News & Horses: "pre"

From Ocala to Segovia: Santiago HGF Podiums in Final Qualifier for ANCCE PRE Team

June 22, 2026

 With the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden firmly in sight (04-09 August), the final CDIYH qualifying event for the ANCCE PRE Team selection took place from June 16-18 at the Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León (CECYL) in Segovia, Spain. The competition represented the last opportunity for owners, breeders and riders to secure the scores required for selection to the Spanish PRE Team heading to Verden this August. FROM OCALA TO SEGOVIA Following a successful spring campaign in the United States, including strong performances at the CDI Ocala and CDI TerraNova, Santiago HGF made the journey from Florida to Spain for this mandatory selection event. The five-year-old stallion, bred by Hampton Green Farm and ridden by Antonio Crespín, faced a highly competitive field of 12 horses, the largest and most competitive age group of the show. Judged by an international panel consisting of Juan Carlos Campos, Knut Danzberg, and Hans Voser, two of whom will officiate at the World Championships in Verden next month, Santiago HGF delivered another solid performance.  The son of Grandioso III x  Joyero XXIV finished third in the preliminary test with a score of 77.200% and fifth place in the final with  73.800%. CECYL( Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León) in Segovia holds a special place in Hampton Green Farm’s history. In 2018, José Daniel Martín Dockx competed there with Mejorano HGF, another son of Grandioso III, obtaining the qualifying scores required for the FEI World Championships in the seven-year-old division. A year later, the pair returned to compete at Intermedia A/B level. The farm also has fond memories of Campanero HGF, who contested the selection process for the five-year-old division at the same venue in 2019. ROAD TO VERDEN The 2026 season has been demanding for young dressage horses, with an intensive calendar and a highly competitive selection process requiring consistency throughout the year. The qualification  pathway in Spain included CDI in Jerez de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera, Murcia, Medina Sidonia, Madrid, and finally Segovia, where participation was mandatory for horses seeking selection to the ANCCE Team. With the final qualifier now complete, all eyes turn to ANCCE, which is expected to announce its team selection in the coming days.

American-Bred Santiago HGF Leaves Ocala for First Euro Tour

May 27, 2026

Santiago HGF, a 2021 PRE Stallion by Grandioso III, is making the long journey from his home in Ocala to Segovia, Spain, just outside of Madrid. Santi is currently qualified in the FEI 5 Year Old division for Spain for the Selection Trials for the World Championship of Young Horses.  As a member of the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses, ANCCE, the PRE Studbook, establishes the qualifications for their representation at the World Championships, held later in the summer in Germany. Young horses across Spain, as in other European countries, have been vying since January for the minimum scores to qualify for the team. Final selection will be made following the CDI in Segovia, June 16-18, and upon health and soundness verifications.  Hampton Green Farm rider Antonio Crespin Lopez and Santi debuted this Spring in Ocala and Terranova at the international FEI 5 Year Old level, achieving high scores over 80% at both shows, which made Santi now the second US-bred horse to ever qualify for Young Horse team selection trials in Spain--the first being Santi's half-brother Mejorano HGF (also by Grandioso III) who competed for Spain in the FEI 7 Year Old Division at Ermelo in 2018 with Jose Daniel Martin Dockx.  Santi will now compete alongside top 5 year old representatives from the most prestigious breeding farms in Spain. Santiago HGF was born in Michigan and is a son of two-time Olympic mount Grandioso. He is out of a daughter of Joyero XXIV, an Elite stallion from of the Ganaderia Francisco Santiago in Malaga. Hampton Green Farm's owner Kimberly Van Kampen named the horse in remembrance of the generosity of the mare's breeder to her during her visit to his farm.  Prior to starting his dressage career, Santi was Champion Stallion at Fiesta Ocala at Ibericon 2025, and Stallion of the Year for USPRE in 2025.

