Furstenball..... Opinions

[feuerkracher]

I would love more input on Follow Me’s semen…any more pregnancies with his frozen, or failed attempts? I’d really like to use him for my mare, but am not independently wealthy enough to take a chance if there is a question.

[Donella]

There have been some foals born via frozen from Follow Me so it does work.

[feuerkracher]

Can anyone comment on the stallion “Flawless” by Furstenball? I am intrigued by his bloodlines, but can’t find any video of him, or anyone with his semen available.

[Edgewood]

@Donella

There have been some foals born via frozen from Follow Me so it does work.

Yes, but it is not rocket fuel frozen, only a few foals born. It’s average to below average on conception. I have 2 doses and I’ve been watching conceptions closely. He’s a very good producer it seems, too bad the frozen is not more reliable.

[halt]

@Donella

Furstenball’s hind pasterns are noticeably soft. I don’t think they are particularly long. Is it horrendous? No. Is it something to be aware of ? Yes. They definitely are not “strong”. He is my favourite stallion but I would only ever use him on a mare with perfect hind legs who comes from a family of horses with good hind legs.

Many horses in Germany are kept wrapped because they stand in a box most of the day. It’s fairly common practice.

Expanding on this, but I know first hand of two Furstenball offspring with DSLD/EPSA. And there is also a poster on this board that has a Furstenball gelding that was diagnosed with DSLD very young, IIRC, 4 or 5.

Certainly something to think about considering how soft his hind pasterns are.

On the other hand, I took care of a young colt by him that showed no limb issues whatsoever, very tight pasterns and IMHO one of the breeder’s better foals… from a superior damline. I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes as he has FEI written all over him. Very modern, typey and correct…

[beowulf]

I saw a comment in a breeding forum off of COTH about how poorly Furstenball is doing currently – with some people remarking it is a result of his soft pasterns… Can anyone provide any updates?

[Absolut_Equestrian]

Not sure of pasterns, but I know of several with stifle issues at a young age. Although all the rage several years ago, I don’t think there was a single Furstenball foal at the World Breeding Championships for young dressage horses this year.

[beowulf]

@Absolut Equestrian

Not sure of pasterns, but I know of several with stifle issues at a young age. Although all the rage several years ago, I don’t think there was a single Furstenball foal at the World Breeding Championships for young dressage horses this year.

Thank you for the info.

I really like his type, soft pasterns excluded. I’ve met some really nice-minded horses by him. Total shame he is struggling. :no:

[FD]

I keep wondering why you sell horses knowing that Furstenball himself had DSLD later in life? Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a complex, progressive condition that often causes pain and lameness in horses. There is no cure! I am curious. Thank you.