scores ranging from 71 to 74.7%. The pair's new Kur was designed late last year by Marlene Whitaker, an American freestyle designer whose workhas been represented at the Olympics, Para Olympics, World Cup, Young Rider World Cup, Pan Am Games, World Equestrian Games, North American Young Rider Championships, European Young Rider Championships,and many national championships. In 2009, Marlene designedGrandioso's Intermediate I freestyle for Courtney King-Dye for which they received scores in a similar range. Marlene's selections for the new arrangement derive from themes from the score of the 2012 film Hemingway and Gellhorn, interspersed with portions of modern Flamenco "fusion", creating an impression of grandeur and rhythm in the Spanish tradition. Vaquero HGF (Cuatrero x Idilio) continues to lead the competition in the Young Horse classes. For the second year in a row, Michigan-born Vaquero has won the Copa ANCCE at Sunshine Tour. This award, sponsored by the national breeders association in Spain, is given to the PRE Horse that has the highest composite marks for the week, all levels considered together. This past week, Vaquero finished 2nd place overall in both the Preliminary and Finals of the FEI 6 Year Old classes, both days placing behind a warmblood horse. In 2012, at the National Young Horse Championships in Zaragoza, Vaquero ranked first of all 5 year old PRE bred horses in the competition, and our hopes are to continue to hold this place in 2013. This was his first time doing the more complicated 6 year old test, and their combined scores topped all the other young horse PRE competitors in all age categories. They will show again in week 2. We will update next week on Encanto and the rest of Sunshine Tour.

Hampton Green Farm's Encanto XI Sold

July 7, 2013

Hampton Green Farm is pleased to announce that Encanto XI has been sold to an Adult Amateur rider in Wellington, Florida. 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. 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.

Introducing ...HGF's TEAM 70!

June 16, 2013

For all owners and riders who achieve 70% with their HGF-bred horses, we are happy to announce you are now on HGF's TEAM 70! Many of our clients who purchased young horses are now reaping the rewards of their choice of an HGF horse, and are scoring in the elite 70+ bracket. We want to congratulate you and welcome all to strive to do their best with their PRE horses from Hampton Green! TEAM 70 Jasmin Schaudt and Icono HGF (FEI 5 Year Old) Suzanne O'brien and Innato HGF (Introductory and Training Levels) Cindy Ramirez-Smith and Decoroso HGF (Training Level and First Level) Annie Morris and Icaro HGF (Training Level) Daniel Martin Dockx and Vaquero HGF (FEI Four Year Old) Maria Lithander and Idolo Americano (Training Level, First Level) We also are aware of several HGF young horses scoring close to this mark, and we will add new TEAM 70 members as they happen...

Cloverlea Dressage LLC in Columbia, Connecticut is starting to look very Spanish!

June 16, 2013

Cloverlea Dressage LLC in Columbia, Connecticut is starting to look very Spanish! Cloverlea owner Beth Baumert's first significant interaction with the PRE Horse was in the form of Embrujado XI, who came from Hampton Green Farm and is currently owned by Lendon Gray and ridden by Rachel Chowanec. Rachel and Embrujado XI joined Cloverlea Dressage in 2009 and brought the PRE spirit with them! He has a beautiful mind and a fabulous body. The greatest challenge is that he give only 100 percent so that he retains his fabulous rhythm and swing. He is always so eager to give more! What a wonderful problem! There is nothing he can not do well! Annie Morris, assistant trainer at Cloverlea Farm, also has a wonderful 5-year-old PRE gelding, Icaro from Hampton Green Farm. As Icaro gets stronger, he is showing us glimpses of greatness, which is very exciting. And three's a charm. Also from Hampton Green Farm, Beth is the proud owner of a 4-year-old mare, Descarada (aka Dixie). She has a wonderful disposition and three beautiful gaits that she is developing through happy work in the fields and over poles. Rachel is Dixie's primary rider, and Annie rides her too. Dixie has a bright future ahead in dressage. Beth and her husband Alan have owned Cloverlea Dressage for 38 years. They have two sons who live in New York City and Silver Spring, MD. Their daughter Jennifer Baumert operates Cloverlea Dressage LLC in North Carolina and Loxahatchee, Florida. Beth's primary interest has always been education. She is a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level and a USDF judges program “L” graduate with distinction. For many years, she produced videos of the Aachen Dressage Show and other instructional videos so American dressage riders could aspire to the European standard. Beth served as the technical editor for Dressage Today magazine for more than sixteen years. In that capacity, she was in constant contact with the best dressage riders in the world as they told her their viewpoints on technical aspects of the sport. Beth is on the Board of Directors of The Dressage Foundation (TDF) and has administered the TDF Young Rider Olympic Dream Program since 2000.