Santiago HGF Named Stallion of the Year in the United States

April 10, 2026

Our homebred stallion Santiago HGF (2021) has been officially recognized as one of the most outstanding PRE stallions in the country, earning the prestigious titles from USPRE ( The United States P.R.E Association)   2025 USPRE Stallion of the Year 2025 USPRE Functionality Champion of the Year Bred in the United States, Santiago HGF is by Grandioso III out of Graciosa FSR (by Joyero XXIV), combining the renowned Marín García and Escalera bloodlines; two pillars of functionality, type, and performance. Presented by Diego González, Santiago HGF was named Stallion of the Show at Fiesta Ocala 2025. Under saddle with Cristina Durán, he also secured the overall Functionality title with an impressive score of 20.373. For Hampton Green Farm, receiving this award from USPRE  is the result of years of dedicatio; carefully selecting the best bloodlines and continuously striving for excellence. Recognition like this motivates us to keep moving forward in the same direction, supporting the promotion and development of the PRE horse in the United States. Santiago HGF represents the perfect combination of quality, athleticism and beauty. 

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

Santiago HGF Trains with Steffen Peters

January 8, 2026

We had the best kick-off of the season. Santiago HGF (Grandioso III x Joyero XXIV), ridden by Kerrigan Gluch, participated in a clinic with six-time U.S. Olympic rider Steffen Peters in Ocala. During the session, Peters shared his impressions and feedback on the young stallion, praising the quality and potential of this promising U.S.-bred PRE from the Hampton Green Farm  “We had a wonderful time working with Kerrigan today and was really impressed with your with your boy; hat was fun.  The first thing that comes to my mind is the temperament of the horse,  you know just for a 5 year old to come to a new location and then just so settled and so willing to  work with us it was just one of those lessons where you say you know what this is this is really fun. In general the  impression of the horse is so important and the mouth was so quiet he does have a beautiful canter which is not always the case for this breed,  he does have a good  lengthening in trot,  so it clearly would give me the impression that this is going to be a very special horse  and potentially an international Horse.

TEAM PRE Guidelines for Verden Announced

January 3, 2026

ANCCE and USPRE released the qualification guidelines for riders aiming to compete at the WBFSH World Championships for Young Horses in Verden 2026. American riders with PRE horses have two possible pathways: joining the Spanish ANCCE team through international CDI results and the Segovia selection event, or qualifying through the U.S. system via USEF ranking lists and qualifying competitions. A.    Spanish ANCCE Team Qualification (via RFHE) Horses must first obtain the RFHE required minimum FEI scores of 75% for 5 and 6 year olds, and 70% for 7 years old, at TWO international CDIs in their home countries. Horses must then compete at the CDI in Segovia in June with all other prospects, where the final team selection will take place. From that point, horse and rider are considered part of the Spanish team and are required to follow all schedules and regulations as the other representatives of Spain. Full requirements posted here: https://www.ancce.es/concursos/doma-clasica/caballos-jovenes B.    US ANCCE Team Qualification (via USEF) Athlete/Horse combinations must obtain the minimum requirements as outlined in the Selection Procedures posted on the USEF website (see link below) for consideration to be selected to represent the U.S. For U.S. qualifications, 5- and 6-year-old combinations must earn a minimum overall average of 8.2 on their respective USEF FEI World Breeding Championship ranking list. In addition, the Athlete/ Horse combinations must compete in the Preliminary and Final tests in combination at a minimum of two CDIYH or USEF Qualifying Competitions in USEF Qualifying Classes. Seven-Year-Old combinations must earn a minimum overall average of 77.500% on the USEF FEI World Breeding Championship Seven-Year-old ranking list. In addition, the Athlete/Horse combinations must compete in the Preliminary and Final tests in combination at a minimum of two CDI-YH or USEF Qualifying Competitions in USEF Qualifying Classes. Athlete/Horse combinations must apply to USEF for consideration to be selected to represent the U.S. The quota distribution for each age category for the U.S. is two (2) per division. U.S. bred horses (defined as a horse foaled in the United States) will take priority if MERs are met. Applicants are subject to the requirements set forth in the complete USEF Selection Procedures which are posted on the USEF website here: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/jdcLB5pi8NY/2025-fei-world-breeding-championships Source USPRE/ANCCE LINK : https://usprea.com/en/news/qualifications-for-participation-in-the-wbfsh-world-championship-of-young-horses-for-american-riders-of-pre-horses

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.

