By Cristina DiGioia It s an imposing process to put together a meaningful sire rating. The aim of this ranking was to reveal the top producing stallions in the breed, based on their get s success at the highest level of show ring competition. This is why top placings at the Grand National formed the bulk of the results computed, with consideration given to performance at the Regionals in both championships and qualifying classes. We ve found it a great way to get results that are both meaningful and distributed demographically. It should come as no surprise that many familiar faces and legendary individuals are in the top ten. These spectacular sires have been staples of the most successful breeding programs around the nation for decades. Although not all of these sires are still with us, they live on through their outstanding get. Other, younger sires make an appearance on a sire rating for their first 50 January 2013 time. Further proving this ability to produce, HVK Bell Flaire (3) produced the top-producing sire of 2012, Mizrahi. Futurity French Command (2) has produced Astronomicallee (4), who is a great producer in his own right. Although this article is dedicated to stallions, we would be remiss to not mention the contribution of Wham Bam Command daughter, Liberation Starbrite (out of Austin Flying Cloud), who is the dam of Astronomicallee (4) and Liberation First Star (8). Keeping it all in the family, Mizrahi is out of a paternal sister of Starbrite (out of Townshend Donachime), Schiaparelli. Interestingly, we ve seen a pretty significant change from the Sire Rating of 2010. Four of the top ten stallions from that year have dropped off the list and have been replaced by Astronomicallee, Stand And Deliver, Minion Millennium, and Hollybrook Stage Rage. Bronze Morgan stallion courtesy of Maretta Kennedy Photo Debbie Uecker-Keough
1. MIZRAHI (HVK Bell Flaire x Schiaparelli) Mizrahi will surely be remembered for generations to come as one of the most influential sires of all time. Nearing 200 foals, it is impossible to attend a show anywhere without seeing a spectacular performance by one (or more) of them. Like his phenomenal sire, HVK Bell Flaire, Mizrahi, is an in hand superstar (World Champion Stallion in 2006) who proved to be worth his weight in gold in the breeding shed. Two of his sons, Mastroianni and Dragonsmeade Icon have dominated the World Champion Stallion classes for the past five consecutive years (Interestingly, only three other stallions have produced two World Champion Stallions-Noble Command through his sons Nobility and Noble Flaire, Man About Town LPS through his sons Man In Motion and LPS The Boogie Man, and Wham Bam Command through his sons Tug Hill Whamunition and Century Free Spirit). Mizrahi s strong sire line is populated with individuals who were unparalleled in their time, going back to Noble Flaire, Noble Command, Waseeka s In Command, and Waseeka s Nocturne. Undoubtedly contributing to his popularity is the fact that he has crossed very successfully with a wide range of bloodlines. While Mizrahi s outstanding get are too numerous to list, many with outstanding accomplishments in 2012 include Alexander McQueen (World Champion Futurity Pleasure Driving Two- Year-Old, World Champion Futurity Two-Year-Old Gelding, and Reserve World Champion Junior Gelding), Merriehill After Hours (World Champion Junior Stallion, Reserve World Champion Futurity Two-Year-Old Stallion), Queen s Guardian (World Champion Park Harness Amateur), Dragonsmeade Icon (World Champion Park Saddle Amateur), Faragamo (World Champion Western Pleasure Amateur Masters), Merriehill Black Label (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Three-Year-Old and World Champion Futurity Hunter Peasure Three-Year-Old), Graycliff Tony (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure, Miz Saturn Star (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Ladies Amateur),Meet George Jetson (World Champion Park Saddle Three-Year-Old), and SDL March Forward (Reserve World Champion Park Harness Two- Year-Old). It s of value to note that no matter what the discipline his get lean toward, quality is the overwhelming commonality. Mizrahi is owned by and standing at Playmor Farm. 1. 2012 DIVISIONAL WINNERS (PARK HARNESS, PARK SADDLE, ENGLISH PLEASURE, PLEASURE DRIVING, WESTERN PLEASURE, HUNTER PLEASURE, IN HAND, CLASSIC PLEASURE, CLASSIC PLEASURE DRIVING, DRESSAGE, CARRIAGE, REINING) Photos this page Howard Schatzberg & Scott Trees PARK HARNESS SIRE H1. Stand And Deliver (through Signed Sealed Delivered; Gordel s Deliverance; RJMF Standing Ovation) 2. Mizrahi (through Queen s Guardian, WRR Miz Wildfire, SDL Forward March) PARK SADDLE SIRE H1. Astronomicallee (through Love Her Madly, Lake Holiday Magic, Cedar Creek Flambeau, Who Do You Love, CBMF Stealth) 2. HVK Bell Flaire (through No Contest, Indian Creek Belle Haven, Cingate Instant Karma, DU Absolutely Courageous, RDZ Magie Noire) The Morgan Horse 51
