Dressage-News

COATESVILLE, Pennsylvania, Nov. 25–Rampal, one of Iron Spring Farm’s important KWPN stallions, had died due to the infirmities of old age.

The 26-year-old stallion was known for an incredible competition record which included being short listed for the United States Equestrian Team and for his contributions as a sire. His offspring have been competitive through the international levels of both show jumping and dressage. His son Ovation ISF won at CSIO Rome with World Cup Finals winner Marcus Fuchs in the saddle.

“Rampal was an incredible partner,” rider and owner Mary Alice Malone said. “He was a gifted athlete and we were able to share some memorable experiences together.”

The pair had 14 wins at Grand Prix level, including the New England Dressage Association CDI-W, USET Festival of Champions, American Horse Shows Association Region 1 Championships, Bengt Lungquist Memorial Championships and Royal Dressage CDI. Their success resulted in being short-listed for the United States Equestrian Team.

Rampal was born in 1983 and imported to the United States by Five Star Farm of West Grove, Pennsylvania as a four-year-old.  In 1987 he was presented at the KWPN keuring where he was licensed. His score of 93 on his IBOP is still among the highest scores recorded. Among the impressive numbers: a 9 on his walk; 8 on trot; 8.5 canter; 9 rideability and a 9 on character and temperament. Rampal arrived at Iron Spring Farm in 1991 and began his competition career with Mary Alice. He was awarded the prestigious Crown predicate for dressage performance in 1999.

Rampal’s athletic ability can be attributed to his impressive international bloodlines. He is a son of the legendary Ramiro Z, who has produced more than 50 world-ranked jumpers and dressage horses. Rampal’s mother, the Preferent, Prestatie mare Terika, produced Rampal and the international Grand Prix mare Miss Holland, the Preferent mare Cantira and Prix St. Georges horses Elios and Flair.

Rampal has produced 40 1st Premium offspring, 25 Star sons and daughters and three Keur mares. Among the highlights:

* Ovation ISF, CSIO Rome, 1st place, Puissance, multiple Grand Prix placings

* Beaumont ISF Star, 2008 and 2006 Colt and Gelding Champion, Dressage at Devon; #3 ranked KWPN-NA Top Five Award, Dressage Gelding, 2009

* Peso, aka Quaker, Multiple Champion or Reserve Champion in First Year and Second Year Green Hunter at shows such as HITS Saugerties, New York, Vermont Summer Festival, The Pines, Westbrook Hunt Club

* J’ ySuis, Champion Mare, Dressage at Devon

* Lanita, Grand Champion, Dressage at Devon

* Rossignol ISF, Region VIII Champion 4th Level, JR/YR

* Roulette, Kudra and Luninarc, Grand Prix dressage horses

* Malachi, Notre Jean Valjean, Rossignol ISF, Guardian, Notorious, Prix St. Georges/Intermediaire I horses

“I’m very proud of the horses that Rampal produced,” Mary Alice said. “They have inherited his athletic ability, his heart and his great temperament. He’s the type of horse that breeders want to have in their breeding program. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to ride, show and know such an amazing horse.”