Kerrigan Gluch Travels to Spain

June 14, 2025

HGF rider Kerrigan Gluch traveled to Spain to gain experience with the PRE Team selection process for the World Championships for Young Horses. She went to Segovia, more precisely, Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León and  observed  how horses are evaluated and selected. José Daniel Martin Dockx was on scene. During those days they had a CDIYH, the last selection towards the big championships. 

Major Donation of Hampton Green Farm to Lilley Cares Announced

January 1, 2024

Kimberly Van Kampen, Spring Lake resident and entrepreneur, announced today that she will donate her 185-acre equestrian property, Hampton Green Farm, in Fruitport to Lilley Cares, the Spring Lake nonprofit founded in 2020.  The turn-over will be complete by mid-summer 2024 when all Hampton Green horses will move south to Ocala, Florida where Van Kampen is establishing a new location for them.   Founded in 1997, Hampton Green Farm has been home to a world-class PRE (Pura Raza Española) breeding program and training facility, and has been a fixture in Fruitport for over 20 years.  In recent years, the farm has served as a venue for local nonprofits to use as a place to hold its events and galas.  The farm has also been a center of equestrian training and sport, focusing on young riders, holding multiple clinics and horse shows.  "During the recession when nonprofits began to struggle, I felt there was more we could do to get them through those tough times," said Ms Van Kampen.  She and her team developed a program called “On The House” to invite nonprofits to the farm and hold their annual events.  Ms Van Kampen and her family foundation paid most of the expenses to allow nonprofits to continue to meet their mission, and get through the lean times.   That program is still active at Hampton Green albeit less active.  "We had events every single summer weekend for a long time," said Ms Van Kampen, "and it was amazingly successful. This was the seed for our plan today: to continue to serve both the equestrian and the nonprofit community but turning over the keys to a nonprofit close to my heart who understands the efforts and will keep it alive." The executive director of Lilley Cares is Joan Mack who was the business manager at Hampton Green until she retired in 2018.  Ms Mack not only understands the "On The House" program, but she managed it in those early busy years.   "I am excited to manage this farm I love so much, and know so well, as well as continue the mission we had when we started our nonprofit efforts in 2008," said Ms Mack.   "I plan to bring horses back -- not Hampton Green horses of course, but horses from other programs, and see horses grazing these fields again."  It will be the mission of Lilley Cares to keep the farm as a nonprofit organization, according to Ms Mack, serving the nonprofit community.  "Of course, to keep the lawns mowed and the lights on we will host weddings here as well as take on boarders in the barns," said Mack, "but our overall mission will be as 501c3 serving other charities." Ms Van Kampen has bred the Spanish horse PRE with major success, sending her horse Grandioso to two Olympics, London and in Rio de Janeiro.  Hampton Green Farm has a second location in Ocala, Florida where Ms Van Kampen has decided to focus her future breeding and competition efforts.  "It is time to focus on one location and Ocala with its World Equestrian Center will be the place for me and my horses and team to direct our work toward our continued goals of world-class breeding and dressage competition.  Two large farms over 1300 miles apart has stretched our resources and I decided that staying in Ocala and expanding our farm here is best for me and my family."  Ms Van Kampen reports that her investments of time and treasure in Spring Lake will continue.  "I have a beloved home in Spring Lake," she said, "and my family gathers here annually.  I will never leave West Michigan completely.  The difference is that my horses won't need to go back and forth, I can come to Michigan and enjoy my time here and not work quite so hard." She continued:   "Donating Hampton Green Farm to Lilley Cares is the culmination of a dream of mine: turning this beautiful farm into a nonprofit venue and a place to work with our local charities who do so much for this community.  This decision is so much better than selling the property and losing its mission."   The plan, according to Hampton Green Farm representatives, is to invite other nonprofit equestrian organizations to come to HGF and hold events, to bring their people together to focus on their mission, as well as continuing to offer the farm and a place for events and clinics.  "We've had some great events out here," said Ms Van Kampen, "some have been coming every year for over 10 years.  We want to keep those relationships alive and healthy."   Lilley Cares will take over management of the farm in the summer of 2024.  Nonprofits interested in holding events at Hampton Green Farm are encouraged to contact Joan Mack through the Lilley Cares website.  "We don't have all the details in place yet," reported Mack, "but we hope to be ready to host events by July 2024." Press release posted on LilleyCares.com see https://www.lilleycares.com/post/major-donation-of-hampton-green-farm-to-lilley-cares-announced

