Congratulations to Erin Brinkman, who won the Intermediaire 1 Freestyle at the USDF Region 3 Championships in 2007.   She also placed first in the USDF Horse of the year with Bella Luna in the Intermediaire Freestyle as well as placing in both PSG and Intermediare 1.  Along with that, she placed 3rd at Training level with her homebred, Friedensfurst by Donaufurst, and 6th with Influential by Donaufurst, owned and bred by Valhalla in the USDF Horse of the Year awards.  

Borrowed from DRESSAGE DAILY, this article features Tracey Winter and her gelding, Martailo.  Thanks to Mary Phelps

Milestones - Tracey Winter and Martailo Win Grand Prix Championship 2006

Tracey Winter and her 13-year old Trakehner gelding, Martailo (by Valhalla Farm's Hailo x Anduc x Marduc, out of Moselle x Martini) won top honors at the recent GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships when they were awarded the tri-colored neck ribbon for the Grand Prix Championship. This coveted win would be an exceptional victory for any dressage competitor, but for this pair the victory was the culmination of a dream that spanned more than a decade.

Winter acquired Martailo as a weanling from a small local breeder Sam Culbert in Bradenton, Florida, who had been her blacksmith when she lived in that area as a youngster. She has trained the gelding herself over the past 13 years. Before she was even able to ride him, he succumbed to founder and was almost lost as a riding horse. With perseverance, Winter nursed the gelding to health and began training him to ride. In 2000, the pair secured their first USDF Region 3 victory, taking the Reserve Championship in First Level. That began their exciting trek through the levels, using the annual GAIG/USDF Region 3 Championships as a mirror of their climb up the training scale.

In 2001, Winter and Martailo won the USDF Region 3 Championship at Second Level. In 2002, the pair won the USDF Region 3 Championship at Third Level. That same year they finished Res. Grand Champion to Carol Lavell at Fourth Level. Their climb continued and in 2003, they won the USDF Region 3 Championship at Intermediaire-I and the Res. Championship in the Prix St. Georges. In 2005, they won the USDF Region 3 Championship at Intermediaire-II. And then this past October, Winter and Martailo topped their best and won the USDF Region 3 Championship at Grand Prix.

Their ride through the levels is a rare journey and Winter’s story is not only one of victory, but of hard work and dedication. Martailo had another bout of founder just as the pair began Second level work, but Winter never gave up and again beat the odds to bring back Martailo as a champion.

Winter, who trains at her, Tranquillity Dressage in South Florida, said, “The Grand Prix win was so exciting. We would have been happy just to be in the top half of the pack considering the competition.” But the pair was destined to be on the top that day and sporting the GAIG/USDF Grand Prix Championship Cooler and Jacket they strode back to the barn and left a wake of inspiration in their trail.

(c) Jared Carter  CarterPhoto.net

From his owner:  Alysssa Dyke Springsteen is an absolutely amazing horse.  I've had him for four years now, ever since he was 5 and enjoy him ore and more every day.  Not only does he have an amazing work ethic and is easily trainable, but he has the kindest and sweetest temperament.  I'm an eventer and have been doing events with him in Area V11.  We have worked our way up from beginner novice to training.  In 2002, we were reserve Ch. at Area V11 Novice Championship, 2nd for area V11 year end awards and ATA CT Novice Horse of the Year.  We moved up to training and qualified for area V11 championship, receiving 3rd place.  We were also reserve Ch. for Area V11 year end awards.  Ever since I set eye on Springsteen with his golden coat and adorable face, I have loved him.  He is an excellent horse and lovely companion.  I have been nothing but ecstatic with him

Hi Jean,   I finally got around to sending you a picture of Mecca and I. This was at our first show this year. We scored in the 60's and had a lot of fun. We went to a show 2 weeks later and scored in the upper 60's. Our last show was this past weekend. Axel Stiener was our judge and was a little tougher on us, but now we know exactly what we need to work on and can go in and fix those things.   Mecca gets to live in a big pen outside with shelter and friends all around her. We've gone on a few trail rides and she loves to get out and is a baby-sitter for all the rest of the horses. I love her to death and can't imagine having a better horse to learn and have fun with.   Hope all is well with you and your summer is going well.  Anne Huber

