The old adage, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”, is clearly demonstrated in the breeding of champion sport horses. This was dramatically brought home to me when I recently read “The Oldenburg Horse, Issue 1, 2008”, the official publication of the Oldenburg Horse Breeders’ Society, a division of the Verband der Zuechter des Oldenburger Pierdes, Germany.
Rubinstein’s Bloodlines Dominate
By far, the publication’s listing of champion sport horses was dominated by offspring of mares sired by the legendary stallion Rubinstein I. More than 10 champions were sons or daughters of Rubinstein broodmares for 2007: Donates, Don Angelo, San Rubin, Danya, Dolcenea, Della Cavalleria, World Hit and Diamantenborse, to name a few.
Another, Savonarola (Sandro Hit x SPS La Ola (Rubinstein I), was reported as recently being sold for 85,000 Euros ($123,000) at the 2007 Oldenburg Elite Auctions in Vechta, Germany. As a matter of fact, all of the Rubinstein I broodmares cited in the publication were born in Europe or were purchased there.
Sadly Rubinstein passed away in 2000 at the early age of 14 years. But what a remarkable life he had. He was an Olympic team member and had a number of Grand Prix level wins. In addition, he sired many state premium mares and approved stallions and was the father of top auction horses and Grand Prix winners. It is no wonder that Julia Wentscher, writing in Horse-Gate.com, eulogized the brilliant Rubinstein I as, “On the wings of Olympus |