HGF Culminates Wellington 2023 season with an international victory

March 20, 2023

Eight years later, history repeats itself: March 18th will be remembered the the day that Mejorano HGF followed the steps of his father Grandioso ,  winning a CDI Grand Prix level in Wellington, Florida. With a lot of emotions  to process, Kerrigan and Mejorano HGF were the first ones to go into the arena for the GPS of the CDI 3* on Saturday. The judges rewarded the piaffe and the passage with multiple 8s and even 9s  With a final score of 68.872%, Kerrigan and Mejorano HGF cantered with joy in their lap of honor (GRAND PRIX SPECIAL)  This first win of Kerrigan is the result of her hard work and perseverance.  We are extremely happy of this combination and what the future will bring. Show by show, this duo keep improving and winning more experience at the senior level. Stride by stride they are working through adjustments to improve their results HGF culminates Wellington 2023 season with the best icing on the cake, a victory and the PRE breed on top of the leaderboard.  “He’s an extraordinary horse, super talented in all aspects of the grand prix,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve really been focused on the flow of everything – in and out of transitions – so everything had a lot of harmony and that was the main goal for this weekend, and I think I accomplished that. My piaffe/passage tour was quite smooth and I was happy with how the changes felt in the ring. It’s a very long test, but I was able to settle in and enjoy it. “Mejarano is a product of the breeding in the States that we strive for. It’s special to be able to do it with him knowing that he was born here and show that off. He tries his heart out for me every time,” added the Ocala-based Gluch, who has recently started training with fellow Ocala rider, Shelly Francis, after years training with Charlotte Bredahl. “Mejorano has always had a talent for piaffe/passage,” she added. “It’s taken me a few years to tune that all up so it shows in the ring, where his rhythm and cadence and activity come together. He has a very expressive front end to be able to show off the half-passes along with the changes is very fun to do.” This wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of Maria Lithander and her endless support. Next stop for us is the CDI 3* in WEC Ocala in a month. We are ready for it 

Week 3 in Wellington means USPRE WEEK

February 1, 2023

The Hampton Green Farm Horses continue to represent the PRE breed with excellence. On Thursday's 4* Grand Prix, Kerrigan scored a respectable 67.152 in a class where the majority of the class were scored within 1.8% points.  On Friday Under the Lights, she took the stage with  Grandioso’s former Kur  “La Mancha” melodies echoed in the Grand Arena and Kerrigan delighted the spectators, who roared into applause at the conclusion. The pair was all smiles after scoring a personal best of 74.570%, ending up with the 6th position overall. One of the judges awarded over 77%....with improvements always to be made, the future looks very bright.   Justine Boyer made her comeback in Wellington at the international Junior level. Along with Campanero HGF they came home with two blue ribbons and a new Personal Best  too. We are so excited for this young pair! This truly could not have happened without such an incredible team. A huge thank you to  Maria Lithander for always guiding our riders to the right direction, and special thanks to Sophia for her exhibition ride for USPRE to kick-off the Grand Prix on Thursday One of the big Highlights of Last Week is that Sophia Schults received the Horse And Rider of the Year Award from USPRE. Dr. Jane Bistline, president of USPRE handed the trophy to Sophia. This award is a big recognition for her results last summer with Conocido HGF:  Gold and Silver medals at the  North American Youth Championships 2022