Mecca showing 2nd level with owner Anne Huber

Hello Jean,  you may remember us, Laura and Maggie (Tia Maria). You had mentioned you like seeing the progress of Martini's "kids". Here we are at this year's NODA (Northern Ohio Dressage Assn..) show at first level. I am an Adult Amateur. The first horse I ever qualified for training level was Maggie. Now she is the first horse I have been able to qualify at 1st Level. We even won 2 of the test 4 OPEN and Qualifying classes this year. It always feels great as an adult am. to win an open class! Maggie is a dream horse to own. She is quiet, an easy keeper, loads well and is as sound as the day is long. I thought this was a nice picture of us. It was a photograph that I scanned into my computer. You can include it in any publication, as long as you give photographic credit to Bob Tarr.  Just keep it in your scrap book of Martini's legacy. Take care,Laura	Photo Credit: Bob Tarr
	Dear Erin and Jean:   Attached is the picture my mother took of Bessie and Worthy at the region 3 finals.  It was very nice to meet you Erin and I appreciate the time you took to talk to me.  Good luck with Worthy.  Hopefully, I'll see you again next year.   Erin Doolittle   (Note:  Bessie is a Worthy daughter out of a draft mare.  Bessie on left,  Worthy on right)
	Synchronicity was USDF Champion of Stallions for Region III and reserve of the whole show.  He also was Champion Stallion Under Saddle... Hilda Gurney was very complementary over and over, she gave him 80.25%, loved his movement, hind end, legs, hooves, type and disposition..   Many regards to all,  LUPE (Note:  Synchronicity is by Johanniter out of Sauce Piquant by Martini, bred at Valhalla) Photo credit:  Reg Corkum
	Synchronicity and Proud Owner Lupe Guarderas, Jacksonville, Florida (Synchronicity is by Johanniter out of Sauce Piquant by Martini and bred at Valhalla Farm)       Photo Credit:  Reg Corkum

Congratulations to Peta Jean Wyllie For the following results from DEVON for Imager by Hailo out of Inquisitive by Martini. He won Class 16 - Four yr old and older Stallions also showing under saddle with a score of 70.95.  He was second in Class 28 -  Stallions under saddle.  He won Class 30 - 5 & 6 year old Suitability class.  He was second in Class 38 - 4 & 5 year old Materiale with a score of 73.6.  He won Class 59 - Trakehner Individual Breed class with a score of 81.8.  He was also Reserve Champion stallion. He won the USDFBC East Coast finals Stallion championship with a combined average score of 76.88%  (What a weekend!)

PHOTOS TO COME!

Congratulations to Hilife, a newly ATA approved stallion by Martini out of Henna by Hilarious, owned by Lincoln Case.

Photo credit Ree Photo-Graphics

From owner Lincoln Case, we happily share this photo of  the approved Hailo son, Monte.  Lincoln writes:  "Enclosed is a picture of Monte at his first rated dressage show.  He received two firsts and two seconds and was champion in the training division.  He averaged around a 66% and seemed to have a great time." Monte is also a successful hunter. By Hailo out of Megan, half sister to Martini.

Photo credit Anne Grittins

Congrats to Betty Weibel The picture was taken at Kentucky Spring and Luminaire is showing the Green Conformation Division with professional Rider Megan Udelson. He has been at the top of USA Equestrian's Zone Five Green Conformation Division all year. He has continued to win numerous hunter honors. Also, the ATA named Luminaire  the Horse of the Year in the Hunter Section. Jean's note: Luminaire is a Hailo son

We received this lovely photo from owner Ann Manual letting us know that Ardent (Martini x Arius by Solling) competed in his first Fourth Level Competition winning both his classes, 4th 2 and 4th 3,  aptly piloted and trained by Estela Lindsey.  To Quote: "Just a note to keep you abreast with my new adventures in South Carolina.  My new Mom, Miss Ann, put me into training with Miss Estela (Notice the great respect!) Believe me, it was hard work, but they say I'm doing well and getting stronger all the time.  We came away with 4 blue ribbons and lot of smiles.  I was very well behaved and helped the entire weekend!  Now my Mom is working me to get ready for her first show the end of June.  She's not as experienced as Miss Estela so I find her work easier.  I'm still working hard, but to teach her this time.  You know how some people are slower than others!"  Thanks Ann and Ardent for the update.  Good Luck in your first show together.