Where Are They Now? Decoroso HGF and Cindy Ramirez-Smith

June 16, 2013

Meet Cindy Ramirez-Smith, Dressage trainer from Santa Barbara, California, and owner of Decoroso HGF, a 2006 Chestnut PRE Stallion (Decoroso x Quintera): "I've been horse crazy ever since I was a small child, and was fortunate enough to get my first pony at the age of nine. Soon after, I became a member of Black Oaks Pony Club, eventually achieving the "A" rating from United States Pony Clubs. I grew up riding anything and everything that I could, from gaited horses, to foxhunting and eventing. For several years I worked as a working student for Brian and Lisa Sabo at their eventing facility. My passion was eventing, and in order to do this I gave lessons, started young horses, showed horses, and rode horses that their owners didn't want to ride. I evented up through the Intermediate level before I decided to make dressage my primary focus. I have shown many horses up to fourth level and then either sold them for their owners, trained their owners on them at lower levels, or sold my own horses at that point as a wise business move." "Three years ago, on a vacation to the Andalucia region of Spain, my husband and I fell in love with the PRE horses that we saw performing in Jerez. Their innate athleticism, coupled with their extremely high work ethic and trainability, made them a great choice for a dressage horse. After a long search, last year we purchased Decoroso HGF, a 2006 PRE stallion from Hampton Green Farm as an upper level dressage prospect. He is such an incredible horse that earlier this year we went back to Hampton Green and purchased Carina HGF, a 2008 mare that will begin her training this summer. We are looking forward to the future of these two very promising young horses." "Decoroso HGF has been steadily improving all spring. He is a wonderful stallion to be around because he loves attention and is a very hard and serious worker. Vulcan Mesa Ranch is his home in Atascadero, California. Every day he goes to work in arenas that he shares with mares, geldings, children on ponies, and jumpers and never bats an eye at any of it. Deco has shown remarkable consistency at shows for any horse of his age with 5 tests at First Level having scores between 67% and 70%. Our plans for the year include competing in October at the CDS Annual Championships and moving up to second level." "The last show that we went to, SLO-CDS Spring Fling on April 24, we won 1st level 2 and 3 with a 70% and a 69.6%!"

Join HGF in Traverse City at the Region Two Championship Freestyles Fundraiser for Dressage4Kids!

June 16, 2013

Horse Sports by the Bay is pleased to announce that Hampton Green Farm, known nation-wide for their dedication to dressage and to the the development of the PRE Horse for dressage in America, will be hosting a Dressage 4 Kids Fundraiser and exhibitor party during the Great American Insurance Group/Region 2 Dressage Championships on Saturday, September 11. The Regional Championships are being held from September 9 - 12 at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI which is home to the prestigious Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival.The fundraiser features a silent auction which will include riding helmets donated from English Riding Supply and other retail pieces donated by Sporthorse Saddlery and Equine Source among others. Funds collected from the auction and from ticket sales to the exhibitor party will go directly back to Dressage 4 Kid's extensive education campaign. Donations are still being taken for the Auction; please email here for more information. Bidding starts @ 1pm and closes @ 7pm. Dressage 4 Kid's mission is to encourage riders under 21 to become true horseman with correct position, competitive skills and knowledge of all aspects of riding and horse care; to offer scholarship to enable competitors to further their education; to have fun and to develop good sportmanship throughout.Dressage 4 Kids is the dream of dressage Olympian Lendon Gray, who's passion for the sport of dressage and for teaching youths to ride is limitless. Dressage 4 Kids hosts a yearly young person festival, pony-only clinics, and weekend seminars. Lendon Gray will be on-grounds September 11th and will be part of a special demonstration with Hampton Green Farm horses and riders; all of which will immediately preceed the Musical Freestyle Championships being held at 5:30pm. The Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 2 Dressage Championships are recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation and are being held in conjunction with the Dressage by the Bay Fall Classic. The very best dressage riders and horses from the Mid-West region will be in attendance to win prestigious year-end awards and acknowledgements.The general public is encouranged to attend. For more information please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com and www.dressage4kids.com or call 231 - 267 - 3700.

