The American Hanoverian Society Podcast

Welcome to the American Hanoverian Society podcast. In this episode Katie Dobrowolski from the AHSF Education Committee talks to US dressage rider Ben Ebeling about his recent accomplishments such as winning the first US Equestrian Open in 2025, winning Dressage at Devon in 2025 and placing in the top 10 at the 2026 World Cup Finals.
Katie and Ben talk about his historic win at the inaugural US Equestrian Open on super Hanoverian mare Bellena, his exciting up and coming horse Frank Jacques, and what the future might hold. 
The American Hanoverian Society is grateful for it's sponsors Hilltop Farm and IconEQ!
For more information or suggestions for our podcast, please visit AHS-foundation.org or email us at ahsfoundation@gmail.com.

In this episode, we discuss combining Hanoverian and Dutch genetics with Dr. Ludwig Christmann. Dr. Christmann is the former director of international affairs, development, and education of the Hanoverian Verband. He is widely recognized as the  leading expert on the Hanoverian breed. We begin our conversation of the two studbooks by discussing how the different origins and breeding aims have developed different horses in the Netherlands and Germany. As the breeding principles of the KWPN studbook began to change toward developing riding horses, Hanoverians, as well as other breeds were . Ultimately, all major dressage bloodlines in the Netherlands were founded by German stallions. And in Germany, some Hanoverian breeders, with success, have introduced the sport proven genetics of Dutch horses. In order to gauge the frequency of these crossings, we look at the increasing number of German stallions with the Dutch stallion Vivaldi in their pedigree. We also discuss the  positive attributes of the premium stallions from the most recent licensing in Verden; the majority of which had Vivaldi in their pedigree.
For more information on the podcast, please visit AHS-foundation.org or email us at ahsfoundationinc@gmail.com.

In the competitive world of equine breeding, making informed decisions is crucial—especially during years when breeders are becoming more selective about which mares to breed. Genetic testing has emerged as a powerful tool that can guide these decisions, helping breeders avoid potential health issues while potentially enhancing performance traits.
Hilltop Farm - Breeding/Training/Sales
Over 30 years of experience providing top breeding stallions to North American sport horse breeders.

The American Hanoverian Society
The American Hanoverian Society was established to support owners of Hanoverian & Rhineland horses.

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In our latest episode of the American Hanoverian Society Podcast, host Laura St. Clair sits down with Christa Lafayette from EtalonDx. Together they delve into the exciting developments and innovations in genetics for improved equine health and performance.

Episode Links:

EtalonDx
The American Hanoverian Society
The American Hanoverian Society Foundation

“You don’t ride the papers”…. or do you?

In this episode of the American Hanoverian Society podcast, your host, Laura St Clair, delves into the fascinating world of equestrian breeding and its significant impact on horse performance and training. Joining us is Cynthia Hallman, a top amateur competitor in the hunter ring and the Founder and CEO of Fig Street Marketing Group. Cynthia shares her unique insights on the value of breeding information, encouraging a more informed approach to horse selection and training. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how informed breeding choices can enhance horse selection and training, illustrated by the remarkable success of Cynthia’s Fig Street Duchess, also known as Gracie.
For more insights and to explore the resources mentioned in the podcast, visit the American Hanoverian Society's website, www.hanoverian.org and the new, American Hanoverian Society Foundation website, www.ahs-foundation.org.

Pedigree Links: Fig Street’s Duchess; Cynthia’s new star, Faith MF; and the International Grand Prix dressage mare, and granddaughter of Don Principe,  Serenade MF.

Breeders: Fig Street Duchess was bred by Kim Wawzysko of Grand Haven Farm in Rutherfordton, North Carolina; and Faith MF was bred by Maryanna Haymon of Marydell Farm in Columbus, North Carolina. 

Please subscribe to our podcast for more engaging conversations with experts and enthusiasts from the equestrian world.