****Tracey Winter/Martailo Bio*****      When I bought Martailo (1993 gelding by Hailo, out of Moselle, by Martini) as a five month old, I knew that it was a big gamble. Babies, however cute, don't always grow up to become what we have hoped for. With Martailo, I feel like I am the luckiest person alive, as he has far surpassed anything that I could have ever dreamed of. Not only was he a fabulous looking youngster ("won" Practical Horseman's "Conformation Clinic" as a 19 month old - September 1995 issue), but he grew up to be a handsome, well-balanced individual that is perfectly suited to our sport.     Martailo has won many Championships as he has made his way through the levels, winning last year's ABIC/USDF Region 3 Championship for Second Level. Our most current endeavor is our upcoming trip to Camden, SC, for the Championships this November, where he has qualified to compete in both Third and Fourth Level.     There is not one time that I have ever entered the arena and not thought about the little baby running and playing in a paddock with me, and I am left breathless to think of what he has become and the truly spiritual bond that is between us. So whatever the outcome at Regionals this year, I know he will give me all of his heart, as he always has, and that, to me, is more than enough.   Flash:  Martailo was Reserve Champion at Fourth Level,   Champion at Third level at the  Regional Championships in 2002.   He has also won his first show at PSG, scoring in the high 60's.  In 2003, he was Regional Champion at Int. 1, Res. at PSG.  In 2005, he will be competing at Grand Prix.

Congratulations to Wayne and Eileen Krause on the birth of this lovely colt by Stiletto out of Phantyne.

Teresa Fickling and Splendid, shown scoring 75% at Training Level.

I have attached pictures of our babies.  I thought you might like to see how they have grown. They turned 3 this spring and we took them on their first trail ride this past weekend.  Saucy (aka Splendid) is on the left , she is a Sauce Piquant-Hailo baby (owned by Teresa Van Dalinda Fickling) and Star is on the right, (owned by Heather Evans) she is a Nickelodeon-Hailo baby.  They have been lots of fun to raise and yesterday on their first trail ride they were as quiet as seasoned trail horses.  (note from Teresa) Jean's note: Purchased as weanlings and raised  and trained by their owners

	I'm an adult amateur rider with limited showing experience.  Elijah (Martini x Elfin) magically came into my life 1 1/2 yrs ago after I sold my last horse (a thoroughbred who managed with his unpredictable behavior to undo years of riding confidence).  My dream had always been to have the "perfect" horse delivered to me, and that is exactly what happened!   I bought him about 2 weeks after he came to our barn with a young woman newly arrived from out of state.  I knew it was meant to be when I discovered he was born at Valhalla Farm on my best friend's birthday.  I was familiar with Valhalla from having half leased Hailey (a Hailo baby) when I lived in Colorado. This is my first season showing at First Level and I was ecstatic to discover that we had won first place at First Level Test 1 with at 61.4% at a recognized show.   The ribbon hangs proudly on Elijah's stall and we are looking forward to the future.  I am even planning on buying my own truck and trailer!! Thanks, Jean.   We will keep you apprised of our progress.  I still want to get down to see your beautiful farm someday. Rita Boehm
Congratulations to Debbie Evans' FEI Championships! Fararri (at Right), owned by Debbie, a 9 year old, 16.1 hand gelding won Open Intermediaire (66.50%), followed by the reserve championship in the Intermediaire I freestyle!  In 2002, plans go forward to compete at Grand Prix.  In 2004, Fararri was Reserve Champion at Grand Prix for the ATA awards.   Good going, Debbie!!
	Hansom, owned by Diane Hallstrom and ridden by Debbie Evans, Fararri's 13 year old, 15.2 hand stablemate, won the Intermediaire I championship (68.50%).  Both horses are sired by Martini. The photo here is Hansom competing at Intermediate 1 at the Cup of the Americas.  This International show was held in Canada.  Hansom is shown with rider Juan Cavoti, where he placed 8th in a large class of horses from many countries.  Although he was the smallest entry (at 15.2), he made a large presence.

"Jean, 45 is not too late to learn jumping with a     Martini baby!                   Thanks,                           -Adriane Banner"   Congratulations, Adriane... Pretty gutsy!

Blue Sky Farm Martini's Legacy does indeed live on!  I still own the mare Vodka Gimlet by Martini that I purchased twelve years ago.  Gimlet will be 15 this year and has produced seven outstanding foals!  This year my yearling filly was named 2002 USDF First place Oldenburg/NA and USDF 4th place all breeds.  Gimlet was recently awarded the status of Star Award Mare from the ISR/Oldenburg Registry in the category of "Quality of Foals".   I just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed having Gimlet.  We all miss Martini but please know that his offspring are still passing on his many wonderful traits.  Your friend, Zada Steidl Photo is of Capriana, who along with her two full siblings, earned Premium, with two High-point and one Reserve Champion of their inspections against 28 to 31 babies each time.  Quite an accomplishment!