HGF 2009—The Year in Review:Hampton Green and its PRE Horses AchieveNational and International Status

June 16, 2013

HGF 2009—The Year in Review:Hampton Green and its PRE Horses AchieveNational and International Status 2009 has been a year of highlights, of moments of recognition that have symbolized many months and even years of planning and hard work. Looking back over the past 12 months, there has been a significant change in the kinds of successes we are achieving, the levels at which we are finding ourselves ranked, and—as a result—the level of expectation for our horses at all the various venues of competition. We don’t tell ourselves that we’ve arrived . . . except at that point where we can now see better where it is we want to go! The goal of Hampton Green Farm is to develop the PRE Horse into one of the world’s top sport horse breeds, and to become one of the world’s most important breeding operations for equine athletes whose bloodlines are uniquely owned and improved in the United States. The entire HGF team is dedicated to this goal, and all of our activities throughout the year are designed to get us closer, one step at a time.We have many people to thank for our achievements this past year, and some of their names are mentioned below, while many others work quietly in the background. We want all those who’ve contributed to our accomplishments this year to know that we recognize you and are grateful for your partnership in this most successful year. And now, 2009 in review . . . --Courtney and Grandioso After close to ten months training together, Courtney King Dye introduced Grandioso to international competition in Wellington in February. At their first show, the results improved with each class, with the pair placing 6th in the PSG, 2nd in the Inter I, and 1st in the Freestyle. They later went on to win both small tour classes at the CDI in Wayne, IL, cementing Grandioso’s invitation to the Festival of Champions at Gladstone in June. A rained-out show prevented the 3rd and final class to distinguish between the many closely scoring Intermediare 1 competitors, but Courtney and Grandioso never-the-less finished Fifth at these National Championships. Following Gladstone, Courtney is focused completely on Grandioso’s training for the Grand Prix. A USET clinic this past fall with Kyra Kirkland was particularly helpful and gave Courtney the chance to be assessed by one of the most masterful international trainers. We look forward to an eventual introduction of Grandioso to the Grand Prix ring sometime in 2010. --Continued Success for HGF’s Older Stallions Two of HGF’s foundation stallions—Idilio and Camaron—well known to the HGF family, returned to the show ring in 2009 with renewed success and potential. Camaron’s job last winter season was to introduce Ana Gilmour to the high level of competition in Wellington. The pair rode against many more athletic and larger moving horses, but their correctness and harmonious presentation put them in the top three in all but a few classes all season long. Ana and Camaron finished the year with a First Place for Open Third Level for the USDF/USPRE All Breeds Program. With the help of Lendon Gray, Maria Lithander reworked some of the issues that had developed in HGF Champion Sire Idilio’s FEI training, to the point where Idilio was ready to go back into the show ring in the later part of the season last winter. Work in relaxation and throughness, as well as overall fitness, paid off as the pair topped several classes against some very accomplished horses and riders. Idilio’s PSG scores to 72% last winter placed them in the top 15 horses nationally at the end of the year USDF National Rankings. --HGF Debuts Encanto in Spain with National Title Another major highlight for HGF and our breeding program took place in Spain in 2009 with the achievement of Reserve National Champion Developing Horse by HGF-bred Encanto and Daniel Martin. Seven year old Encanto (Evento x Cantora XVI), ridden and trained by Daniel Martin in Malaga, began his show career with three national shows at PSG-Inter 1. Encanto was sent to Daniel in the Spring of 2007 for training, with the goal of having an HGF-bred and co-owned horse to sponsor at the upper levels. Daniel and Encanto made a stunning debut, winning or placing in the top three at large shows in the South of Spain, prior to becoming the only PRE Horse to medal at the National Young Horse Championships in Vejer in October. --HGF Young Horses in the Show Ring At home, Maria Lithander and Ana Gilmour brought out three young horses at Training Level. All three maintained averages close to or well above 70% in Wellington and Traverse City. Adelante, with Maria, was the USDF All Breeds Open Training Level Champion with a median score of 70.4. These young horses are continuing to train with Maria and Lendon Gray, and will be seen again in the ring later in 2010. --USDF Sport Horse Breed Classes, Traverse City and Devon HGF young stock continued to do well at USDF Sport Horse Breeding Classes. At Traverse City, HGF’s Decoroso was Champion Stallion and Reserve Champion Young Horse, and Idolo Americano was High Score for the entire show. At Devon, Decoroso and Martin Schaudt’s Icono finished Fourth and Fifth Place respectively in the Open Three Year Old Stallions and Geldings Class. Icono went on to win the inaugural PRE Class at Devon, sponsored by USPRE. --USEF Dressage Owner National Ranking #12 For the first time ever, Hampton Green Farm is ranked at the very top of the United States Equestrian Foundation’s National Dressage Owner Rankings, placing #12 out of 7625 owners. Rankings are achieved via a system where points are earned for placement within each class, with size and type of class taken into account. --Michigan Breeding Operation Under the experienced and watchful eye of Breeding Manager Sandy Talbot and her staff, HGF mares safely delivered all healthy foals in 2009 and another group were successfully bred for 2010. Breedings in 2009 were by Bolero and Cosaco, producing many beautiful strong bay colts and several lovely fillies out of daughters of Idilio. HGF Michigan also played host to many new friends and PRE fans this past year, including Scott Hassler, Pam Nelson, Heidi Guian, David and Ulla Sonshine, Laurie Forbes, and more. --HGF Horses Around the Country and the World In spite of a poor economy, HGF horses continue to sell, particularly as soon as they are started under saddle. This past year, many of our young stock left for their new homes in places as far away as Christ Church, New Zealand (Carmen and Bibiana), Stuttgart, Germany (Icono and Genio), Bedford, New York (Icaro), Ontario, Canada (Iliado) or as close as Kalamazoo, Michigan (Innato) and Wellington, Florida (Infanta and Huelvana). We’ve seen an increased interest in mares for riding and will be starting a group of three-year old sport mares this summer. 2010 Here We Come! This year we are looking forward to an increased presence in International competition: Courtney with both of her horses, Grandioso and Cuatrero; Maria and Idilio, and Daniel with Encanto at the Sunshine Tour. With Ana Gilmour now working as the head of her own training business following her USDF Trainer’s Certification, Maria Lithander is developing her team as they bring along the young horse program. We expect to be a steady presence in the lower level classes throughout the year. Lendon Gray’s influence is primary at HGF. She will be continuing her monthly private clinics at HGF, as well teaching several of her own students, including Rachel Chowanec and Annie Morris, on HGF-bred or imported horses. We are also exploring ways to expand our support of Dressage4Kids through events, fundraisers, and training opportunities. Hampton Green will be a presenting sponsor again this year at Dressage by the Bay in Traverse City in July. We just simply can’t think of a better place to be in July than Traverse City, Michigan! Come see what it’s all about! Finally, whenever we go through this exercise we always return to what matters most to us: the quality of our horses’ lives and care, the interaction we have with our friends and co-workers, and the priority we give to our families, biological as well as what we call the HGF Family. We are grateful to work, laugh, cry, share, celebrate and pick up the pieces with all of the dear people who believe in what we do and who share the vision. We look forward to another year of hard work and steps forward—together. God Bless in 2010!