2. 2. FUTURITY FRENCH COMMAND (Carlyle Command x Nobelle) The late Futurity French Command has been one of the most consistent and outstanding sires in the history of the breed. Since the 90s, his get have excelled in a wide range of disciplines; their consistent beauty and type still cannot be topped. All seem to inherit his swanlike neck, refined features, and Morgan type. Rick Lane (of Cabot Morgans) has directed this legend s illustrious breeding career since the beginning, and, thanks to frozen semen, continues to do so. Representing their legendary sire at the top of their high-stepping disciplines in 2012 were Optimus Prime (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Amateur), Can t You See MEM (Grand National Pleasure Driving Ladies Gelding), GLB Leader Of The Band (reserve World Champion Pleasure Driving Amateur Masters), MLF Maserati (Reserve World Champion Futurity Two-Year-Old Mare), CFF Personal Advantage (Grand National Pleasure Driving Youth Finals), NDT French Impressionist (Grand National Park Harness Ladies Gelding), Think About It MEM (Grand National Classic Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16-17), Indian Creek Warbird (Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Masters), Med-E-Oka French Morocco (Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor), and many more. In the Western division were Hollybrook Touche (World Champion Western Pleasure), Key Oscar Night (World Champion Western Pleasure Youth), and MEM Remember Me (Grand National Western Pleasure Amateur Mare). Hunter stars included MEM Once Again (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under), Lucky Strike (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-15), Merriewold Diplomat (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16-17), Twisted Mister (Reserve World Champion Hunter Pleasure Three-Year-Old and Reserve World Champion Futurity Hunter Pleasure Three-Year-Old French s long time owner Rick Lane also owns the stallion s frozen semen. 3. HVK BELL FLAIRE (Noble Flaire x HVK Belleek) HVK Bell Flaire s popularity has never waned, and for good reason! At nearly 300 foals, breeders have been recognizing his breeding prowess for almost two decades. In that time, ENGLISH PLEASURE SIRE H1. HVK Bell Flaire (through Bellisimo, Dragonsmeade Infusion, Indian Creek Bellaire, Tara s Firewalker, VVM Dare To Dream, Mini Cooper, Alors On Danse) 2. Mizrahi (through Graycliff Tony, Miz Saturn Star, Playmors Prinz Of Bellair, Indian Creek American Girl, ECP Scandalous, Dragonsmeade Bulgari, Dragonsmeade Balenciaga) PLEASURE DRIVING SIRE H1. Stand And Deliver (through RWF On Display, Whitemud Sky Captain, Whitemud Fine And Dandy, Rush Delivery) 2. Astronomicallee (through Centaurus Rising, Cingate Starry Night, RWJ Ancora) 54 January 2013 Photos this page Howard Schatzberg
he has produced countless world and Grand National champions, who have competed in a wide range of divisions, although they tend to be particularly successful in the high-stepping divisions. He continues to throw foals that can trot over level without a second thought. These individuals all possess a showy attitude and the athleticism to let them get the job done. He himself is one of the most decorated performers of all time, having seven world championships to his name, including World Champion Stallion, World Champion Park Saddle,World Champion Park Harness (he remains the only horse to have ever won this Triple Crown of world championships). Just a few of his dynamic offspring topping the charts this year are: Dragonsmeade Fusion (Reserve Grand National Park Harness Mare & Gelding and Reserve Grand National Park Harness Amateur Mare & Gelding), No Contest ( World Champion Park Saddle Amateur Masters), Indian Creek Belle Haven (Reserve World Champion Park Saddle Three-Year- Old), Indian Creek Sahara (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Four-Year-Old), Bellisimo (World Champion Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under and Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under), Tara s Firewalker (Grand National English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-15), VVM Dare To Dream (Reserve Grand National English Pleasure Amateur Mare), and Hello Kitty (Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies). HVK Bell Flaire is owned by Barbara and Arthur Jones and stands at Kohler Stables. 