Dear Jean and Roy,  First, I want to thank you so very much for Martini.  Without him, one of the most important parts of my life would not have been fulfilled.  In May of 1998, my daughter and I wanted to begin riding.  We found Stone Ridge and a beautiful radiant, 17.1 chestnut gelding named Carlo.  One touch and I knew this horse would forever be my best friend and partner.  Carlo was an experienced event horse and thought to be too much for me, a beginner rider.  However, after 4 weeks of riding school horses, I was able to take a lesson on him.  Carlo and I trotted off as one.  On July 28, 1998, I purchased Carlo. Being 44 and 5'2", Monte and  I accomplished more than my dreams have ever expected.  A month after I purchased him, we competed in a show and won Champion in Hunters and Equitation.  This was the first of many championships and placements in a large number of shows around the country.

"One of his birthday parties." In April of 2002, I stepped on a barn nail, requiring three surgeries and loosing half my foot.  After a four month recovery, and a move to Colorado Spring, I finally got on Carlo and found we were still one, competing several times at Five Star Equestrian Center and ending up Grand Champion at the finals in November of 2002.  What a wonderful comeback for us both.  He will be 18 on May 4th and has his own barn with an open window into my office so that he may be a part of everything I do. (Mr Ed).  He also took my daughter, Lindsay Kacher Dancy to 2001 GHJA Pounds Equitation Finals Champion.   So many people go through life thinking that a horse is just a horse and something to win and ride on.  Its not, its all about being a friend, understanding, loving, trusting and caring for your partner, give 110%. Thanks again to Martini  and Living Threat, his dam.  Without them my life and so many others would not have been the same.  Cheryl Kacher

 

	Dear Jean and Roy, I thought you might enjoy this snapshot of my delightful yearling by Martini (out of Into The Fire by Ethos)  They were taken on her first birthday.  She is a bright, inquisitive filly with lovely gaits.  I can't wait 'till she's ready to ride and show.  Her name is Iselin Happily yours, Holly Spencer
Jean: I am working Madrugada lightly - she is a delight in all ways.  Disposition is superb - nice rhythm - very elegant! -Mr Jon Helm Jean's Note:  Madrugada is by Hailo out of Madcap by Johanniter

.  It was just dumb luck when I found out about a horse named Lenzen (by Martini) coming back to Valhalla to be sold.  When I first saw him on the cross ties at your farm, it took my breath away. Then when I went for a test ride all I could do was laugh hysterically when we cantered. It was a feeling I had never had riding my little western pony.  I remember you said that you thought 'we have found a match.'  He was awesome!

This is a letter from Katie Gilmur  to Suzanne Saterlee, breeder of Frosty by Martini out of  Freya.   Katie chose the sport of eventing.   Not an unusual occurrence except Katie has Transverse Myelitis, a neurological disorder that left her partially paralyzed below the waist.   "Last week we went to a Jim Graham clinic in Oregon. Jim has gone to Rolex Kentucky, and is competing at 4 star levels in eventing. We jumped some new things that Frosty hadn't ever seen before, and she took it all in quite well, processing what she had to do to jump it. Jim really liked Frosty, and constantly joked about wanting to buy her! Quite a compliment coming from him! Also, I thought you  might like to hear that about a thousand people (one calling from across the trailer parking lot) complimented me on how gorgeous and talented Frosty was!:-) This weekend we competed on Whidbey Island, and had really great rides. Apparently the judge that we had in Dressage was supposed to be extremely challenging, yet we ended up scoring four '8's from her. Overall we came in 4th!" For more information  on Transverse Myelitis, please visit the Transverse Myelitis Association (www.myelitis.org) which is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started by Katie's parents to provide information, support, and education to individuals with TM and their families, and to the medical community about TM, and to support cure research.

Katie & Frosty Katie rides and shows without any accommodation or special needs. On a horse, she is essentially equal to anyone. When Katie was younger, Deanne and I always thought certain things like Dressage would prove next to impossible for her. However, she has demonstrated that she has enough leg (upper leg in particular) to make things work.          Jean's note:  Katie and Frosty are quite an example to us all!