Leaving Wellington….and Finding Home in Ocala

June 11, 2022

It’s been three years since I moved to Ocala to start a new marriage and build a life in a new community. Leaving Wellington was ultimately a decision that took place in increments, and which surprised me as it was happening. I wasn’t leaving the horse world, but I was leaving the familiarity and safety of my beloved bubble (as my friend Ken Braddock likes to refer to it).  I’ve often referred to the Global Dressage Festival as a “13 week cruise with 700 of your closest friends”—hard to imagine unless you’ve lived it as I did. The dressage world in Wellington is easy to mis-categorize—privileged people living an artificial existence in a contrived world where there is always a new season, or a new competition cycle, or a new “pair” to raise the collective heart rate and suspend the unreality for another year. Some aspects of this stereotype are true on the fringe, but not at its heart. The dressage world in Wellington as I knew it for more than 20 years is highly inter-connected and passionately supportive, a fabric consisting of all the roles that make up a community based on sport—from owners, trainers and athletes to credentialed professionals such as the vets and farriers, to the essential grooms, sports therapists and massage miracle-workers, to the men or women who built your barn, to the person who clothes you and your horse, or who supplies the feed and shavings that you rely on, Mosquito Guy and Carrot Man, old and young, saints and scoundrels. All come together into one friendly community where there is no hierarchy—as exhibited by the tables in the tent where a mix of all these groups can be seen enjoying meals together. When one of us does well, the whole family cheers. Leaving Wellington also meant leaving another very important community to me—the PRE (Spanish Horse) lovers who were sprinkled throughout this world that is generally defined by the Northern European sport horse. We, the faithful converts, even have our own week during the season—USPRE Week or Week 3—where the Baroque Horse takes its deserved place in the spot light. I will never forget the finale of the last USPRE party prior to the Covid shutdowns —when more than 30 volunteer riders flooded the International Arena on their beautiful horses,r riding to Cassie Ortiz’ version of “This is Me.” For me, that was my personal Grand Prix Freestyle win! But now, my life is Ocala. Ocala—it even sounds like the beautiful place it is. Rolling pastures and grand oak trees that used to be the playground of the Seminole, and which are now home to thousands of acres of young thoroughbreds. A genteel Southern aesthetic prevails here: rural and old vs. urban and new (per much of coastal Florida); here more native, more authentic, more raw, definitely outside the bubble. County after county of horse and cattle farms, historic cracker architecture and land grant neighborhoods. The stunning new World Equestrian Center and the ambitious generosity of its owners don’t change the landscape, only accentuate it. And to my surprise, Ocala is also home to lots of PREs and Lusitanos! From the first show at WEC, we were amazed at the number of Iberians and knew that there would be a positive response to us and our horses here. When Jim Wolf and I planned the Hampton Green Farm sponsorship of the show series, we made sure to carve out our own week of emphasis on the Iberian or Andalusian horse (expanded now to include all baroque horses originating from the Iberian peninsula). Our first Iberian Young Horse Challenge in March brought out close to 20 competitors in the Prix St. George, won by a Dutch professional with scores over 70% on a young Lusitano. Our opening reception brought together another wonderful group of people and the excitement for the potential that the WEC facility offers for our horses is over the top. Several professionals in this area work with and compete Iberian horses alongside their other breeds, and I’ve recognized many brands on horses in the ring here, some originating from elite breeding farms in Spain. Several American PRE breeders that I’ve known from my USPRE days have relocated here for the benefit of the temperate climate as well as year-round (nonseasonal) equestrian activity. One new relationship is quite special to us. For years I had heard of Tina Veder and her Baroque Games Institute, but had little understanding of the nature of her work with Bruno Gonzalez. Hearing that they had also relocated here from New York, I was anxious to meet them and their group of enthusiastic fans who have formed what might be described as a new discipline, a movement and growing trend for a certain demographic of the equestrian community. Stemming from their combined years of experience in the baroque horse world and the riding traditions of Europe, Tina and Bruno have devised a program of training and showing that emphasizes the classical training scale without demanding the high level of athleticism that is necessary to be competitive in the sport. As a longtime PRE breeder, Tina has seen many riders of baroque horses be left out of the enjoyment of the full potential of their horse for a variety of reasons, mostly that their own riding skills or their horse’s gaits limit them to the lowest levels of dressage. Year after year, they fail to move beyond the basic levels and never have the chance to enjoy the technique of classical riding. The Baroque Institute offers a series of training patterns and tests that take the horse and rider from walk/trot to collection to high school movements in ways that are safe for both horse and rider, and which reflect the classical program but are still accessible to a wider range of riders and horses. A competition, the Baroque Games, gives these riders a chance to compete and be judged, successfully staged in New York, Virginia, and soon hopefully in Ocala. They recently held a clinic at Hampton Green Farm at our Goldmark location, and we were delighted with the exercises and challenges that Bruno presented for each horse and rider. He has a deep understanding of the conformation and mechanics of the Iberian horse and how to develop its strengths to do the work that it was historically bred to do. Hampton Green wholeheartedly supports their philosophy and are happy to have another riding discipline for our clients and friends. HGF Head Trainer Maria Lithander summarized our weekend: ”Bruno’s system is great for riders of any level—the exercises are straightforward and kind to the horse as well as fun to ride.” Watching young riders and young horses develop into internationally relevant competitors has been a great joy in my life, and those memories are rooted in my love for Wellington. But now, I find that I have great expectations for the verdant dressage community in Ocala, and am honored to be a part as it does the same.