4. ASTRONOMICALLEE (Futurity French Command x Liberation Starbrite) Astronomicallee has proven himself in the breeding shed in a very short amount of time. While an injury as a yearling prevented him from displaying his beauty in the show ring, he has more than shown his ability to command the breeding shed. His get all show the beauty and refinement that he inherited from his sire Futurity French Command and the incredible athleticism from his dam Liberation Starbrite, but also a very unique look that is all his own. Astro babies have type, long necks, balanced motion, drive off their hocks, and a willing attitude. These qualities allow them to succeed in all divisions. Each of his foal crops is chock full of world champions and future world champions. Just a few of his dashing offspring representing him this year include: Get Busy (World Champion Park Harness Amateur Masters, Grand National Park Harness Amateur Masters), Love Her Madly 3. 4. WESTERN PLEASURE SIRE H1. Santa Fe Renegade (through Holiday s Bonita Fe, Artful Image, Holiday s Pachita Fe, EV Santa Fe Special, Most Wanted, Josey Wales) 2. Futurity French Command (through Hollybrook Touche, Key Oscar Night, MEM Remember Me, RJMF Pardon My French) HUNTER PLEASURE SIRE H1. Futurity French Command (through Twisted Mister, MEM Once Again, Lucky Strike, Merriewold Diplomat, MEM Naughty But Nice) 2. Mizrahi (through Merriehill Black Label, CBMF Designer Touch, OVT Cold As Ice) Photos this page Howard Schatzberg & Scott Trees The Morgan Horse 55
5. 6. (Reserve World Champion Park Saddle Ladies), Cedar Creek Flambeau (Reserve World Champion Park Saddle, Grand National Park Saddle Amateur Stallion), Lake Holiday Magic (Reserve World Champion Park Saddle Junior Exhibitor, Grand National Park Saddle Junior Exhibitor 16-17), Who Do You Love (Reserve Grand National Park Saddle Three-Year-Old) Centaurus Rising (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Four-Year-Old, Reserve Grand National English Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding, Reserve Grand National Pleasure Driving Pleasure Driving Four-Year- Old Gelding), Cingate Starry Night (World Champion Pleasure Driving Ladies, Grand National Pleasure Driving Ladies Mare), RWJ Ancora (Grand National Three-Year-Old Gelding), Ledyard s Astro Nicole (Reserve Grand National Three-Year-Old Mare), and CBMF Off The Charts (Reserve World Champion Walk/ Trot Classic Pleasure, Reserve Grand National Walk/Trot Classic Pleasure 10-11). He is owned by his breeder C.A. Tony Lee and stands at Broadmoor. 5. TUG HILL WHAMUNITION (Wham Bam Command x Fiddler s Majesta) Tug Hill Whamunition has been influencing the history of the breed since he won his first world championship in 1988. Since then, he became one of the winningest park horses of all time, and sired many park world champions, as well as world champions in all divisions. Merriehill Homestretch is a perfect example of the quality, talent, and attitude that his offspring possess. A few great examples are: GI Jane (Park harness and saddle divisions), Skywarrior (World Champion Park Saddle Ladies, Grand National Park Saddle Ladies Gelding, Grand National Park Saddle Amateur Mare & Gelding), Brookhaven Whaminatcha (Grand National Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12 & Under), Enthusiastic (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Ladies, World Champion English Pleasure Ladies Amateur, Grand National English Pleasure Ladies Mare, Grand National English Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare), The Noblest (World Champion Pleasure Driving Amateur, Grand National Pleasure Driving Amateur Stallion/Gelding), Pacific Rim Take Aim (Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Youth Finals), RWJ Whamever, RRG Isabella (Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Mare, Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Mare), and Treble s Spring Loaded (classic pleasure driving division). Tug Hill Whamunition belongs to Boston Morgan Farm. IN HAND SIRE H1. Mizrahi (through Mastroianni, Merriehill After Hours, Alexander McQueen) 2. LPS The Boogie Man (through Jungle Love, ECP Anchor Man) CLASSIC PLEASURE SIRE H1. Futurity French Command (through Nicoria, Cabot Custom Made, Think About It MEM, Whispering Warranty, C est La Vie) 2. Stand And Deliver (through Raintree Rebecca, Deliver The Dream) 56 January 2013 Photos this page Howard Schatzberg & Debbie Uecker-Keough