Walden (aka Worth'avenue) a Hailo/Wogena baby arrived in Bermuda on July 29, 2003. After a whirlwind visit to Florida and a nail-biting wait while he traveled from Florida to Bermuda, this wonderful horse has so quickly endeared himself to anyone and everyone. From the original trucker, the  UPS agent in New York and the stable gang here in Bermuda, he has made friends with all. He adjusted very quickly, took to his routine, survived Hurricane Fabian and stepped into the show ring for the first time as a 3-1/2 year old on October 11, 2003. He not only awed all who watched him but won both hunter flat classes he was entered in. The judge was smitten as well and actually stepped out of his box to talk with me  to tell me what an incredible horse he was.  In one of his classes he was asked to hand gallop. My daughter and I looked at each other and said, "oh oh, he hasn't done that yet." Our trainer asked of him and he gave with incredible balance and athleticism, as though it was 'old hat'. He is indeed a very special boy and we are so blessed to have found him. Thank you Jean for such a great boy. -Christine Franklin What a weekend!! Warmblood Hack - 1st place     Riding Horse 15.2 hh and under - 1st place     Junior Hunter - 1st place        Adult Hunter - 1st place   He took Anna into another equitation placement - 3rd out of a large class &.He took Best in Show!!! Jeans Note:  Update one year later in 2004.

Jean & Petra,   Sorry it's been so long since my last Magda update... but just wanted to let you know that I love her more every day. She is so much fun. Every morning she greets me with her distinctive and endearing nicker -- uniquely low in volume and pitch. And evidently very sexy as all the boys still love her.   Magda continues to grow and fill out, thanks to her unwavering commitment to nutrition. Moreover, I spoil her. Her autumn favorites are the windfall apples harvested on the farm.  Sue is leading Magda on the training front. My role is to slow down the entire process as the two of them have to teach me. And I am not nearly as quick a study as Magda. Happily, Magda seems to enjoy her new role as "schoolmaster". She is so soft and light to the aids, and so sensitive to balance (or my lack thereof) that she is quick to reflect my errors. When my position is off, her response makes it obvious. No false flattery from Magda. But when I am correct, she gives me the ultimate gift -- what I asked for.

Thanks to Magda's exacting standards, Sue recognized that my right hip was somehow out of whack and convinced me to go to a chiropractor. He found that my hips were twisted to the right -- which accounted for the sore left shoulder I have had for two years (that I thought was due to cycling)! After only three months and four adjustments, my shoulder is better and my riding has improved demonstrably. And I have to thank Magda for her contribution to the process.   Magda has also been a great babysitter to me. She is so level-headed that I am never afraid or worried with her. I am a timid rider, but I feel totally safe when I take her out into the fields alone and walk around on the buckle in the autumn wind (something many other people can't do with their older "advanced" horses). That's not to say she is brain dead. She is very aware of her surroundings at all times and definitely can sense karma (e.g., when we once rode by a playground teeming with shrieking elementary school children and brightly colored jungle gyms, she was alarmed, but not frightened). But when she is a bit scared or spooked, she never gets silly or stupid. She might halt, or take a few steps backwards or sideways. Then she coolly assesses the situation, usually by staring and pointing her big ears in the direction of the offending person or thing; then she frequently ends up taking a closer look and nosing around for something edible.   Hi Jean -   I have been having a great time with my Martini daughter - Zophiel.  I thought you might be happy to hear her latest also.  She ended up 3rd for this year all breeds in Materiale for 4 and 5 yr olds.  She ended up 2nd in Trakehners for maiden and yeld mares.    I am riding her training level and have done very well at schooling shows.   I hope to break out into the recognized shows next year with her.  I still haven't found consistent local training.  I will keep trying though.  I did ride in a clinic last week with a pretty well known rider who kept asking me if I would sell her.  I kept saying that she wasn't for sale.  He offered a very large amount in front of the whole group!   My husband tells me that now the pressure is on!  Time for me to really improve my riding.  Hate to turn down that offer that would undoubtedly take her farther, but I can't imagine not having her to ride.  We have been farm shopping  and hope to have one soon.  I look forward to the day when we can breed her, hopefully by embryo transfer so I can keep riding!   She is our first Trakehner and we couldn't be happier with her!  We have just bought two more Trakehner mares as my husband really enjoyed the breed shows and wants to breed some of our own now.    thanks!   Nancy Shaw

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