Untacked: Sophia Schults and Conocido HGF, new rising star of the Youth with a PRE.

March 4, 2022

The future of dressage is about the new upcoming riders. The youth and PRE are a combination that never fades away. The future for the youth is very encouraging and promising: their great technique, great professionalism, but above all and most importantly, their passion, is the key for the success.  Today we focus on a rider whose ridings skills, performances, and dedication with her P.R.E are worth to be acknowledged: Sophia Schults and Conocido HGF.  At just 21 years of age, Sofia is not a newcomer in the dressage scene. She has regularly attended competitions over the years in Florida during the winter season, from its early beginnings at Global show grounds and more recently in Ocala, Florida.  Originally from Michigan, Sophia prepared herself to become a professional rider. Started as a hobby rider and transformed herself to professional rider for Hampton Green Farms. Her preliminaries in the horse world date back to her early ages. At just 3 years old Sophia was very attracted to horses, and since then, she was hooked and never looked back.  Over the years, her different trainers, the attendance to the WIT Program and her riding career at Hampton Green Farm have allowed her to become a very distinguished rider.   Thanks to her barn manager in Michigan, Sophia found out about Lendon’s clinic, and in the summer of 2014, she decided to take her horse there and having a wonderful experience. She met Kimberly Van Kampen and stayed in touch. The following Wellington season she did the Dressage 4 Kids program and an internship with George Williams. Her horse “Sandro” got injured and went back to Michigan leaving her needing a mount for the three back-to-back shows in Fruitport. She reached out Kim letting her know that she wanted to do the Lendon’s clinic, and she borrowed Idolo Americano. A new successful combination was born.  Sophia became an HGF rider in 2016, and Idolo Americano was her companion. Highlights of this combination include being in the top six nationally at Festival of Champions in 2018.  She now develops the training of younger prospects, including outstanding PRE horses from HGF —as well as her own Conocido HGF. Conocido HGF is her own gem. She bought him in the summer of 2016. Over the years, Sophia has been responsible of his training and guidance through the different levels.   “I was fifteen when I got him and we had our moments. I can’t regret anything. My journey with him has been a rollercoaster with ups and downs, but above all, he has taught me a lot. At the beginning, he was super spooky, unpredictable.  We’ve been through a lot and that is why actually we have such a strong partnership. Last year everything clicked: he settled down mentally and now we can go through a test without worrying about the external factors”.  Icing on the cake  2022, new year and new season. Sophia is clear about it, and she wants to fight. This year she has a goal set with her own Conocido HGF and is to be the most competitive as possible and getting into the race for the Young Rider European Tour.  In January back in Ocala, she tested the waters at the YR level (her last year in it) at a national show and her results were outstanding with two scores near the 70%   Last week, Sophia went back on track to the international arena. Her CDI debut was captivating. Sophia presented for the first time the horse and came back with a blue ribbon in the YR individual and a red one (second place) in the YR Team Test.  Competing this last weekend at Global was surreal. Everything that we have been working hard towards is beginning to pay dividends, and moments like we had in the show ring last weekend make the tough times worth it. Developing Conocido into what he is today has been one of my greatest challenges, but working with such an intelligent and talented horse makes every ride special and I cannot wait to continue our training together. Sophia just has words of praise about her horse. She describes her companion as a very sweet horse, being the pirouettes his highlight. He is super consistent in the trot tour and is really quiet and harmonious.    In a competitive circuit of warmblood horses, Sophia rides PREs. The purebred Spanish horse is an extremely versatile mount. It’s noble personality and big heart are the traits that make the PRE ideal for the youth. Sophia has ridden warmbloods and PREs, and the latter ones are for her very special “You need to be mindful when you ride PRE, they are very sensitive in the back and really aware of the rider, you have to be very careful. You can’t get on and push them right away “.