7. 8. 6. STAND AND DELIVER (Queens Vanity Flair x NBN At Your Command) Park harness and saddle sensation, four-time world champion Stand And Deliver, has had nothing short of a phenomenal career. He conquered the junior horse division (World Champion Two-Year-Old-Park Harness and World Champion Three-Year-Old-Park Harness) before moving on to win the World Championship Park Saddle title twice. His sire was a phenomenal park harness horse himself, having two Amateur Park Harness World Championship titles, two Open Park Harness World Championships, and a Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Championship. He has proven to be just as sensational in the breeding shed as he is in the show ring. Signed Sealed Delivered (World Champion Park Harness Junior Exhibitor, Grand National Park Harness Junior Exhibitor), Gordel s Deliverance (Reserve World Champion Park Harness Amateur Masters, Reserve Grand National Park Harness Amateur Masters) RWF On Display (World Champion English Pleasure Four-Year-Old, Grand National Four-Year-Old Mare) Rush Delivery (Grand National Pleasure Driving Three-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding), Whitemud Fine And Dandy (Reserve Grand National Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Mare), RDF Bell Ringer (Reserve World Champion Junior Stallion, Reserve Grand National Two-Year-Old Stallion, Deliver The Dream (Grand National Classic Pleasure Four-Year-Old), Raintree Rebecca (World Champion Classic Pleasure Junior Horse, Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Ladies). Owned by Tara Good, he is the second stallion on the list to be standing at Broadmoor. 7. AND THE BEAT GOES ON (Simply Maserati x JLS Deer Sal) And The Beat Goes On has made quite an impression on the saddle seat divisions. This multi-titled park harness world champion wowed the crowd for years before retiring to the breeding shed to further impact the division. His get share his extreme talent, balance, and laid-back shoulder. Setting up perfectly in the bridle, and trotting above level like their outstanding sire, are such superstars as CBMF She s Got The Beat (English Pleasure division), DMH Back In Black (World Champion English Pleasure Amateur Masters, Reserve Grand National English Pleasure Amateur Masters), and Dragonsmeade First Night (World Champion Walk/Trot English Pleasure, Reserve Grand National CLASSIC PLEASURE DRIVING SIRE H1. And The Beat Goes On (through Queen s Upbeat, The Piano Man, RLH Night Strike, Dragonsmeade Odin) 2. Futurity French Command (through Indian Creek Warbird, Med E Oka French Morocco, Queen s American Idol, Medomak French Invasion) DRESSAGE SIRE H1. AMHF Mr Courageous (through Warlock s Back To The Future) 2. ZZ Top (through Thunder Alexander) 60 January 2013 Photos this page Howard Schatzberg & Casey McBride
Walk/Trot English Pleasure 10-11), and Dragonsmeade Axios (Pleasure driving division). Mannerly and naturally talented, Bud s get have been wildly successful in the classic pleasure division. Dragonsmeade Andromeda, Catch Me If You Can (Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17, Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-15), Dragonsmeade Odin, Queen s Upbeat (World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor, Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 14-17), The Piano Man (World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Gelding), and RLH Night Strike (Reserve World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving, Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Gentlemen s Finals) dominated the division this year. He is owned by Dragonsmeade. 9. 10. 8. LIBERATION FIRST STAR (Century Free Spirit x Liberation Starbrite) Liberation First Star left us all too soon. However, he has lived on through his numerous offspring that grace the top ranks of all divisions. Echoing his bold trot and regal good-looks, were MEM Ultimate Star (Reserve Grand National Park Harness Ladies Gelding), Stardavari (Reserve World Champion Park Harness Junior Exhibitor, Reserve Grand National Park Harness Junior Exhibitor), Take The Stars (Reserve Grand National Western Pleasure Ladies Gelding), MWR Illegal Motion (Reserve Grand National Hunter Pleasure Ladies Gelding), Cabot Lynn Marie (hunter), Graycliff Miss Liberty (Grand National Hunter Pleasure Mare), As Predicted (World Champion English Pleasure), AWS Fruition (Grand National English Pleasure Mare), Harlan s Star Material (World Champion Walk/Trot English Pleasure, Grand National Walk/Trot English Pleasure 10-11), KJM Five Star (Reserve World Champion English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17), and MCS Bandini (World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Masters, Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Masters). Prior to his death Liberation First Star was owned by PlayMor. 9. MINION MILLENNIUM (Minion Valentino x Pompp And Pazazz) Minion Millennium is a force to be reckoned with. He made a name for himself in the park harness division, before retiring to pass on his size, bold trot, and CARRIAGE SIRE H 1. Caduceus Nakai (through The Chairman Of The Board) 2. Cedar CreekHarlequin (though Powerpoint) REINING SIRE H1. Twin Pond Disco Kid (through Disco Kid and Disco Fever) 2. War And Peace (through CBMF War Games) 62 January 2013 Photos this page Howard Schatzberg