November 22-29, 2009

June 16, 2013

This week several of us are traveling to Sevilla, Spain to attend SICAB--the annual National Breed Show for the PRE horse sponsored by ANCCE. We are traveling as part of a group hosted in Spain by the United States PRE Association (USPRE)--including Alexander Zilo, Courtney and Jason (King) Dye, and Lendon Gray. We will be sure to update our readers on everything we've seen as soon as we return.In the meantime, for our friends in the US, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend with family and friends!HGF Staff

USPREA

June 16, 2013

We'd like to invite all of our readers to consider joining the United States PRE Association (USPRE). This organization was formed in late 2007 to act as a Breeder and Rider association committed to the development and promotion of the PRE horse in the United States, and also maintaining a unique relationship with the parent studbook and breeder organization in Spain (ANCCE). This year USPRE has added over 400 new members and has assisted ANCCE in the inscription of over 2000 PRE (purebred Spanish) horses into the Spanish Studbook. These were horses and foals that were born of papered PRE parents but that did not have the opportunity to be inspected and registered by the Spanish in prior years. USPRE facilitated over a dozen registration trips in order for these horses to be registered and to strengthen the foundation of the PRE breed here in the United States. Benefits of being a member of USPRE are: --Annual subscription to El Caballo Magazine--an English version of the celebrated glossy magazine in Spain that is full of breed and dressage news, historical articles, veterinary research and all things pertaining to PRE ownership, breeding and training. --Free participation in the USPRE All Breeds Program with USDF. This year USPRE was recognized by USDF as the official representative breed organization for the PRE horse and we had 9 horse and rider pairs win national All Breeds awards in over 20 categories. Winners receive a commemorative sash and a beautiful horse cooler with the USPRE logo and champion designation. --Free participation in various clinics and workshops around the country. --Free farm listing and promotion on the USPRE website (www.usprea.com) --Many other benefits, including being a part of an exciting and growing community of PRE breeders and owners in the US who take seriously the training and promotion of this breed and who are making efforts around the country in both the dressage and morphology show rings to bring the top products of our breed into the best of equestrian circles. To join for 2009, go to www.usprea.com . USPRE is a non-profit organization and your membership is tax deductable.