Idolo Americano 2003-2019

March 7, 2019

We regret to announce the passing of a member of the HGF family, Idolo Americano. The 16 year old PRE gelding was bred and born in Fruitport Michigan, by Idilio II out of Escapada. Idolo was an impressive young stallion with promise. In 2007 he was the recipient of the Born in America award for top placing US-born stallion at the Devon Breed Show, typically dominated by warmbloods. He went on to be trained by Maria Lithander, who took him to a Region II Reserve Championship at Second Level, then on to Courtney King Dye and Jose Daniel Martin Dockx in Spain. He returned to the United States as a gelding and proceeded to take a number of HGF working students to their first CDIs, USDF training conferences, Palm Beach Derby high point awards and more. His riders over the years included Rachel Chowanec and Katja Creswick. But it was in the hands of Sophia Schults that Idolo found his best partner. They progressed through the international Junior levels to the Young Rider levels, competing regularly at Global Dressage, and in 2018 participating in a NAJYRC and Festival of Champions. Known for an amazing piaffe and passage, Idolo was a generous teacher to all his riders. He passed away last night suddenly after a brief struggle with colic. He was in the hands of the veterinarians and did not suffer. We are all feeling his loss.

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.

HGF's Ataturc and Mejorano Bring Home the Medals at SICAB World PRE Championships 2017