2010 SIRE RATING TOP TEN STALLIONS 1. FUTURITY FRENCH COMMAND (Carlyle Command x Nobelle) 2. HVK BELL FLAIRE (Noble Flaire x HVK Belleek) 3. MIZRAHI (HVK Bell Flaire x Schiaparelli) 4. TUG HILL WHAMUNITION (Wham Bam Command x Fiddler s Majesta) 5. LIBERATION FIRST STAR (Century Free Spirit x Liberation Starbrite) 6. ASTRONOMICALLEE (Futurity French Command x Liberation First Star) 7. BEETHOVEN (Noble Flaire x MyBlue Heaven) 8. STONECORFT MASQUERADE (Cedar CreekHarlequin x Carillon Command) 9. AND THE BEAT GOES ON (Simply Maserati x JLS Deer Sal) 10. CEDAR CREEKHARLEQUIN (I Will Command x Serenity Anna Rose) 10. STONECROFT BYZANTINE (tie) (Stonecroft Masquerade x Century Enjolie) trainable attitude to his numerous offspring. To date, he has sired over 100 fabulous foals for breeders all over the country. Contributing to their great sire s status this year were Cherrydale Melania (Reserve World Champion Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17, Grand National Western Pleasure Youth Mare, Grand National Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-15), Everwood s Jolie (Reserve Grand National Western Pleasure Three-Year-Old Mare), Jaklee Bravo Papa, MSV Miss Belle (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Ladies Amateur, Reserve World Champion Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters, Grand National Hunter Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare, Reserve Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters), Dragonfire Timeless (World Champion Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters, Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters), MSV Genuine Risk (Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Mare, Reserve Grand National Classic Pleasure Ladies Mare, and Miles Of Fortune. Millennium belongs to Sarde Morgans and stands at Triumph Stables. 10. HOLLYBROOK STAGE RAGE (Cedar CreekHarlequin x Bery Banke Arboria) Hollybrook Stage Rage has sired many outrageously talented offspring that all possess his long neck, stretch, and showy attitude. This year, it was his smashing daughter, Causing Chaos, who was the talk of Oklahoma City. This sizable mare posed her way to the World Champion Mare spot, impressing the heck out of the judges and audience. Also putting on captivating performance were RCV All The Rage, JW Standing Tall (Reserve Grand National Park Harness Three-Year-Old), Joyfully, Patchwork Broadway (Reserve Grand National Walk/Trot Hunter Pleasure 11), Seriously (Reserve World Champion Pleasure Driving four-year-old, Reserve Grand National English Pleasure Four-Year-Old Mare, Reserve Grand National Pleasure Driving Four- Year-Old Mare, Rage, and JW Major Impression, among others. Scotty is standing at Alliance Stud, where he is managed by Glenn Bouvier. METHODOLOGY: To calculate the sire rating, a point value was given to the top five placings in world championship classes, as well as the top three in each Grand National championship. Each regional championship, reserve championship, and blue ribbon was factored into the point totals as well. All regional shows received the same point values. Regardless of the size of the event, each are given regional status by AMHA and so scored equally. The top were considered, as well as the top three placing in the Grand National. This methodology was intended to develop a balanced point system that rewards the sires whose get were at the top of their disciplines in 2012. All points resulted exclusively from Class A Morgan shows, the results tracked and entered in horse s permanent records in the AMHA database. Many Morgans competing in sport horse divisions are active in open shows which, regrettably, could not be tracked for the purposes of this article. Cristina DiGioia & Springmill Ring Of Fire. CRISTINA S BIO: Cristina DiGioia, of CRD Morgans, is a Morgan breeder and devotee who writes breeding and show articles for The Morgan Horse. Cristina has ridden Rum Brook Immortal Mystic to the Ladies Classic Pleasure World Championship. Her passion today is as a Morgan breeder and historian. With her small collection of select mares she has produced numerous show horses under her CRD Prefix, including the champions CRD Bugatti, CRD Wealth Of Nations, and CRD Great Expectations. Cristina s spent her years soaking up everything Morgan, attending shows, clinics, and seminars all over the country. She is a freelance writer, international traveler, and a graduate of University of Oregon holding dual degrees. n 64 January 2013