Who would you compare to Weltmeyer that produces better temperaments?
By compare, I mean throws similar physical strengths as Weltmeyer.
I have used both Weltmeyer and Wolkentanz I with one of my mares (a Rohdiamant/ Freiherr/ Aktuell mare). The mare had an exemplary temperament, character, work ethic. Her two by Weltmeyer have spark, but are still very willing and are hot in a good way, not a difficult way. The two by Wolkentanz have absolutely excellent temperaments. They also have lots more suspension and elasticity than the dam.
I don’t need the spark. Lol
Do you think the suspension from Weltmeyer or somewhere elsein the Wolkentanz pedigree?
Probably from Weltmeyer via his son. I do prefer Wolkentanz to his sire. The dam had a very quick hind leg that stepped well under. However, she was catlike in her movement - very supple, but without a ton of suspension. The W line added a lot of suspension and the hind leg quickness was retained.
By spark, I do not mean spooky or crazy. I mean forward, sensitive to the aids, eager to please.
The suspension originates with Weltmeyer and carries through the lineage.
I prefer White Star or Wolkenstein over Wolkentanz I any day. Wolkentanz II located in Canada actually has been shown to produce better type/movement in foals than Wolkentanz I as shown in all his VhW stats, and W-II’s mind is also a little better. Wolkentanz II is a type, conformation, and movement stamper.
My Dutch mare had 4 Westporte foals (Westporte’s sire is Wolkentanz out of a Fabriano damline). All of them, except 1 mare, took after Wolkentanz I in every way and one needed to be on one’s toes. The one mare took more after the Fabriano in Westporte’s damline. I bred one of these and the foals kept considerable sparkiness despite using a cooling influence stallion, but I did keep a filly who showed very well at her inspection (won it) and sold the other foal.
My White Star/Allround (Argentinus)/Steuben mare is, however, considerably different. She is a tall girl, sensitive and can be anxious, but she has enough try for 10 horses with a personality that is stable and giving. She was a lot of fun to ride as she could work through a situation, and she had a lot of talent for the dressage, clearly could have gone into the FEI, and it broke our heart when she fractured both front pasterns in a paddock accident. Her rideability was top notch, she loved to work, and was willing to work with her rider.
I am going to try to breed our White Star mare next year and hopefully she can get pregnant. She’s an older maiden now who has had some problems in the past so this will be a challenge and I will be limited to fresh semen, methinks.
That all being said, the original poster stated there was already enough spark in their mare, and was looking for perhaps a calmer influence.
Fresh choices could be Diamond Stud or Freestyle. There is also Aliano, a Holstein dressage GP stallion in Canada just had Holstein Verband approve him HolV Germany. He is also approved AHHA with the different American inspectors. Great mind, quite light-footed, lovely boy.
Frozen choices would be Dancier, Dragon Hill, Damon Hill, Belissimo M, Benetton Dream. There are a few new youngsters at Celle such as Belantis (approved last year) and Buckingham (just this year) both of whom scored superb scores at 70-day.
But really, there is a reason why Weltmeyer’s dynasty is known as being, generally speaking, the best horses for improving that electrifying move-from-behind movement and suspension, and overall type improvers. There are a few exceptions, of course, but the VhW stats are inciteful and helpful.
Other sons that also are notable:
Wie Weltmeyer - will not improve type/conformation as much, but will improve the gaits and dressage ability.
Westernhagen - improves all points across the board, including rideability, and even preserves some jump!
Weltruhm is shown to generally improve gaits and rideability.
Weltregent H - basically improves everything except jump. Sometimes the head is less pretty.
Waterford - improves all points of type across the board, improves all gaits, and improves dressage ability, including rideability.
Wolkenstein II - improves all points of type across the board, all gaits, and dressage ability including rideability.
I bred my mare to Welfenkonig II (Weltmeyer is his grand sire through Wolkenstein II), looking for temperment as one of the top priorities. He passed on his excellent movement, willingness and lovely disposition. When I visited him at his farm, he was a doll to be around and was very focused on his owner’s commands even though it was breeding season and mares were literally directly next to the outdoor arena we were in.
He might be worth looking at.
My filly is 3.5 yrs old now and sets about any task I put her to. She hacks out and trail rides well (alone or with company - not to spooky, though the Amish buggies do worry her), walk, trot, canter, jump (LOVES to jump). We started working on lateral/stretching exercises and she took them like a fish to water.
I would 2nd Waterford - he is an incredibly rideable horse, great temperament, and an elastic horse. Weltmeyer is a couple of generations back, he is by Wolky II. I think you get many of those Weltmeyer qualities, but an easier brain.
Widmark and Wolkentanz II. Have used each twice, with terrific results. Wonderful, gentle, engaged temperaments, superior gaits and willingness to please.
Also - good feet and legs. A blessing.
Excellent post, Rodawn.
Thanks!! Great info!
Wolkentanz 1 and 2 - great temperaments and gaits
What about the Hanoverian GP stallion Wild Dance? He is available fresh. I don’t have first hand experience, but perhaps someone on here does? My observation is he seems to improve loin connection, has good suspension, etc. He is Wolkenstein II/Matcho x/Goldstein.
He is one I have been considering using next year myself, so any thoughts (p.m., etc.) are appreciated.
My mom just got a three year old from Watch Me - who is by Weltmeyer. He has a lovely disposition, very laid back. Big mover. He’s standing up at a horse dealers place in Ontario.
I have a Wild Dance yearling who is exceeding my expectations. With this breeding the youngster is actually 38% Wolkenstein II by pedigree and he’s wonderful.
The mare I used is a big mare but a bit on the old fashion side. Wild Dance definitely brought suspension and refinement via Match while retaining plenty of bone. Wild Dance improved upon the good qualities of the mare by providing a stronger top line and improving both the trot and canter.
As far as temperament, mom has a good temperament but can be a bit reactive at times. This baby is as sweet as they come and he actually seems to enjoy figuring things out. He is not reactive in a spooky way but he is curious about the world around him. However, I do have to add that the mare is by Don Alfredo who is known to pass on a good temperament so this youngster’s mind could be a result of both grandparents.
I have no personal experience with his offspring, but I have heard good things about Widmark for temperament.
I have a Windfall CB baby (she is 9 yrs old now) that I adore. Windfall is a Weltmeyer. My mare is more refined and modern than her dam was, with an easier mind.
I am happy with her so I thought I would throw Windfalls name out there. (Just thought I would clarify I am talking about the Hanoverian dressage stallion not the Trakhner eventing stallion.)
Is Weltregent H available frozen?
Wolkenstein II.
Werbellin
Wake Up