November 29, 2017

Hampton Green's two entries in the Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB 2017 topped their classes of world-class PRE young horses from the best breeders worldwide. For a second time, HGF competed a Michigan-bred PRE in the SICAB 6 year old finals, and for the second time brought home the Bronze Medal. Our last time to compete at the World Championship of PRE Horses was in 2013, when Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Vaquero HGF were bronze medalists in the 6 Year Old division. This year, Dani returned to the 6 Year Olds with Mejorano HGF, son of Grandioso III and Ibiza, bred in Michigan. A close scoring level, juried by 6 international judges over two days, finished with the HGF pair again taking the Bronze with scores of 77.8 and 75.2 in the Preliminary and Final tests respectively. Mejorano HGF was sent to Spain from the US in 2015 for training with Dani and we expect him to continue to improve and strengthen as he moves up the levels to the more technical tests. There was no question, however, who would bring home the Gold in the 7 Year Old Division. HGF's Ataturc was the clear favorite of the two days of competition. With scores of 74.79 and 76.41, Ata and Dani topped a class of high quality, well-trained 7 year olds PREs. Ata has only just begun his show career and has won each of the 6 classes he has entered to date. He was purchased in 2016 as a 6 year old from his breeder, Yeguada Ducal--a PRE breeder in Germany. The horse had been backed at the three gaits but little else, having been used for breeding prior to coming to Mijas. Ata quickly took to his new career in dressage, and Dani decided he was ready to go into the show ring for the first time just two months ago at the Dos Lunas CDN in September. Ataturc is from the bloodlines of ANCCE Elite Stallion Ermitano on his dam's side, and the son of Activo VII, known to riders from the days of the CAR-ANCCE program. One note on the Doma Clasica (Dressage) competition as a whole--the presence of high-quality and competitive mares! Mares are now the choice of many of the breeders and riders in Spain for dressage and are making their ascension to the top placings in each class, from 4 year old to Grand Prix. With changes to the selection process for the World Championship of Young Horses (Ermelo) planned for next year which will give preference to qualifed PREs in Spain, the path is now wide open for both mares and stallions to be recognized for their quality at the young horse levels. Hang on for the ride! Photos by Lily Forado

Hampton Green to Compete Two Horses in Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB

November 10, 2017

Daniel Martin Dockx will compete two HGF horses in the Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB next week in Sevilla, Spain. SICAB is the annual PRE horse fair that brings out the morphology and sport champion PREs from around the country for a final competition. Qualification for SICAB is always very competitive, and for the Copa ANCCE Dressage Finals pairs compete throughout the year at open competitions to obtain a position in the top ten. The show is attended by more than 200,000 spectators throughout the week and also features championship morphology classes, jumping, Doma Vaquera and Doma Clasica, youth divisions, as well as seminars, clinics, classes, receptions and more. After so many years at the Grand Prix, Dani and HGF are back in the young horse classes with 2 stallions, in the 6 year old and 7 year old divisions. Six year old Mejorano HGF is a gray son of Grandioso, out of Ibiza, born in Michigan and trained by Dani for the last two years in Mijas. Mejorano was competed last year in both international and national classes. Ataturc DUC was purchased in April 2016 from Yeguada Ducal in Germany, and began his competition career in September of this year at the 7 year old level. Having done only two shows in his life, SICAB, with all its commotion and traffic, will certainly be a learning experience for him. The last time HGF competed at SICAB was in 2013 with Vaquero HGF, who finished third overall in the 6 year old division. SICAB classes are all livestreamed at www.sicab.tv and ride times are posted on the SICAB official website.

Grandioso Stallion Services

May 7, 2017

Hampton Green Farm's Grandioso is one of the most successful and celebrated PRE sporthorses in history, and is now available for breeding in the United States and Europe. Very few dressage horses have had the longevity and success of Grandioso during his years on the Spanish National Dressage Team with rider Jose Daniel Martin Dockx. Grandioso's accomplishments include: 2 Olympic Games, London and Rio de Janerio 2 National Grand Prix Dressage Champions of Spain 2 European Championships, Denmark and Germany The World Equestrian Games in Normandy 4 Consecutive Years in the Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen Highest Scoring Iberian Horse in History at CHIO Aachen First Iberian Horse to win an International Grand Prix in North America Ranked as high as #22 in the FEI World Rankings 14 International Grand Prix Wins: 22 International Grand Prix finishes in top 3 ANCCE-Qualified Stallion Grandioso's bloodlines from Albero II and Sevillano IX, of the Yeguada Marin Garcia, are recognized as improvers for movement and functionality in Spain. His sire is foundation stallion Adelante of the Yeguada Militar. This combination has produced the aptitude and fortitude needed for a PRE horse to compete in the very top levels of international horse sport. ......Grandioso...a Legend in Sport, soon to be a Legend in Breeding. In the US, fresh cooled semen available. In Europe, frozen semen only. For 2017 only, introductory breeding fee of $2250.00 or E2000.00. For more information and to review a contract, contact Hampton Green Farm at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com